Welcome to my new blog!

New Year. New Path. New Blog!

I'm happy to be writing once again to share with you my experience in Bolivia, this time with Franciscans International - Bolivia, the Bolivia arm of the Franciscans International global family.  In the past 3 years I've worked with Franciscans International (FI) - Bolivia as one my ministries, and after much reflection, I have decided to return to work with them full-time.

Many may be wondering what is Franciscans International? FI is the presence of the global Franciscan Family (lay people and religious brothers and sisters) at the United Nations.  They are a non-profit with consultative status at the UN, and in opening the doors of the UN for the poor and marginalized to share their voice, they aim to promote peace, care of the planet, and eradicate poverty (the 3 P's).

 With Franciscans International-Bolivia, I hope to continue some of the work I have been doing:

• Contribute to the continuance of the two radio programs on social and environmental topics, (I talked about this work in this blog entry)
• Continue to give talks and retreats on creation and faith through a Franciscan spirituality lens, (This blog entry mentions one of my retreats)
• Most immediately, coordinate the preparation for Bolivia’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) by the Human Rights Council of the UN.

The UPR is a tool used to ensure that all 193 Member States of the UN are regularly reviewed on the fulfillment of their human rights commitments and obligations.  Each country undergoing the process submits a review of their human rights situation. Franciscans International, with other Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), submits a report in which issues of injustice that may not be included by the government in question, are put on the table to be considered. 

Several months ago, I began the process of collaborating with other religious orders present in Cochabamba, such as the Daughters of Charity, Divine Word, Christian Brothers, etc. in order to come together in a joint report to be submitted by July 2013 for Bolivia’s review which is set for 2014.  After reviewing the recommendations to Bolivia from their review in 2010 we agreed to narrow our focus to an issue we feel is most urgent to bring light and change to: violence against women and children, with sub-topics of child labor and social exclusion of women. 

After living in Cochabamba for three years, having the gift of getting to know so many different people and entering their lives, I feel very deep sorrow for the violence that occurs on a daily basis especially against women and children.  I know too many stories, too many lives affected by violence to let this opportunity to contribute to allowing their voices to be heard at the UN pass me by.  I wrote some about poverty and domestic violence being push factors in creating child labor in this blog.  I know the process of change is slow, but through FI’s presence and recognized status at the UN, there exists real potential to let more of the reality be known, and for more peace and justice to be sought.

For these motivations, I feel called to return and continue this work, with the inspiration of Saints Francis and Clare’s great examples of solidarity and commitment to seeking to build a better world in whatever way they are called to do so.  I have committed to work 1 more year with Franciscans International-Bolivia. As I didn’t get to this point in life alone, I know that I also can’t go through this next year without other people playing a part in the journey with me. 

I ask for your prayers primarily and also any financial support you might be able to give. My goal is to raise $8,386 (or $698.83 a month), which covers my budget for Housing, Food, Health Insurance, Travel, Living Stipend, and Emergency Savings. 

Tax-deductible donations can be made by writing a check to "Franciscans International" and the funds will be available to me in Bolivia through FI Bolivia.  A note should be attached to the donation indicating that it is for Nora Pfeiffer´s work at FI Bolivia. Checks written to FI can be given to me directly or mailed to:

Franciscans International
211 East 43rd Street
Suite #1803
New York, NY  10017
Telephone:  +1 (917) 675-1075

If you prefer to give a donation directly to me, either in person or mailed to my family’s home, that is also fine, just note that it would not be tax-deductible.  

As we are in a new year, my resolution is to write more frequently and concisely, so as to keep you involved in the journey. Please be assured of my prayers for you, and my sincere thanks. 

It is with bitter-sweet emotion that I depart again, and yet I am drawn to follow this tugging sensation I feel to continue being a part of the good efforts to build community, peace and care for creation in Bolivia.  Thank you for supporting me in whatever way you can.  Please let me know how I can support you too!  We’re all in this walk of life together, one family.

With Hope and Gratitude,

Nora