Solitary Gringos
All is still quiet in Cochabamba. The U.S. government is pulling entirely out of Bolivia. The Embassy will be closed by Monday night. The DEA has left. The government works in 30 day increments, so they will reassess the situation every 30 days. ‘Tis a curious thought, that as Americans this is the first time since we’ve been here in Bolivia that we lack any actual U.S. presence. We are effectively on our own. The apparent lack of serious danger somehow does not reduce the slight ill-at-ease of that state of being.
Read MoreVisual Concept of Bolivian News
This map shows the nine departments of Bolivia. Each deparment has a prefect. This is superficially comparable to the American States and their governors. Four of the departments, those marked with a blue half moon, are referred to jointly as the Media Luna, or Half Moon. The Media Luna are currently in strong opposition to the current president, Evo Morales, and his political party, MAS – Movimiento al Socialismo, or Movement towards Socialism. Evo and the administrative capital of Bolivia are located in La Paz. Chuquisaca is the seat of Sucre, the constitutional capital of Bolivia....
Read MoreCall for Prayer
Please keep this in mind: We know of at least one specific missionary family living in Tarija, which is a different department/state in Bolivia, and one which is experiencing active violence. We heard word from them today that they are trapped. They are currently safe in their home. However! In their region, all roads are blockaded. The airport is closed. They cannot leave. Please pray for their continued security and basic provisions.
Read MoreAbout Lorien
I vote as a libertarian influenced by Hayek and Burke, and I think as an anarchist guided by the biblical principles of liberty. I have fenced foil in a diaper-suit and run for political office in a skirt-suit, but my shoes were always fabulous. Both dreadful politics and inspiring design are likely to make me teary.
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