Oh Hey, A Parade!

With a new city to explore and nothing planned for my Saturday, it wasn't hard to get up early on August 3rd and explore downtown La Paz. Hoping to get lost and find my way home, I "accidentally" got off at a Teleferico station I wasn't familiar with and began to wander the streets, looking for understanding. As I meandered through the neighborhood of Miraflores I heard some music faintly in the background, and although it crossed my mind that I was going crazy, I realized that the music was real and I followed it to a parade of cultural explosion. Putting two and two together, I remembered that Bolivia celebrates their Independence on August 6th, and the parade was for the upcoming holiday. I somehow found myself in the thick of the parade, literally close enough to high-five the brightly colored performers throughout the celebration.

One of the many waves of dancers at the parade. A video of some dances can be found under the video tab.

It was a rapid baptism into Bolivian culture as I was immersed into the festivities and quickly became a wide-eyed observer of Bolivian dances, songs, and costumes, which reflected the 36 different indigenous groups of Bolivia. It was truly a fascinating sight and I was blown away by all the cheering and music that filled that streets. La Paz felt alive, like a living breathing organism. I trickled through the crowd and found my way to a familiar plaza, one where President Morales and other government officials make their home, as well as many hungry pigeons. It was here I found my bearings as well as a monument that espoused four pillars of Bolivia. The statue at the center of the plaza reads these four words as cornerstones to Bolivian history; Peace, Glory, Strength, and Force. The plaza, designed in 1558, has been a home to many of Bolivia's uprisings and historical events. To this day it serves as a reminder of the colonial history of violence, corruption, and Spanish domination, as it rests on the "colonial side" of La Paz. Recently Indigenous president Evo Morales has sought to tear down many of the colonial buildings and paint a new picture of a unified and indigenous Bolivia, including a new flag which has 36 different colors to represent the 36 recognized indigenous groups of Bolivia.

Plaza Murillo

Seeking to explore a road yet traveled, I made my way down a side street which was filled with small vendors and little shops. This is a street I later found out is specifically for this purpose and where only foot traffic can go. It leads to a bridge that crosses into the major plaza of the city and where the central Catholic church, the Basilica of San Francisco, is located. This street stuck out to me because as I walked I noticed the street was a magnet for many of the Venezuelan refugees who sell various goods and beg for money. The increased foot traffic makes it a place where they can possibly sell their goods and make a living. With my limited Spanish I talked to one family and was able to give them a Spanish Bible and some money I had been keeping in my backpack. It was a small gesture, I know, but one I felt could bring hope. This experience reminded me that my first and biggest hurdle right now is learning Spanish, and that the sooner I can master the language, the sooner I can be used to encourage and reach more people with the Gospel message. I crossed the bridge, found a seat, and took note of the street I must return and the possible opportunity that the Lord may lead me back to.

This day had already turned out to be one that exceeded expectations and I found myself blown away by how fortunate I was to be downtown in the midst of the celebration, which served as more of an educational purpose for me. I then made my way up the hill to an area called Sagarnaga, which is the more "indigenous side" and includes many of the local markets and local flavor. After bargaining my way to some cheap sweaters and downing some top tier coffee for gas station prices, I ventured back down the hill and made my way to the Teleferico station to soar home and rest up for a new church experience the next day.

Achumani Market

The last two Sundays I have now attended a church in an area called Sopocachi thanks to an invite from a barista, named Yerco. He saw me doing my morning devotions in a local coffee shop and invited me to his church, Discípulos de Cristo (Disciples of Christ). Although my Spanish skills are lacking, the church community has been very gracious and has instantly welcomed me into the body. I have really enjoyed getting to know Yerco and the other young adults by going out to eat and sharing in their post service lunch tradition. I'm able to understand more Spanish than I can speak, and luckily many of the people in the church speak both Spanish and some English, so they are able to teach me a little each week. Another way I have worked on my Spanish has been to walk through many of the local markets and seek out conversation. Most recently I walked uphill to the Achumani Market and worked on my learning my fruits and vegetables. My most notable achievement however was purchasing 25 oranges for $2.10. Buying in bulk here is preferable and you can get great deals if you are willing.

The Lord continues to bless me here, and I spend much of my days being very thankful for His many provisions. Thank you for your continued support and prayers. I look forward to writing next about my first few days of school!