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Joining Hands Bolivia news

Jay Gregory of San Francisco Presbytery was appointed by the Presbyterian Hunger Program in July, 2009 to act as interim companionship facilitator until the arrival of a permanent missionary in La Paz.  Jay was part of the Cascades/San Francisco delegation that traveled to Bolivia in May, 2009, so he is familiar both to the Bolivians and to the partners in San Francisco and Cascades presbyteries.  He brings special skills in environmental science, web design and photography.

Scroll down for reports from La Paz, Bolivia, beginning January, 2009.

May 17, 2010

Good afternoon everyone!

I'm finally back with an UMAVIDA update.  Sorry for the long delay, we've been working on projects non-stop the last few months.  The biggest of these was the delegation visit that ended up going extremely well.  For more information on that and other UAVIDA activities read on!

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Table of Contents:

I. Lionel to Retire
II. Delegation Visit & Joint Goals
       A. The Visit
       B. The Results/Goals
       C. New Communications Plan
       D. Photos and More
III. El Alto Photo Class
IV. Kori Kollo Mine Update

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I. Lionel to Retire

If you haven't already heard Lionel Derenoncourt, Coordinator of the Joining Hands Initiative, will be retiring after 22 years of service with the Presbyterian Church this July.  We will all miss his vision and leadership but will work even harder to accomplish the Joining Hands goals of eliminating hunger and poverty in the developing world.  Lionel we thank you for your vision and decades of work!  I'm sure you will be equally successful in whatever God has in store for you next.


II. Delegation Visit & Joint Goals

A. The Visit

I am proud to say that we had a very successful delegation visit last month!  For ten days a group of five representatives from Joining Hands San Francisco and Cascades joined our UMAVIDA partners for sharing, planning and working on joint goals for the next year and into the future.  We had a very tough schedule, and I would like to thank everyone for bearing with us through it, but at the end of the visit I felt that we had made major accomplishments and I heard from several people that it was the most productive visit to date!

My mother, Jean Gregory from San Francisco presbytery, was on of he participants and wrote up this summary of the trip:

Joining Hands delegates from Cascades and San Francisco Presbyteries have just completed a successful visit with their UMAVIDA partners in Bolivia.  Together, the three partnerships attended the Climate Change Conference in Cochabamba that had 35,000 attendees from over 100 countries working together on various topics (Rights of Mother Earth, Kyoto Contract, Mining Contamination, Water Rights, etc.). 
 
After the Conference we put our words into immediate action by attending a meeting hosted by CEPA, an Oruro organization dedicated to exposing and overcoming mining contamination of water and soil in the immediate area.  Attending this meeting were government officials (that in itself was a major accomplishment as previously the government was turning a deaf ear) and members of PCA, an international environmental auditing firm hired to determine the physical effects on water, soil, plant & animal life from the mining operations.  It was an intense and lengthy meeting, but a cautiously successful one in which there was a meeting of minds and general consensus that this audit was extremely important as it is the first environmental audit being conducted in Bolivia on the environmental effects of mining (which has been going on for 500 years!) 

In following meetings with UMAVIDA representatives, the Joining Hands office staff, and us USA delegates, we developed objectives and strategies to strengthen our communications and our mutual goals.  Among the exciting projects we have agreed to work on back home are finding local universities to assist in a parallel environmental audit in Oruro and to engage local inner city youth to develop a photographic display of their personal realities to go along with a similar display produced by inner city youth in El Alto, Bolivia.  We had an interesting conversation with CEFOT, another member organization of our UMAVIDA partner where we exchanged information on the problems of young people in the inner cities of Oakland, CA and El Alto, Bolivia.  These are the young who have "no future" who are involved with gangs, drugs, violence, and other criminal activities.  We were surprised at the similarities and became inspired with CEFOT's new photography project with these youth.  We hope to coordinate an international display of these photographic realities of our troubled youth.

So we were challenged, motivated, and encouraged to continue working on building our relationships, on finding ways to cooperate and move forward together, and on keeping hope alive and faith in our hearts as we join hands in our journey together.  What an opportunity!  What a project!  What a vision!  Thanks to all for building and carrying Joining Hands so far and hopefully into the future!

Cheers,
Jean Gregory
Chair of Joining Hands, SF Presbytery


B. The Results/Goals

Through our meetings with UMAVIDA we came out with a final document with our joint goals, which I have translated and included (JH Bolivia Joint Goals.doc).  All the information is there but I'll just go briefly over the four specific objectives and some of the actions:

1. To gain an understanding of the realities in the US and Bolivia and develop an action plan to fight against the structural causes of poverty

• Promote the exchange of information and offer trainings on the social-economic realities and politics in the US and Bolivia
• Participate in international events (Climatic Change) and the sharing/exchanging of experiences between Bolivia and the United States
• Coordinate the dates of the visit of the delegation

• Exchange of information on economic, political, social and environmental problems
• Campaign to disseminate information in Bolivia and the United States on the environmental audit of the Kori Kollo mine
• Use the laws in the United States to influence the behavior of US companies
• Exchange of information on specialists contacts

• Exchange of information on the realities of both countries

• Create a communications group with a dedicated contact person per organization who will be responsible for communications with the network.
• Exchange of information between organizations
• Sharing information of institutional activities

• Water
• Causes of Poverty
• The Kori Kollo Mine
• Climate Change

February 26, 2010

Good morning everyone and happy Friday!

Welcome to the post-Carnival edition.  The water balloons have finally stopped flying, the fire crackers stopped popping and it's time to get back to business.  First up is full coverage of the youth congress (my word document with all the captions is 11 pages long!)  and then on to planning for the delegation's visit in April.  Let's jump rite in:

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Table of Contents:

I. Youth Congress Full Coverage
II. Delegation Visit
     - Questions from JHSF
     - Questions from UMAVIDA

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I. Youth Congress Full Coverage

I've finally got all the photos from the Youth Congress edited, arranged, commented and uploaded.  Here's a day by day account of what happened:

Day 0 (our way to the congress):

http://www.lifecapturestudios.net/UMAVIDA/Web_Photo_Updates/008_YC_Day_0/

Day 1:

http://www.lifecapturestudios.net/UMAVIDA/Web_Photo_Updates/009_YC_Day_1/

Day 2:

http://www.lifecapturestudios.net/UMAVIDA/Web_Photo_Updates/010_YC_Day_2/

Day 3 (day):

http://www.lifecapturestudios.net/UMAVIDA/Web_Photo_Updates/011_YC_Day_3_day/

Day 3 (night):

http://www.lifecapturestudios.net/UMAVIDA/Web_Photo_Updates/012_YC_Day_3_Night/

Day 4:

http://www.lifecapturestudios.net/UMAVIDA/Web_Photo_Updates/013_YC_Day_4/


II. Delegation Visit

I've been in contact with San Francisco Joining Hands and it looks like we are a go for a delegation visit to Bolivia April 15th-25th!  At this point we have eight spaces confirmed, six from SF and two from Oregon.  Now that we have the dates and participants worked out lets move on to the theme and goals of the visit.  I received these questions from Jean Gregory with SFJH that could be used to help guide us while planning:

What’s the purpose of the Delegation visit?  Are we working on our relationship or on a project?

I believe the over all purpose of the visit is to continue strengthening the relationship/partnership between the RED UMAVIDA and the Joining Hands Congregations in San Francisco and Cascades.  As for specific goals I think it should be a priority to leave the visit with a focused action plan that clearly delineates:

1. What projects we will be working on together
2. What steps each side needs to take to further these projects
3. What benchmarks/achievements we need to reach in order for us to feel these projects have been successful

• As I mentioned above, the details of the sale of the mine by Newmont are still very murky, especially here in Bolivia.  CEPA has been investigating for months but one large question still remains: Who will be responsible for the environmental clean-up if it is deemed necessary by the audit?  We just talked with CEPA Monday and they seem to be at whits end about this, so if you in the states could somehow get this information they would be greatly appreciative.
• Would you like to come to the "
World Peoples' Conference on Climate Change and Mother Earth Rights" in Cochabamba?  This summit will already has 90 confirmed countries and 300-400 confirmed attendees and is an attempt to make a working global agreement on Climate Change that is inclusive off all nations, something that Copenhagen failed to deliver.  I have included more information at the end of this email.  This seems like a wonderful opportunity and it just so happens that the conference is April 19th - 22nd!  I don't know if it would be prudent for us to go for all four days, but two could be worth it.

We need to know about the Climate Change Conference ASAP so we can make the travel arrangements and lodging reservations.

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I think that's enough for now.  There are more UMAVIDA odds and ends to report but let's focus on the groundwork of the delegation visit.  I'm looking forward to hearing back from you.  Hope all is well up north!

Blessings,

~ Jay

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CONFERENCE GATHERS MOMENTUM AND SUPPORT

Since Bolivia announced the Conference, it has been greeted with ever more support and enthusiasm internationally. At the World Social Forum in Porto Alegre, Brazil, participants gave firm support to the conference as the next key step in the struggle against climate change. Many international networks, such as Friends of the Earth, Climate Justice Network, Via Campesina, 350.org. Prominent individuals such as Noam Chomsky, Brazilian theologian Leonardo Boff, and former UN General Assembly President Miguel D’escoto as well as Green and Left parliamentarians from Europe and elsewhere have praised the initiative.

While in Copenhagen, more than 160 governments were excluded from final negotiations of the poorly-named “Copenhagen Accord”; in Cochabamba, 192 governments and UN institutions working on climate have all been invited by the Plurinational State of Bolivia to be present and to join debates with social movements. This will be the first time that a global peoples' event will be held that is open to all governments.

16 WORKING GROUPS START DISCUSSION VIA INTERNET

The core work of the Conference will be done in Working Groups. Each one will start their work via email, building consensus and putting forward proposals, which will be considered and enriched in the meetings in person that will take place during the actual conference in Cochabamba.

The idea is to construct in Cochabamba in an inclusive and participative way a grand “Peoples' Accord to save life and Mother Earth.”

It is possible to participate, virtually, in up to five working groups. The working groups are also open to those who can not travel to Cochabamba. 

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January 13, 2010

Hey everyone,
 
Here is your second update, written by Jeff Upton this time. I arrived in Sucre with Jay, Sarah and Xahil yesterday evening. Jeff Harvey came with a later group, because, unfortunately, his luggage decided to not show up at the airport. Staying in La Paz to wait for it didn´t help, however, because he learned that it had not even left Miami. Jeff arrived today with another delegation from Peru, picked up some clothes, and is, as usual, in high spirits.
 
We are staying in beautiful Villa Norita, a recreational camp outside of Sucre. The conference started in earnest this morning, with the arrival of the delegates from Peru. So far we have heard two keynote-ish presentations: an emotional call to action against climate change by Oscar Rea Campos who works in El Alto, close to La Paz, and a very law-oriented exposition about recognizing water as a human right.
 
Tomorrow we give our presentations, and they´re looking good. We´ve also met a lot of the other participants, through mixers, over meals, and just hanging out in the evenings. We all look forward to getting to know them better.
 
Saludos a todos,
Jeff Upton

January 11, 2010

Hi everyone,

Jeff Upton and I are now in Bolivia. We both arrived safely; Upton on Friday, myself today. We found Jay and he has been a great host so far and a wealth of information on the city about how to get around, what to look out for, and also other general info. It's really been great to have him here to greet us. Today, we have been working diligently on our presentations that we're going to give at the conference. It's starting to look really good. We have some excellent information and we are framing the issue in a way that we think will be very relevant to their lives and in a way that they will be able to relate to. As you guys may know, we're talking about the conflict over water in the Klamath River Basin, and it's turned out to be a very complicated, interesting, and very salient issue. I've personally loved researching it and it'll be fun to share what we've learned with everyone else down here. We have also written a 1000 word document in Spanish to give participants about our topic, and we'll also be participating in poster presentations at some sort of fair where everyone will be presenting to the community.

Anyway, I had better get going. We're working on finalizing the project right now so that we don't have to do anything in Sucre. We leave tomorrow!
Until later, take care. We'll send another update prontito.

Cheers!
Jeff Harvey

December 2009

Report from Jay Gregory 

Good afternoon and Happy Friday! 

General Assembly  •  Youth Congress   •    Progress on Research?

The office has really been humming these last few weeks, winding down the year, getting ready for 2010, finalizing the three year plan, preparing for the general assembly and Youth Congress among other things.

General Assembly

The General assembly is tomorrow and Sunday (12/18). The General Assembly is a meeting held once a year with two representatives from each of the 11 UMAVIDA organizations along with the directorio (President, VP, etc.).  It's here that all major UMAVIDA business gets done to ensure that all organizations have a say.  Here are some of the topics to be discussed over the next few days:

• The adoption of a new three year plan - This plan has been in the works since September and most recently we had a meeting to get a final copy out for the GA last week.  Once the members in the GA have their say and it gets officially ratified, I'll send it out to all of you to look over.
• Recap of the activities of the three Mesas - Each of the mesas will give a detailed report of what they've done for the year and if they met their goals.
• Present the POA for 2010 - We will be presenting the "Plan Of Action" for the coming year.
• Discussion of finances - A report of the finances form last year as well as a projection for 2010 will be presented.
• Potential change in leadership - Many of you know Pastor Luiz of "Luz Y Verdad" Presbyterian Church.  His church, which was also his home, was destroyed in a landslide a year ago and, unfortunately, he and his family must leave their temporary home soon.  He is feeling that the obligations of president of UMAVIDA are too much for him at this time and he’s considering stepping down to focus on his family and the construction of a new home and church.  It's not so simple, though, as many of the Directorio would rather have him stay on in a reduced role until the next official elections (next year) than have the current VP become president.
• The potential moving of the UMAVIDA Offices - If you've ever been to the UMAVIDA office in La Paz you know it's small, dark and cold.  What's worse though, is there has been a steady increase in crime in the neighborhood after dark.  Just two days ago we were greeted with the sight of blood stained steps leading to the office from an assault the previous night.  All this has led to firming the idea to move the offices somewhere bigger, brighter, warmer and safer.
• The inclusion of new organizations - There are two new organizations that could be potentially added to the RED.  The GA will vote and give the final decision.
• Evaluation of the web page - I have a beta version of the website up and running on my computer for the GA to look over.  I will take their suggestions and make a final version ready to launch in January.

And much more.  If you've ever been in a meeting in Bolivia you know that any one of these things could easily be discussed for half a day.  I have no idea how we will get through all this, especially with 24 representatives all wanting to have their say!  I'll let you know how everything turns out after vacations in January.

Youth Congress January 12 - 16

Everything is coming along great with the Youth Conference.  We had a meeting here with the La Paz representatives last night (until 10pm!  I'm telling you, these meetings in Bolivia are something else), and they are preparing to present their study of local water contamination in a river outside of El Alto.  Their report and research look great!  Other groups from all around the country are preparing their own local investigations.  And we have four confirmed delegates from the States to join in the international experience. 

Progress on Research?

I just want to check in on progress on Newmant research.  Have we found anyone to make sense of Newmant's numbers?  Any other news on the research?  How are things going in Cascades and San Francisco presbyteries in general?  Cleo is eager for news.

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On a personal note, I've been dealing with the triple whammy of losing my bank card (only access to money), stolen cell phone, and having my passport sent off for a new visa all at the same time.  It's tough to pick up emergency cash when a passport is required, but you need cash to get your passport back from the visa people, and it's especially tough when you can't call anyone to coordinate everything!  But it's all sorting itself out, I've got a new phone, managed to get the emergency money and the new card should be here Monday which will allow me to pick up my passport (with a shiny new one year visa!) and pay rent.  Whew!

I'll be off for vacation 12/21 to about 01/04.  Then I'll be back with a New Year's update some time in early January.

Happy Holidays everyone!  Best wishes to you and yours.

~ Jay

November, 2009

Report from Jay Gregory
More Kori Kollo Mine News • Octubre Azul Closing & Art Show •  Water School Part Three  •  Cleo's Travels  •   General Assembly  •  Proposed ‘Joining Hands Bolivia’ Delegation Visit

Greetings from the once again cold and rainy La Paz!  After of few weeks of surprisingly nice weather, we've been hit with another cold front which has brought with it rain, hail, thunder, lighting, and dramatic skies.  It’s really pretty to watch, but not so fun to walk to work in.

Things continue to be in overdrive mode in the office as we try to close down the year and get ready for the next.  We've had several more meetings in the office including one with CEPA members working closely on Kori Kollo and one with the full directorio (minus Jose Luis form COIJ in Santa Cruz).  We also took a trip into the field yesterday to collect some water samples and talk to locals.  The samples were taken from a river in a small village outside of El Alto that has been critically contaminated by the city and an upstream factory.  Hopefully this will end up being one of the case studies we present at the Youth Congress.

More Kori Kollo Mine News
After being stagnant for so long, we're getting Kori Kollo news now at a break-neck pace.  We met with two of the CEPA workers form Oruro who are working directly on the audit and here are a few more quick updates:

• Newmont will be paying for the audit in full; this was a stipulation in their original contract with the government.
• We are still not clear on who is responsible for the clean-up if/when it is deemed necessary by the audit.
• With literally no other options, it looks like the contract for the audit will be signed by members of the community next Tuesday, 11/24/09, at 9:00 am.  I will be there and will fill you in on how it goes.
• CEPA will be doing weekly radio updates on the progress of the audit.  I will do my best to get those posted on the new website once it all gets rolling

Octubre Azul Closing & Art Show
We are well into November now but just wanted to take a quick look back at Octubre Azul.  With over 30 events across the country on several different topics all centered around water, I would say it was quite a successful month!  The events concluded with an UMAVIDA sponsored art show/contest in Oruro.  Full details are in the photo gallery which I hope you will check out, but briefly the contest was meant as a way to engage the young community in issues of water and to challenge them to think about what water means to them, and how to express that in the form of art.  I thought it was a great addition to all of the conferences and panels which, while great, only engage a certain demographic of the population.  This was also the show I helped judge three weeks prior, so it was really cool to meet the winning artists.
www.lifecapturestudios.net/UMAVIDA/Web_Photo_Updates/006_Water_Art_Show/

Water School Part Three
We had our third and final installment of the Water School a few weeks ago in Oruro.  This one day class was more focused on water law as it currently exists in Bolivia and how that will change once the water rights provisions in the new constitution are put into law.  It was certainly the most classroom oriented of the three phases of the school, but an introduction to water law is extremely valuable, and I don't really see any other way of presenting it.  More details in the photo album.

Now that the pilot program is officially over, we will take a look over the evaluations and start making plans for the next installment, probably in La Paz.  The informal reviews have been so positive that we already have people lining up to be involved!  It's a fantastic concept and was executed very well on its first go round that I think there is a very bright future for the school all across the country.
www.lifecapturestudios.net/UMAVIDA/Web_Photo_Updates/007_escuela_del_agua_3

Cleo's Travels
Next week will be an incredibly busy one for Cleo, the director of UMAVIDA.  She will be out of the office the entire week as she heads to Lima, Peru for the "Enquentro de Ecumenico de Agua," a three-day conference in which church groups from different denominations all over South America will meet to compare notes and coordinate continent wide campaigns on water.  She next heads straight to Cochabamba for the "Asemblea de EGIAB," a two-day gathering of all the networks working on water issues here in Bolivia!  She's going solo, so I won't be able to have any photos for you, but I'll update you as best I can when she gets back.

General Assembly
We've scheduled a meeting of the General Assembly (a large meeting where two representatives from every UMAVIDA organization attends) for Saturday and Sunday, December 19 and 20.  Day one will be a review and vote to officially adopt the three year plan that they have been working on ever since the conference in Cochabamba in September (the first one I attended after I finished language school) where they had a professional come in and help them craft it.  Day two will feature presentations on the state of all the mesas, what they accomplished during the year and what their goals are for the next year.  They will also vote on whether or not to include three new organizations into the RED.

Proposed ‘Joining Hands Bolivia’ Delegation Visit
Would you like to come in the first half of 2010 for another visit?  I've talked to Cleo, and we'd love to have you back again. I'm confident my Spanish will be good enough to lead you wherever you want to go.  Cleo thought that April would be a good month.  What do you think?  Blessings to you and yours,  ~ Jay

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October, 2009

Report from Jay Gregory
Environmental Audit for Mine • Water School  •  Blue October  •  Youth Congress
Things have been really busy around the office and Cleo and I haven't had time to sit down together for quite some time.  Today we had a fantastic meeting and I'm happy to update you all with the latest! 

Kori Kollo Mine and the Environmental Audit
Pressuring the government to take more aggressive action on the Kori Kollo mine and the audit has paid off a bit as as two weekends ago an UMAVIDA ember group in Oruro, Coridup, had a series of meetings/workshops with the affected communities and the government.  On September 26 and 28, they had full days with government representatives with a day in the middle, the 27th, for community participation and feedback. Unfortunately, we haven't heard back from Coridup on the results of the meetings, but the fact that the government took the time to have them is a very encouraging sign.  As soon as I get more word I will let you know.

As of now, the Government is still requiring the million dollar deposit and the University originally selected still can't pay it, and so we are still at an impasse.  This has led the government to open up the bidding process again to other companies and universities, local and international.  The deadline for bids is October 11, and they will make a final decision on who to go with and award the contract some time in November*.  We will keep you updated on things are progressing, but there is nothing more that UMAVIDA can do actively on this front.

* This is Bolivia Time, so "November” could mean anything, really.  We're hoping it happens before the new year.

Water School
The second part of the "Esquella del Agua" was last Friday and Saturday (2nd and 3rd of Oct).  Unfortunately I couldn't make it, but Cleo was there for both days and reported thing went great.  The two days were mostly focused on getting together local water based projects in the participants communities.  Some of these will be presented at the Youth Conference in January.

The next, and final, installment of the Esquella in Oruro will be on October 27.  The morning will be a time for folks working on projects to present their progress to date and the afternoon will be a seminar on water law.  I'm hoping I can make it out to that one!  If you would like to know more detail about the individual local projects let me know and I can get it for you.

Octubre Azul
In Bolivia there are many important environmental and social awareness days in October (Day of the Trees, Woman's Day, Water Day, etc) so UMAVIDA along with several other social justice/environmental action groups have gotten together to promote these themes throughout the month, hence "Octubre Azul" or "Blue October".  There's a whole slew of exciting events they've planned out for the month, the first being a kick off conference/water ceremony held last Friday.  The water ceremony bit of it was held by our good friend Calixto!  And the after there was a panel of various community and non profit leaders explaining the importance of water in Bolivia, and the incorporation of women in particular into the struggle.  Here's some photos from the event:

http://www.lifecapturestudios.net/UMAVIDA/Web_Photo_Updates/002_octubre_azul/

I'll let you know about more events as they come up; this month is packed full of them!

Youth Congres
The dates have been confirmed for January 12 - 16, 2010 for the next International Youth Congress and they are working out the schedule as we speak.  There are already 40 Bolivian youth confirmed for the event, and many are working on projects for presentation.  UMAVIDA is expecting a more from Peru, and a hand full from Chili this year as well.  With a maximum capacity of around 70 the spaces are filling up pretty quickly.

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July 2009

Brad and Ali Kent return from Bolivia; Jay Gregory begins work in Bolivia
Brad and Ali Kent have completed their six months as volunteers-in-mission in Bolivia, with a July 17th, 2009 flight from La Paz to their home in Bend.  Although their schedule upon their return is very full, they hope to be available as time permits to itinerate within the presbytery, sharing their experiences as well as describing how a short-term volunteer-in-mission assignment can work.  During their time in Bolivia the Kents helped to provide stability and direction for the Joining Hands with Bolivia project there and carried out those tasks necessary to prepare for the new, permanent companionship facilitator, who is scheduled to begin in January, 2010.Jay Gregory of San Francisco Presbytery has been appointed by the Presbyterian Hunger Program to continue as interim companionship facilitator between now and the arrival of the permanent missionary in La Paz.  Jay was part of the Cascades/San Francisco delegation that traveled to Bolivia in May, so he is familiar both to the Bolivians and to the partners in San Francisco and Cascades presbyteries.  He brings special skills in environmental science, web design and photography, all of which will be very helpful in preparing for the soon-to-be appointed permanent missionary.

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June 2009
Cascades Presbytery Requests Bolivian Environmental Audit
The Presbytery of the Cascades at its meeting in Vancouver, WA, voted to request that the government of Bolivia complete a long-delayed environmental audit of the area surrounding the Kori Kollo mine in the Oruro region of Bolivia.  Extensive pollution has occurred there, but the source of the environmental damage is hotly debated.  All parties to this dispute agree that an impartial, transparent, governmental sponsored audit will be a major step in establishing responsibility for the pollution and its effects.  Read copies of the Letters from Presbytery to Bolivia.This action grew out of the Bolivian visit in May of the Cascades Presbytery Joining Hands with Bolivia delegation.  It is an expression of the partnership of the Presbytery of the Cascades with UMAVIDA, a network of religious and non-governmental organizations in Bolivia.  This partnership was established through the Presbyterian Hunger Program of our denomination, along with eight other similar partnerships around the world, involving other presbyteries.

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Letters from Brad and Ali Kent in Bolivia

Brad and Ali Kent were commissioned by Presbytery to serve as Interim Companion Facilitators for the Joining Hands with Bolivia project of the PC(USA) Presbyterian Hunger Program.  Brad is a retired pastor; his wife, Ali, is an elder at First Presbyterian Church in Bend.  They will be carrying on the work in Bolivia recently done by Bob and Julie Dunsmore, who for decades have considered Cascades as their home presbytery.  Brad and Ali will serve in Bolivia until the permanent Companion Facilitator(s) is recruited, trained, and installed, a process expected to be completed sometime during the summer of 2009.  The Presbytery of the Cascades joins San Francisco Presbytery in this Bolivian mission project.  UMAVIDA is the acronym for the network of 14 organizations who make up the Bolivian part of the partnership.  Four are churches and the other ten are non-governmental organizations ranging from youth organizations to job training to women’s shelters.  Together they are working in partnership with the two North American presbyteries to build a better Bolivia

.   Click Here to See Our Pictures

May 26, 2009

They came!  They saw!  They connected!

They came ­

•  a delegation of eight people from Cascades and San Francisco Presbyteries
•  younger and older, black and white, curious and committed, single and married -- and just married
•  to Bolivia, the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere struggling to be reborn through the midwifery of Evo Morales its first indigenous president and by means of its new constitution..
•  seaking to join hands with the UMAVIDA Network in their campaign “El Agua Dulce Vale Mas Que El Oro.” (“Clean Water Is More Valuable than Gold”)

•  La Paz, the world’s highest capital city; like a hastily folded napkin on the lap of the High Desert
•  A barren, bladed hilside where the Luz y Verdad Presbyterian Church had stood until a landslide in February
•  El Alto, Bolivia’s poorest city teaming with immigrants from the countryside  desperately hoping but rarely finding a better life on the outskirts of La Paz
•  the Inti Raymi Mine at Kori Kollo near Oruro, UMAVIDA’s case study of the environmental impact created by mining practices throughout the country. 
•  fields surrounding Kori Kollo so encrusted with salt that nothing can grow or graze there.
•  The Desaguaderro River, Lake Titicaca’s only outlet, where fish and fowl flourished before it was poluted.
•  the pueblo of Toma-Toma dying because its water supply is so contaminated crops are stunted, animals are stillborn or born deformed and women must walk miles to fetch water
•  the ancient ruins of Tiwanacu where Andean civilization may have begun

•  with the congregation of Luz y Verdad now meeting in a members home and shared the Lord’s Table with them.
•  with CEFOT, a grass roots organization enabling workers and women to find their voices and call the shots in their own lives
•  with “Gregoria Pasa,” a multi-faceted organization defending the rights of women and children, promoting fair trade, as well as making beautiful traditional clothes.
•  with CISTEM which trains under-advantaged youth in the technology they will must have to assume leadership in their community and country
•  with CEPA and its extensive environmental programs 
•  with operators of the Inti Raymi Mine who sincerely feel they are good stewards of the environment and a good neighbor to surroundinng communities.
•  with a protocol officer who introduced them to Parliament and helped them understand some of the complex issues facing the legislators.
•  with Ayni  Armonia, internationally known musician Juan Carlos Cordoba and his family, who guided the delegation on a rhythmical tour of Bolivia.
•  with Calixto Qhispi, an Aymaran spiritual leader who, on the shore of Lake Titicaca, led a rithual for the renewal of Pachamama, mother earth.
•  with the Directorio (Board) of UMAVIDA with whom they worked out a strategy for ways they could help achieve the agreed upon goal of securing an environmental audit of the Inti Raymi Mine
•  with many other Bolivians in shops and resteraunts, on sidewalks and in hotel lobbies, who expressed their hope for renewed relations between their country and the country of their visitors.
•  and with the God who once prounounced all of creation “good” and yearns to do so again.

May 20, 2009

Note from Don Shaw:

Bolivia Delegation Seeks Letters from Cascades Congregations

A delegation of eight Presbyterians from Cascades and San Francisco presbyteries journeyed to Bolivia where they were hosted by Brad and Ali Kent, missionaries from Cascades presbytery who are serving as volunteers in La Paz.  Those from Cascades Presbytery were Ralph Delamarter, Judy Setzer and Gretchen Williver of Bend 1st Presbyterian Church, Donna Russell of Valley Presbyterian Church in Portland, and Don Shaw, Peacemaking and Hunger Action Enabler for Cascades Presbytery.  Those from San Francisco included Rachel Medema, who is serving as an intern at Corvallis First Presbyterian Church before returning to San Francisco Theological Seminary for her final year there.

The delegation visited a large open pit mine in the Oruro region of Bolivia where they were shown praiseworthy efforts by a U.S. owned mine to decommission a mining project in an ecologically responsible manner. Subsequently they visited a small village downstream of this same mine and learned of changes that the village had experienced since the opening of this same mine.  Specifically, they told of wells running dry, of soil becoming so saline that it would grow very little, of livestock and produce being boycotted for fear of contaminated, of mutant, malformed and aborted animals, and a host of human maladies, plus the economic collapse of the village.

All parties agree that the best way to address these issues is for an environmental audit to take place in order to assess the sources and the extent of pollution along with its impact.  However, for a variety of reasons, this audit has been stalled for several years.  Therefore our partners in Bolivia (UMAVIDA), have requested assistance from Cascades and San Francisco presbyteries in demanding that an honest and transparent audit be conducted without delay.  Specifically, they are requesting that letters to this effect be sent from groups such as congregations, sessions, mission committees, politicians, and others with clout.  Although individual letters are useful, our Bolivian partners believe that letters from groups are far more effective.  These letters need to be in the hands of the Bolivian Minister of Ecology by May 30th in order to have the maximum impact.  The exact mechanism for getting letters to the right place in a timely manner will be available shortly from Don Shaw, 503.302.4656 or peaceandhunger@cascadespresbytery.org.  Any who are concerned about addressing pollution in an open and honest way are urged to organize groups to write to the Bolivian government and then contact Don Shaw for details as to how best to do this. 

Don Shaw

April 19, 2009

Amigos y Compañeros,

We didn’t see a sunrise Easter morning.  From our widow we watched the night sky waiting for the dawn, wanting the sun to burst forth bright and brilliant from behind the Ilimani, but that didn’t happen.  Thick, black
clouds that would later drench La Paz with rain and hail blocked the light. The sky did change from black to grey, suggesting the sun was there, but no sunshine streamed through the widow announcing, “Christ is risen!”

Reflecting on this menacing, Easter morning with the sun obscured by the clouds, we realized that maybe this is a true symbol of how resurrection is happening here in Bolivia and in our work. The light behind the clouds
should assure us that, as in the darkness before dawn of the first Easter morning, God is still rolling stones away from tombs.   Perhaps, the most appropriate scripture for this Easter is not one we usually read at Easter but one we read at Christmas:  “The light shines the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” 

Last Monday was our anniversary.  We’ve been in Bolivia for three months -- the mid-point in our sojourn here, a time for reflection.  We can discern evidence of resurrection in the country as it implements its new
constitution and in UMAVIDA, the network to which we’re connected.  Our initial evaluation of our call was, frankly, that we would probably have to help this organization die with dignity.  Now, we see it beginning to
vibrate with new life.  We are well aware that we are not the source of that resurrection.  If anything, like those witnessing Jesus raise Lazarus, we’ve simply followed his instruction to “unbind” and “let go.”  Right now, our
call is truly the one described by Frederick Buechner, being in “the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”

Yesterday afternoon, Luz y Verdad church held a “kermess” on one of the futbol (soccer) fields near the site of the mud slide.  This kermess was something akin to a food fair.  The women had cooked several typical
Bolivian meals.  Tickets had been sold, but most of food went as carry-out to people passing by.  Ali and I had “lechon” (sucking pig) which was delicious but liturgically wasn’t a good choice for Easter Sunday.

Some of you have asked how you could get money to the Luz y Verdad Church and its pastor to help them recuperate from the loss of their property due to the derrumbe last February.  Our church in Bend is making that possible. Please write a check made payable to First Presbyterian Church with a note on the memo line, Bolivian Disaster.  Send the check to Boyd Levit, Business Manager, First Presbyterian Church, 230 NE 9th , Bend, OR 97701.   The church will electronically transfer the money to UMAVIDA’s account here. They will then get the money to the church, Pastor Luiz and his family. When the delegation from Cascades and San Francisco Presbyteries comes here, they will present a symbolic “check” to the congregation.

In a month that delegation will be here.  We are truly excited about hosting this group.  We are trying to find Garrison Keillor’s big blue box of Powder Milk Biscuits which help people do what needs to be done, but we can’t even buy Bisquick here.  We feel this trip will be a rich and rewarding interchange between cultures.  The delegation will work with the people here on ways to implement the “Agua Dulce Vale Mas Que Oro” (Clean Water Is More Valuable than Gold) campaign in both countries.    Providing and preserving clean water is an enormous global issue with particular ramifications both in Bolivia and the United States.  Here, the campaign is trying to eliminate or at least ameliorate, the pollution of lakes, rivers and reservoirs caused by the poorly regulated mining industry which has exploited this second poorest country in our hemisphere for centuries

Last week, we were part of an “aptapi.”  Before you think this was some exotic indigenous ritual, “aptapi” roughly translates as “pot luck.”  This aptapi was the monthly meeting of MEIPI, the Ecumenical Inter-religious
Movement of Indigenous Peoples.  They gather to share around concerns common to Christian and Andean spirituality. The gathering included Roman Catholic, Methodist, Lutheran, and Presbyterian clergy as well as elders and deacons from these churches.  A couple participants simply identified themselves with the Andean “cosmovision.” 

A characteristic of this cosmovision is the necessary interplay of opposites.  In order to achieve harmony, everything must be in balance with its opposite.  This thinking was playfully extended to our names.  Since
Alegria means “happiness,” they said I should be called Tristeza “sadness.” Maybe since Brad is so difficult for Spanish speakers to pronounce, my protests were futile.  The name stuck -- but it was always spoken with a smile.

Returning to our Easter experience, late in the afternoon the clouds disbursed.  The suppressed sunshine was dazzling.  The sodden city was delighted.   Maybe this is a symbol of what we have to look forward to at the final resurrection, in the ultimate victory of light over darkness. Now, even though it may not be complete, we must be alert to see and celebrate where and how by God’s grace, death is being “swallowed up in victory.”  Then we can echo the ancient chant, “Christ is risen!  He is risen indeed.”

Abundant grace, abiding peace y abrazos fuertes!

Brad and Ali

March 12, 2009

Companeros

UMAVIDA is now a “personeria juridica,” which means it now has legal status. That doesn’t mean it’s been illegal, only that it hasn’t been legal. Although UMAVIDA has been in existence for eight years, legally it hasn’t
existed.  All its accounts have been in the names of various individuals associated with the network.  Even the office has also been the property of one individual.  Now that UMAVIDA has all the rights and obligations of a
legal entity, the challenge is getting all these accounts transferred to its name.

Speaking of legal matters, Ali and I are now Methodists.  No, our hearts weren’t “strangely warmed” and we abandoned Calvin for Wesley.  We’re having to present ourselves as Methodists to get our visas renewed.  Tourist visas are valid for only 90 days a year.  Our commitment is to stay 180.  The Methodists are the strongest Protestant church in Bolivia and have close ties to the government.  The bishop graciously wrote a letter saying we were missionaries working for his denomination ­ which is true since the Methodists are part of UMAVIDA.  If his letter doesn’t get us an extension, we’ll each have to pay $2.00 (US) a day to remain in the country.  We
question if we’re worth it.  That money might be better spent elsewhere.

We may be faux Methodists, but last night we were Roman Catholics for a couple hours.  We attended a mass for the one and a half year old daughter of the doctor who repaired my foot.  The little girl wandered off while the
baby sitter was distracted and fell two stories to her death.  The family is devastated.  Since we’d seen Dr. Carrasco every week, sometimes twice a week, since coming here, we’d become good friends.  He even gave me a bottle of Bolivia’s best wine to celebrate my release from his care.  Caring will now go in the other direction.  Please join us in caring for Carrasco family with your prayers for their consolation and courage in this tragic loss.

We are working daily at UMAVIDA office.  Ali is assisting Cleo with administrative matters and representing the network at various meetings.  I am trying to nail things down for the visit of the delegation from San Francisco and Cascades Presbyteries that will be coming in early May. Nailing things down in Bolivia requires lots of hammering and that doesn’t guarantee that they won’t come loose. Please send e-nails.

Outside, I hear the trash collectors coming.  Every morning, sometimes the night before, people put their “basura” out on the curb.  Then Bolivia’s recycling begins.  First the “traperos” (rag pickers) rummage through the trash looking for bottles, cans, cardboard and anything else they might use or sell.  After them, the dogs dine on what scraps of food they can find. When the dogs depart, the pigeons descend.  What’s left, the trash collectors scrape from the sidewalk and take away. We´re not trashy people and almost feel bad about not having more to contribute.

We do appreciate the e-mails we receive from “el Norte.”  Your news is always welcome.  We’re too busy to be homesick and enjoying Bolivia too much to be “heresick,” but there is a space in our lives we delight being filled
with your greetings and good wishes.  Please keep us in your prayers even as we keep you in ours.

Abundant grace, abiding peace and abrazos fuertes!          

Brad and Ali

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Monday, March 02, 2009

(Note:  This was written on Ash Wednesday.  Due to problems with the internet, it couldn’t be sent before today.)

Compañeros,

Today is the first day of Lent.  Outside, someone is sweeping up the rose petals that we’re scattered in front of our apartment building.  They’re also washing away the whisky that was splashed on the doorstep.  The scattering and splashing were done to keep evil spirits away.  As we wandered the neighborhood, we noted that there would be only a few houses not protected in this manner.

This floral and alcohol blessing is one of the final rituals of “Carnaval” here in La Paz. Like all of South America, Carnaval is  big in Bolivia ­ not as big as in Brazil, but big enough to take over the entire country. For four days, everything is closed while celebrations erupt.

Each state celebrates Carnaval in its own way.  While most magnify their indigenous traditions with elaborate costumes, exuberant music, and exhausting dancing, here in La Paz, it’s water warfare.  Children and youth roam the streets armed with enormous water guns and cans of foam. While they focus on one another, anyone can be a victim of a random soaking.  For some, water guns are too tame.  They carry plastic trash bags filled with water balloons which if one is lucky, contain only water. Many are filled with paint.  So much for good, clean fun. 

Unfortunately, “good clean fun” is not the rationale for Carnaval.  Quite the opposite.  I was surprised to read an article in the paper announcing that the city government here was distributing 70,000 condoms during the celebration.  A somewhat cynical friend told me these were more likely to be used for water balloons than contraception.

Feeling that nature was doing more than an adequate job of soaking us, we avoided downtown where most of the action was.  We did attended opening night of the National Symphony.  Their program would be called a “pops concert” in the States,   Along with Beethoven, Wagner, Sibelius, and Strauss, two short pieces by Bolivian composers were featured.  The orchestra played well and got a thunderous standing ovation.  The audience demanded an encore and got two.  Both Bolivian numbers were repeated. Initially, we were amazed that the concert started on time.  How could this happen?  One possible answer: The conductor is German.

It’s a bad way to start Lent, but we gave in to temptation.  Wanting to watch more on our borrowed TV than one local station, we now have cable. One hundred five channels bring us programs in Spanish, Portuguese, French and English. These include CNN’s U.S. and S.A. broadcasts.  We are now in touch with what’s happening in other places in the world, and our prayer list is
now much longer.

Sometimes we become acutely aware of God’s prevenient grace.  When we attended the first meeting of the new UMAVIDA Directorio (Board of Directors) last week, we were aware  that the Spirit had made “the rough places plain.”  Based on what had been said at the Asamblea (Annual Meeting) two weeks earlier, we’d anticipated a difficult discussion about the role of Companionship Facilitators.  Such was not the case.  We’d come armed with a “bi-partisan proposal” which we felt incorporated both the concerns of the people here and those in the States.  Miraculously (and I choose that word carefully), the conversation couldn’t have been more congenial.  The proposal was accepted with only minor revisions.  The only major one was to strengthen the part facilitators would play in the Network’s administration.


Finally, the old hymn “Showers of Blessings” has taken on new meaning for me.  Today, for the first time in seven weeks, I took a shower with both feet in the tub.  This was a simple but profound pleasure.  Yesterday, the doctor removed all the bandages from the foot and pronounced it “sano.”  All blessings are mixed.  Now, I have no excuse for sitting around with my foot elevated asking Ali to bring me a beer.

Abundant grace, abiding peace!

Brad and Ali

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Compañeros,
As promised, I´m attaching a few pictures of the mudslide, the church, and the service held at the site.  This is my first attempt at sending photos via internet.  The next time I´ll put captions on the pictures. This time you´ll have to imagine what´s what.  Please forgive my lack of professionalism.
Abundant grace, abiding peace!
Brad

Click here to see pictures from Bolivia

Monday, February 23, 2009

Greetings from La Paz which yesterday was declared a national disaster area.
 
Today, the bulldozers leveled what had been left standing of Luz y Verdad Presbyterian Church.  Most of the building which housed both the church and the pastor’s home had slide down the hillside a week earlier a consequence of the torrential rains all of Bolivia has been experiencing this summer.  Fifty other houses also collapsed leaving over 500 homeless.
 
Yesterday, we worshiped with the congregation of Luz y Verdad in the home of one of its members.  After that service, the congregation went to the site of the where the church had stood.  The hope was to have a brief service of remembrance for the place that had been home for the congregation for 30 years. (I'll be sending pictures later.)
 
No one affected by slide had been allowed back in the area, but many were just there hoping they might see what – if anything - was left of their homes. They wanted at least, just to go through the rubble. Luis Perez, the pastor was able to get permission for us to enter.  As we entered, we realized that many of the former neighbors were with us.  The service was brief:  Songs and prayers in Spanish and Aymara and a message based on Ecclesiastes 3.  Tears flowed freely.  When the service was over, no one wanted to leave, but the police made us move to safer ground.  Yes, the ground there is still moving.
 
Even if there were any place where they could do it, neither the church nor any of its neighbors will be allowed to rebuild where they were.  None of them should have built there in the first place.  Construction in that area was prohibited, but having no other place to build, people had squatted on the land and done so anyway.  The city government warned them repeatedly of the risk they were taking but did not stop construction. 
 
There is a lot of this sort of thing going on in Bolivia.  Something is clearly illegal but the government lets the law be broken.  Sometimes this is simply a matter of convenience.  More often, it is corruption.  Before becoming judgmental about things here, remember the recent scandals in our own country.  Greed is one of the “seven deadly sins” and knows no national or geographic boundaries.
 
Luz y Verdad must now relocate as must the pastor and his family.  This will not be easy.  Available land that is stable enough for construction is hard to find and expensive.  To rent an adequate space, they must pay a year’s rent in advance in addition to paying rent each month. Please pray for this congregation and its pastor as they look for the door God is opening for them.  They are people of deep faith, and we are sure this door will be found.
 
Since there is little we can do, we have focused just on being with them.  We feel like Mary and John at the foot of the cross.  It’s a painful place to be but the only faithful one.  Keep us as well as them in your prayers.
 
Abundant grace, abiding peace y abrazos fuertes!
 
Brad and Ali

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Monday, February 16, 2009

Companeros,

I grew up with aphorisms.  My mother had one for every occasion.  One she used often was borrowed from Thumper the Rabbit in Disney’s Bambi.  “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” If I were to follow this advice, this would be a very short update.

The nicest thing I can say is that I’m now a pedestrian!  The pin was removed from the toe last Thursday.  The doctor told me I could walk anywhere I want.  His bad!  I took him at his word and discovered the foot isn’t quite ready for long walks on the steep streets of La Paz.  Be that as it may, I’ve been released from house arrest.

Something else nice?  The weather?  No, that’s not nice!  Hemmingway once said, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.”  He would certainly have changed the city if he had spent a summer in La Paz.  Maybe if I told you about the daily deluge of rain and hail, the flooding and mudslides, the loss of life and livelihood for thousands, you’d have something nice to say winter wherever you are.

Enough of following Thumper:  I now turn to the New York matron who said, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, come sit by me.”

A week ago, we attended the Asamblea General (Annual Meeting) of UMAVIDA, the network of church and social service organizations with which we are connected as Interim Companionship Facilitators.  Even without coffee, it resembled a U.S. presbytery meeting in many ways.  Reports were given, elections were held, meals were shared, and important topics were discussed -- and discussed and discussed and discussed.  I confess to not having followed everything that was said.  The Spanish circuits in my head got over-loaded as I tried to follow several simultaneous conversations.

Ten of the eleven organizations that are part of the network were represented.  Most of the delegates were young (okay, at our age, everyone seems young), enthusiastic, intelligent, and articulate.  From them we learned a lot about what their respective organizations do.  We were impressed with their compassion and commitment to the people they serve.  Each organization in its own way is working to build a better Bolivia.  They all came with individual agendas for the Assembly.

Our agenda for the Assembly was to gain a greater understanding of the purpose and work of the network as a whole and to gain greater clarity about the purpose and work of facilitators from the U.S.  Maybe our expectations were too high, but we left feeling neither had happened.  Our over-all impression was that the network is like a teenager entering puberty and doesn’t know yet who he will be or what he could/should to do with himself.  All he knows for sure is that he wants to be independent.  Among those attending, there was no clear consensus of the purpose UMAVIDA much less how that purpose could be realized. 

A new Directorio (Board of Directors) was elected.  By design it provides broader representation of the organizations that compose the network.  They have been delegated the responsibility of finishing the work the Assembly didn’t – a lengthy agenda.  Keep them in your prayers when they meet later this week.

As Companionship Facilitators we did not feel warmly welcomed at the Asamblea.  We experienced what many people experience when they visit churches in the States.  The members are engaged in lively, friendly conversation with one another while visitors are ignored.  But it was more than that.  There is distrust and resentment of persons from the U.S. being involved with them and their work. Paternalismo (I think you can translate that one) was a word often heard. 

UMAVIDA has an ambiguous relationship with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).  It knows it needs the financial support of the Hunger Program but feels it doesn’t need its companionship facilitators.  They are unnecessary and unwarranted intruders.  To be fair, several of the delegates were first timers to an assembly.  They knew nothing about UMAVIDA’s partnership with the Presbyterian Hunger Program or its objectives. For them it is a just a vaca de plata (cash cow – my term not theirs)

Our radar had picked up on this earlier, so we were given permission to lead an exercise about the role of facilitators. During this, we listened reflectively trying not to be defensive. (My tongue is still sore from my biting it.)  The result was a frank sharing of their frustrations working with facilitators.  We’d hoped they would see why/how facilitators might be frustrated working with them, but we didn’t get that far.  The discussion begun there is not over.  We sincerely believe that the Spirit is working toward reconciliation and that continuing the discussion will bear good fruit.  At least, they’re not putting us in a taxi to the airport yet.

We are deeply saddened to have encountered these strong negative feelings toward companionship facilitators.  (No one likes to be unappreciated!!) Many cultural differences are behind these feelings.  Also, the present political climate supports suspicion of Americans and their motives.  Our prayers – and we want you to join us in them – are, that before we leave, the leaders of the network and we will have reached an understanding of what a vital North-South partnership can be. We want abrazos fuetes for our successors.

Going back to Thumper’s aphorism:  UMAVIDA has many excellent people involved in it, people who deeply love their country and its people.  They are sincerely committed to enabling a better life for all Bolivians.  Many work in very difficult circumstances with few resources.  We admire – and yes, are amazed -- at what they are doing in their individual organizations.  Working effectively together and with the Presbyterian Hunger Program there is great potential for success beyond what we or they “could ask or think.”

Abundant grace, abiding peace – y abrazos fuertes!

Brad and Ali

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Companeros,

Last Sunday by means of a borrowed television, we were among the millions who watched tens of thousands celebrate as President Evo Morales “promulgated” Bolivia’s new constitution.  The scope of this celebration may have surpassed Barack Obama’s inauguration both in pageantry and promise.  While President Obama proclaimed a “new day” for citizens of the United States, President Morales proclaimed a “new Bolivia” for his people.

With the adoption of the new constitution, he told them, 500 years of “colonial domination” has finally ended.  Having read the document and countless commentaries on it from differing perspectives, we are aware that if and when the new Constitution is fully implemented, Bolivia will be a very different country from what it is now.  Morales, like Moses, is leading his people to a  Promised Land

The five hour long ceremony included a five mile long parade.  Hundreds of people from all Bolivia’s 36 indigenous groups – vested in their colorful native dress -- walked by the reviewing stand where President Morales and dignitaries from every nation in South America stood smiling, garlands of flowers and coca leaves around their necks.  The military, unions, and employees from various government departments also marched past.  After the parade, came a long night of traditional music and dancing from all regions of the country.  The day was cold and wet, but that did not dampen anyone’s enthusiasm or diminish their energy.

(The formal name of the new constitution is Constitution Politica del Estado, and with the Latin American love for acronyms is always referred to as CPE.  I’ll be using that abbreviation because, as the old saying goes, “When in La Paz do as the Pacenos do.”)

The “promulgacion” (signing into law) of the CPE was held in El Alto (The High Place), a city of more than a half million located literally above La Paz, the nation’s capital where we are living.  La Paz itself nestles uncomfortably in a steep valley between two mountain ranges.  The city center with its commercial institutions is at the bottom with houses, churches, and markets climbing up the mountains on both sides.  Ironically, the rich live near the bottom; the poor live near the top.  El Alto at an altitude over 13,000 feet caps the poverty beneath it. 

We’re told El Alto is Bolivia’s poorest city.  Having visited churches and seen living conditions there, we don’t dispute that verdict. Like other big cities around the world, the poor have come there from rural areas in hope of finding a better life.  Few have found it.  Still many feel there is more hope for finding it in El Alto than in the areas they left behind.  One clear intention of the CPE is to create a system of government that can and will work to eliminate the deeply entrenched causes of poverty in this second poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere.

(For enquiring minds that want to know more or for those who can’t fall asleep at night, our totally unbiased, absolutely objective analysis of the new constitution is attached to the report)

Moving from the political to the personal, we continue to be thankful for the e-notes many of you have sent and wish we could respond to each one individually.  Any news from “gringolandia” is appreciated.  As you will find out in our next communiqué, there are problems with our work here, so your prayers and good wishes are coveted.  We are finding friendship here but it doesn’t compare to the friendships we have back home.  Thanks for keeping those fresh!

There have been several inquires about the big problem with my little toe.  To paraphrase the old children’s cant, “This little piggy can’t go to market; this little piggy has to stay home; this little piggy has lots of pain, but the other little piggies have none.  And this little piggy cries all day long because he can’t roam.” The piggy now has a pin in it, and the pin is very close to a nerve.  The doctor insists that I do no unnecessary walking.  One day I did.  The pin started come out and had to be pushed back in. I really don’t want that to happen again.  Much of the time, I feel like I’m under house arrest.  I have gotten a lot of reading done including all of Calvin’s Institutes.  So maybe all the piggy problems were predestined. 

Abundant grace, abiding peace – y abrazos fuertes!

Brad and Ali

Referendum on the New Constitution:  The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (PDF 18 KB)

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Buenas Dias, Companeros!
 
7:00 a.m.  A sunny, silent Sunday morning.  There are no taxis in the streets, no buses, no trucks -- not even private cars.  The stores are shuttered and will be so for 24 hours.  The only noise is the barking of the dogs that constantly roam the streets here. Such quiet in this noisy city is strange -- almost eerie.  Even the churches with which we have contact are not holding services today.  They did that last night.
 
In a couple hours there will be the laughter of small groups of people walking to their poling places, and muted conversations as they wait in line to vote.  This is Election Day in Bolivia.  By law everything is closed for 24 hours.  Driving is prohibited. We’re told this is to prevent “doble votacion” (voting twice).  Everyone must return to his/her home precinct to cast their ballot.  It’s almost biblical.  Since many do not live where they are registered, they have spent the night with family or friends.  Some will even spend the day walking to and from the polls. Absentee voting is not permitted, and voting by mail is unheard of.  Voter turn-out is estimated to be over 80%.  Bolivians shame us with how serious they are about their democracy.
 
At issue is the new constitution.  Polls predict it will pass by almost a two thirds majority.  Here in La Paz and in other indigenous population centers, the margin might be over 80%.  Even in those states that want autonomy, there is surprising support.
 
In spite of what you may have read in some papers or heard on Fox News, the new constitution is not a unilateral effort by President Evo Morales’ ruling party.  It was hammered out by a diverse group of legislators, several of whom do not support the Morales government.  Many concessions were made by the ruling party in hopes of creating a document the vast majority of the people could support.  Two concessions that echo issues in the U.S. are the provision that marriage is defined as a union between a man and a woman and abortion remains illegal.  Perhaps the biggest changes are in indigenous and gender rights, land reform, recognition of religious pluralism, the partial nationalization of some of oil and gas production, and eliminating the private control of water resources. For those of you whose inquiring minds want to know more, we’ve attached a short summary of the new constitution which we feel is fair and accurate.
 
If it’s a slow news day, the back pages of the papers there may carry the results of the referendum.  The Nightly News may also mention it, but your personal correspondents here will let you know whether the vote was “Si” or “No” as soon as it is official.
 
Abundant grace, abiding peace!
 
Brad and Ali.

Analysis of Bolivia's New Constitution (PDF 22KB)

Friday, January 16, 2009 6:19 PM

Queridos Companeros, 

Greetings from La Paz where all is not peaceful.  Daily, there are demonstrations downtown focusing on a wide variety of grievances.  The largest and most strident of these “marchas” are those in support and those in opposition to the proposed new constitution which will be voted on next week.  Some of these demonstrations have gotten out of control, and police have had to break them up.  Many fear this is a harbinger of a violent response to the voting especially if the referendum carries.  As you might imagine support is strongest in Andes, weakest in Amazon basin where three states want autonomy. 

U.S. politics also generates lots of emotion.   Obama’s inauguration is eagerly anticipated.  Like their first indigenous president, Evo Morales, to them Obama represents an oppressed people who have long struggled for equality and justice.  Many feel his administration will change U.S. policy toward South American governments that lean to the left. 

Our work with UMAVIDA is beginning.  They have two big events coming up quickly – the Youth Congress in Peru and their own annual meeting.  Twelve youth will be going from Bolivia.  We understand there will be six youth from the States there.  Note that “youth” here refers to persons between 18 and 25.  Since were not in that age group, we’re not going.

 The agenda for the annual meeting (Asamblea General) has been set.  Looks like a typical presbytery meeting without the coffee breaks.  (Come to think about it, if you don’t have coffee you don’t needs breaks.)  The Asamblea will be voting on whether or not to continue with its campaign for Agua Dulce (Clean Water) or switch to Comercio Justo (Fair Trade).  My perspective on UMAVIDA is that it is a template for how the church should be involved in social issues.  Three denominations (Methodist, Lutheran, and Presbyterian) participate in it as do six secular organizations.  Even though the issues with which they deal are approached from divergent viewpoints, they can unite in common cause.

 Speaking of coffee as I was a moment ago, brewed coffee is found only in cafes and restaurants.  Everywhere else it is instant.  My conclusion from this sad state of affairs is theological:  God created coffee; the devil invented Nescafe.  I’m trying to live as much like a Bolivian as I can, but tomorrow, I’m buying a coffee pot.

 Traffic here deserves mention.  Almost everyone travels by taxi or minibus.  Congestion is normative.  We are amazed (and sometimes terrified) how vehicles squeeze in and out of tight spaces.  They are like corks being extracted from wine bottles.  There are no seat belts in the taxis.  In place of seatbelts there are rosaries.  Stop lights have a different meaning here than in the States.  A red light is a polite suggestion that you might consider stopping -- certainly not a rude requirement that you do so. 

 Our thanks to those of you who responded to our first update.  I apologize that I cannot answer each of them individually.  Please don’t think this is a lack of appreciation.  Several of you asked about my foot.  Wednesday, the doctor re-broke one of the toes because he didn’t like the way it was healing.  I thought it was doing fine, but what do I know about my own body.  Ali has caught a major cold that she just can’t shake.  So we limp and drip along.

 Abundant grace, abiding peace!

 Brad and Ali

January 6, 2009
AL DIA No. 1 (“Day No. 1”)

We arrived in Bolivia January 6, which is known by many names.  In the U.S. we call it Epiphany or Twelfth Night.  Here, as in most of Latin America, it is El Dia de los Reyes Magos or more simply los Reyes.  The day celebrates the arrival of the Wise Men at the manger and their offering precious gifts to the Christ Child.  It used to be a more important festival than Christmas.

Well, we are not kings nor very wise but if we stretch it a bit, there are some similarities.  According to tradition, the Wise Men’s journey was long and arduous.  We did cross four time zones in 20 hour of air travel.  While uncomfortable, it certainly can’t compare to twelve days on the back of camels crossing the desert.

The Wise Men found the house where Joseph and Mary were staying.  We were greeted by Ely and Jose Miguel who took us to our home for the next few months – a spacious apartment a quarter ways up the deep valley where La Paz is located.  We have an excellent view of the skyline and the other side of the city.  Its spaciousness is amplified by its scarcity of furniture, but it does have a comfortable bed -- the only furniture we needed after our travels. We will wallow in luxury compared to the vast number of people in this second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.

Ely, the Coordinator of UMAVIDA – the organization with which we will work, and her assistant Cleo had made outstanding provision for our arrival and have already proved to be gracious hosts.  We’re saturating ourselves with the national beverage.  (No, that beverage was when we lived in Scotland.)  The beverage here is coca tea.  Supposedly, it helps one adapt to the high altitude.  We think it works along with maca and acetazolamide (medications used to adjust to the 13,000 ft. altitude).

Just to make sure I got off on the right foot, I managed to break three toes in my left foot.  I did this in Eugene but hoped I’d just stubbed the toes. Walking from one gate to another at the airport was “dancing with the stars” if seeing stars is a symbol of pain. I got superlative attention here at a local clinic at a price you wouldn’t believe.  (Maybe I should come here for all medical care.  Oh, darn, there is that flight!)  Fortunately, I avoided plaster – just tape, and can now hobble around far more comfortably than before.  Since the apartment is three flights up, this is no small blessing.

Blessings big and small surround us.  We are grateful to God for all the traveling mercies we received and to each of you for the prayers that are supporting us while we’re here.  Please keep them up.  Our work has yet to begin.

Abundant grace, abiding peace!

Brad Kent (and Ali)

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