When we were out walking as a family a few days ago, Moses saw a group of people coming toward us down the road and said, "Oh, no! What if they are Evo supporters?!" (As a side note, we are working with our kids to recognize that we are all broken and in need of grace, no matter what political party we might support. Prejudice is definitely something we'd like to steer clear of). Then, he came running in from the backyard yesterday and said, "Mommy- there are people up on the lookout! I think they are spying on us!" That idea came, unfortunately, from his older sister. And now, as we catch up with friends and neighbors, the majority of the conversations turn quickly to politics. How awful it was in November, but how they are all hearing it's going to happen again. The news is highlighting the ex-president's political party's news that they will begin protesting again on January 22 because that's when they believe the interim president should leave, even though new elections won't take place until May 3rd.
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| Smoke billows a couple blocks from our house where a mob of people burned tires and public property in protest of Evo's resignation. (Nov. 11) |
So, all these things create in my heart and my gut a little knot. It's one I try not to let grow and I fight to keep my thoughts captive to the Truth that I know, that will never change even if my world falls apart. Although I didn't handle the last crisis very well, I feel more prepared. Quicker to get nervous? Yes. But, I'm hoping that we won't be caught by surprise this time.
One thing that was of constant encouragement during the hard days was the way the church responded. And by church, I mean the true believers of all denominations in Bolivia. I saw and participated in more prayer, both in private and on the street, than I have in a long time. The peaceful protests that occurred before the president resigned sometimes started with prayer and worship as they formed their blockades. Pictures of police and military on their knees floated all over the Bolivian internet (I know it's the same internet)- men being challenged to call on the only One would could rescue the country from the situation it was in. The Bible was returned to the presidential palace with a commitment to make decisions based on its wisdom. There is a general openness to the hope of Christ than we have experienced here before. As much as I hate to admit it, cause I really, really don't want to go through what we went through again, the Lord mysteriously works in a special way when people become desperate. I know He did in my heart and I bank on Him doing it again.
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