Well guys, with only 25 days left until I launch to India, I’m getting back at it with the country blogs! There are 4 countries left and we have now made our way from Africa to South America! Next March (month 8) my team and I will be in our first South American country, Bolivia!
Finishing off the World Race in South America will be a total dream. I’ve never been south of Mexico, but it has been on my bucket list for a really long time. I almost taught English in Central America before switching it up and moving to Korea instead. The food, music, people and history of South American countries really intrigues me and if it turns out to be anything like I imagine, I can see myself just staying in a country that I like and not coming back home, (sorry mom).
Anyway, future dreams aside, let’s talk Bolivia!
Bolivia is said to be “a country yet to be discovered”. Now if that doesn’t perk up some wanderlust, I don’t know what will!
Bolivia is the 5th largest country in South America and was colonized by the Spanish in the 16th century. Before Spanish colonization, Bolivia was home to many indigenous groups including the Quechua and Aymara people who are descendants of the Incas. The rich culture and history found among the indigenous tribes was suppressed when the Spanish came to rule, but not totally wiped out. For example, Spanish is the official language of Bolivia, but some 39 tribal language are also recognized and spoken throughout different regions of Bolivia. Over 50% of Bolivians speak an indigenous language as their mother tongue.
When I started writing these blogs to learn more about the countries I would be visiting, I thought that I would read and learn about all I could do for the people I would be encountering. And now, after going through 8 countries, as well as being so close to my launch date, I’m starting to realize everything that I will learn, and different ways I want to change.
While reading about Bolivian culture, evangelism and previous World Racers in this country I’ve noted one constant theme – hospitality.
It seems that upon arriving to Bolivia, (which the travel day to La Paz looks intense) every team is greeted with such love and hospitality by the local people. Their rooms are ready, food is prepared and in some cases (fingers crossed our team will get this luxury) a washing machine is made available to them! God is alive and moving through the people of Bolivia. We are going to share Christ’s love, but I believe we will be receiving more from the people in this country than ever expected.
I’m really looking forward to the day when I’m excited for a washing machine. When I find joy in a cold shower and a plain decent meal. I’m excited to spend 20 hours on a crammed bus, with no wifi to take in conversation with people and the landscapes out the window. I’m excited to live a simple life, a life people today would describe as ‘disconnected’, but I would argue that I’m about to be more connected to the world around me than I’ve ever been.
Bolivia is our first South American country. Bolivia is a country rich with culture, folklore and hospitality. Bolivia is a country that will continue to stretch me on this journey of finding happiness in the little things of life, to let go of rules and structures and to just be content with where God has placed me. Bolivia will be really good to us.
