Two weeks seems like a lifetime ago. Many things have happened in school such as the completion of Read-a-thon, but many more things have happened in Venezuela. Was it really only two weeks ago that I hiked on the Avila, had after-school clubs, and could walk to many places without too much worry? As many of you have probably seen on the news, there have been many marches and protests every day since February 12, which is almost two weeks ago.
It's hard to write about this because I don't entirely understand what is going on. I realize that I can't because I'm not Venezuelan and the news is unreliable. The news here is censored, and other news is very biased, especially foreign news.
What I do know is that there have been marches and protests every day the past 10 days. None have come close to my house, but some were on streets that I used to regularly walk. Venezuelans are very opinionated politically and are very divided between Chavistas and the opposition. The protests began as university students protested the high inflation rate, crime, and shortages of basics like flour, toilet paper, and medicine. I have not witnessed any of these protests, but this morning, I did see a tiny bit of the aftermath. As I was going to church this morning, we drove down a street, and I saw burnt trash that must have been garbage that had been put in a line across the street and set on fire to block the street. I also saw National Guards outside of one of the malls that I go to sometimes on the weekends. These marches are meant to be peaceful protests. Both sides claim this, but there has been fires, tear gas, and at least 10 deaths.
Before I go any further, I need to say: I do not feel that I am in any imminent danger and trust that God will protect me and has a reason for me to be here during this time. I do hear pots and pans (another way of protesting) almost every night at eight o'clock. I am extra cautious about where I am at and have been mostly staying at home or school. Staying home can be frustrating, but God is also using this as a time to draw me closer to my teammates and to Him. The marches and protests have not come into my neighborhood, where my house and school are.
My students and the Venezuelan staff at my school have been much more affected. Many live in areas where the protests are happening or have to cross one of those areas to get to school. As a result, many students are staying home or leaving school early so that they can get home safely. One day last week, we had a half day of school so that everyone could get home quickly and safely. At school, we are trying to function as normally as possible. Consistency for our students is one thing that we can provide at school when they may not have as much when the school day ends. I praise God that most of my class has been able to come to school safely. However, they are still greatly affected. They hear stories at home and/or see things on the streets or even right outside their windows. Students come to school with reports of the marches, seeing fires being set, and more. Please pray for the students and Venezuelan staff.
Pray for...
-Safety for students, parents, and staff.
-Wisdom for everyone, including Venezuelan leaders.
-Peace that can only come from God.
-Opportunities to talk with students who are impacted by this unrest.
-God's words to be spoken to these children as they share their fears and worries.
-God's will to be done.
-Venezuela.
I appreciate your support and continued prayers for me, my students, the staff, and Venezuela.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." ~Philippians 4:6-7
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