As the poorest country in South America, Bolivia can benefit most from our support and attention. It is a nation with an interesting history, rich culture, and amazing people; it is one of the countries with the highest indigenous population in the new world. Its politics are shaped not only by the ideology of its people but by the land itself; as it commands the distribution of its natural resources and, as a result, its wealth.
Like most other third-world countries, Bolivia's riches are shared among few, typically of European background. Recently, however, Bolivia elected its first president of indigenous background under his political platform, Movimento al Socialismo (Movement Toward Socialism). While it is easy for us to look at the word "socialism" and dismiss it as an unpleasant economic system, the fact is the Bolivian people have democratically chosen this movement in order to ensure their own empowerment and the development of their country.
As American migrants into their land, we will respect every aspect of their society, culture and politics as long as our Catholic values are unchallenged. We are there, not only to provide our support but also, to learn about them and from them. How can so many live on so little?
The two orphanages we will be visiting are Santa Maria de los Andes and San Martin de Porres in Cochabamaba and Cotoca. We will care for the children there and do our best to interact with them. In one of these orphanages, the children are physically and mentally disabled. We are very eager to care for them but we understand that there will be many things we will encounter which we could not have prepared for.
We expect to gain much from this trip and yet we don't know exactly what to expect. Please pray for us as we do our best to be the face of Christ for our brethren in Bolivia. We hope you join us on our journey through this blog.
