What an incredible, fun day. It was independence day here in Bolivia. We went to a huge parade downtown. There was just a great spirit among the people. Bolivian flags flew proudly all over the city. I actually got on Google today and noticed they redesigned their front page with Bolivian flag colors. It made me feel really proud to be here. There was a lot of drama in the La Paz, the capitol, last night with people quarantined in the palace. I'm not sure what exactly happened but it had something to do with drugs. Whatever exactly happened, it prevented President Morales from attending the Santa Cruz parade. Maybe it's a blessing in disguise. Morales doesn't have much respect for the people in Santa Cruz. The feelings are mutual. Morales is a socialist, borderline communist. The Bolivian constitution states that a president can only serve two, four year terms in office. Morales just recently changed the constitution and is currently serving in his third term. As far as his background, he has no formal education whatsoever. He gained his power through the coca growing industry. Yes, coca leaves is the base for cocaine production. In fact, Morales is STILL the president of the coca growing association as well as president of the country. Like most socialist/communist reigns, Morales has the support of the poorer class, which of course is the majority of the population. Be in prayer for the politics of Bolivia.
When pro-Morales supporters marched in the parade , members of the crowd booed and threw trash at them. The moments got a little tense with hundreds of militants holding guns and tear gas containers. The primitive, angry resentment was exciting to me (a sheltered American city boy). After the parade, we went to a local pastors house who also owns a very successful business. His house would have been an upper class home in any city in America. It was refreshing to get to relax. He just let us hang out and he also cook out on his grill for us. It was an amazing time to just chill and talk to our team members. Our team is full of incredible people. I am taking by all of their stories. I've gained so much wisdom from them this past week. I'm really going to miss them. I feel like they've almost become family. We've all had to depend on each other. I feel very bittersweet about my return "home". I know Tulsa will always be my physical home, but I've never felt more at home than now. I am excited to see my friends and family, but I really do love it here. I love the people. I love our team. This trip has done more for me than I could ever have done for the people we're here to serve. Most importantly, I am in love with Jesus. Your walk with Him is so close when you have nothing else. See you all in a couple of days.
Love,
Stephen
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