La Finca - Nicaragua wrap-up

Our project trip to the Young Life camp had three parts to it, all of which we were supposed to get done in country.  Usually EMI trips bring work home that the interns spend time working on.  However, the nature of this project, and the realities of what comes next in my life (post on that coming shortly!) led us to setting this trip up differently.

Bridge

La Finca needed a design for a pedestrian bridge.  Over the course of three and a half days, we were able to design and detail a bridge that the camp will begin building in a few weeks.

When we first got there, we thought that a suspended bridge might be the way to go.  But on the first day, as we all looked at the site, and met with the Bridges to Prosperity Project Manager, we decided that a bridge with piers in the water might be more appropriate for the location and the type of use.

Brad and Ian adding some survey data

In order to design a pier bridge, we would have to collect more survey data in the section where we would build the bridge, and we would need to collect some geotechnical information to properly design the footings.

Brian and Colter working on geotech

The bridge was the part of this project that I was most concerned about.  As I have shared with many of you before, there was a real sense of not being in control.  I knew that at the end of the day, I could not design the bridge.  If the team was stuck on beam sizing, or connection details, or size of footing, or rebar placement - I knew that I could not help them.  That week at La Finca was a good learning experience for me on relying on others.

Stormwater/Sediment Transport

The second priority for our trip was to take a look at the sediment transport issues that the camp has been experiencing as a result of erosion during storm events.

Laura and Jamey contemplating
a drop structure

This was the part of the project that I knew the most about, and I was able to help out with this team as they prepared their report.  We were able to get the report to a draft form while we were in country, and will finish up the report in the next week or two.

Walking up one of the two creeks

In general terms, the lake which the camp would like to use for boating and swimming, had filled in with sediment to the point where those activities were not possible.  There are two main streams entering the lake, and the team spent time in both of these watersheds looking for possible sources of sediment.  At the end of the day, there was no "silver bullet" that would solve the problem.  However, there are a number of changes that the Camp staff can implement which will help decrease the amount of sediment that makes it to the lake.

Camp Center - Graphic Design

Again, another aspect of the project that is outside my skill set.  Our team of Architects did a wonderful job of listening to the concerns and needs of the camp staff.  There are a number of major changes that the camp is considering regarding existing and propose buildings.  Sometimes, these changes are difficult to visualize.  And without a visualization, it is hard to understand the potential affects.

Draft version of one of the views that we are working on

Here is another view (still draft) that shows where the bridge is as well

Team

As always, these sorts of things only get done as a team.  Every trip I have been on so far I have been amazed at how over the course of just a few days, a group of people that hardly know each other become a team.  I think that it is something that we can easily take for granted, so I am continually challenging myself and my teams to think about how the lessons learned while on the project trip can be transferred back home.

and here is our team!  Wonderful people, each and every one!

La Finca - Day 4

In many ways, as we move deeper and deeper into design, we tend to get more and more boring.  The drainage/water engineers start talking about sinuosity and thalweg, the structural/bridge engineers talk of earthquake loading and 'L' over something or other, the architects talk about visualizations and charrettes.  Our language separates us from one another - how there is an interesting thought when you are sitting in a foreign country.  As a design team, our desire is to stay unified in what we are doing, and with the ministry that we are serving, but our skills, our talents, and our passions, draw us away from one another and cause us to use different language.

For what we do on an EMI design trip, we overcome that challenge by taking time to bring one another along, and by daily stopping the design process and refocusing on what God is doing among us.

How do we overcome the things that naturally separate us from one another in our daily lives?  How do we maintain a sense of unity that allows us to function as the Body of Christ?

Architects showing some of the YL staff their cool stuff.

Digging a test pit the easy way.  Here we were trying to determine what was causing a large soft spot.

Jamal - working up some visualizations

Please be praying for Wanda and the kids.  They have been swamped with snow the last few days, and Wanda is now starting the process of getting ready to join me in Nicaragua on Saturday.  We will spend next week with our "relaunch" team Scouting out Managua.  Pray that the transition from dad being gone to both mom and dad being gone goes well for our kids.  Grandpa and Grandma Burgi will be staying with the kids, pray for energy (for the Grandparents, not the kids....).

La Finca - Day 3

We are coming to the end of day numbero 3.

Our three separate teams have started working on their individual tasks.

• After spending some time walking the site with some of the Young Life staff, the Architectural/Graphics team have begun building the Sketch Up model.  This will allow the Camp staff to begin visualizing what proposed improvement might look like.

Jamal, CK, and Janine working away

• Our bridge team started by digging a test pit in the bottom of the drained lake.  The information gathered here will define the bearing capacity of the soil as the bridge team sizes the footing for a pier.

Colter - taking notes on the soils conditions

• The bridge team then got busy doing some pre-design so that we could quickly get to a cost analysis.  By the end of the day, they had prepared a cost analysis for a couple bridge options so that tomorrow morning we can meet with the Young Life leaders and make a decision on the type of bridge we will design.

Colter and Ian reviewing design approaches

• Throughout the day, the bridge team met with Joey (Young Life) to make sure we were all tracking the same speed. 

Joey and Brian talking through the details of deck width

•  Brand new to services offered by EMI - Coffee packing!  Two of our team members spent the day helping roast and pack coffee!

Alli and Lesley roasting and packing away!

• The stormwater/drainage team spent most of the day walking the two creeks that feed into the lake looking for various sources of sediment.  They will continue to work with the camp staff to provide options for how to manage the land to decrease soil

Laura and Jamey stiring up the sediment and taking a water sample.

•  Coffee is one of the ways that Young Life in Nicaragua sends kids to camp!  All proceeds from the sale of coffee goes to sending young Nicaraguans to camp.  Check out this link, and buy some coffee! - http://beyondbeanscoffee.com/  Or, if you a couple of you want, I might be convinced to bring some back for you.

Coffee plants here on La Finca.

Overall, the team is working wonderfully together.  Today, there were a number of things happening here at camp, from workers building the new dinning hall to the coffee workers processing beans that had been picked.  It has been good for our team to spread around the camp and see some of the ministry that happens here even when there aren't any youth on site.

God is working in our team as we once again see how we each bring our own skills and gifts.  This evening we shared a devotion on the Body of Christ.  It is always amazing to me how these EMI teams become a wonderful expression of the Body of Christ.  We encourage one another, challenge one another, learn from one another, teach one another, serve one another, and love one another.  Hopefully a good challenge for each of us to think about how we do this in our local churches.

La Finca - Day 1 and 2?

Once again, I will try to keep the blog updated with some thoughts and experiences of our project trip to Nicaragua.  I am here leading a team of 12 engineers and architects to support the ministry of Young Life near Matagalpa, Nicaragua (see "La Finca")

Our travels to Nicaragua were wonderful, we had one canceled flight, but those passengers were able to get on other flights and catch up with the rest of the team.  Yesterday afternoon we drove from Managua (150 feet elevation) up to the camp outside Matagalpa (4880 feet elevation).

One thing that surprised the team last night was the temperature.  You think you are in Nicaragua where it is hot and humid, but up here in the mountains it is quite chilly, I will be adding another blanket tonight!

Driving down into Matagalpa

Hills around the camp

Today we went to church at a Baptist church in town.  As always, it was pretty awesome to sing songs we knew, in Spanish.  After service and dinner, we traveled back to the Camp and learned more about what Young Life program looks like here in Nicaragua and what their vision is for the camp.  That was very exciting for the team.  

Tonight we are preparing for the day tomorrow where we get to do the technical stuff that we love so much.  I will try to get more pictures of the camp tomorrow and give you all an update on how things are going.

Praise/Prayer requests:

• Praise - Safe travels - no lost luggage
• Praise - Team is relating well with one another
• Pray for clarity as we move into the beginnings of design
• C.K., one of our team members came with a bit of a cold.  She is still fighting that bug, pray for health for her and the rest of the team.

La Finca

Young Life.  Most of us know these people.  Whether we have supported, volunteered, helped, or attended - I am amazed at how many people have been affected by this organization.  Their vision is simple:

Every adolescent will have the opportunity to meet Jesus Christ and follow Him

What I have recently learned is that this vision expands beyond the boarders of these United States.

This month, I have an opportunity to lead a project team to "La Finca" a ministry of Vida Joven (Young Life).  Since 1988, Young Life has been working in Nicaragua.

Nicaragua is a country that has experienced "underdevelopment" as a result of natural disasters, wars, and political instability.  One result of these influences is a median age of the population of 24.2 years.  This compares to the median age in the USA of 37.6 years.  In countries where the median population is younger, youth struggle with alcoholism, drug addiction, prostitution, gang involvement, and apathy regarding their future.  Without hope for a future, and without resources to overcome the desperation of their situation the youth of Nicaragua find themselves floundering.

While the overall situation in the country is overwhelming, Vida Joven seeks to provide an opportunity for the youth of Nicaragua to meet Jesus Christ, offering HOPE.

Vida Joven works in schools and communities building relationships with youth, inviting them to attend Club meetings where they have fun and encounter the wonderful message of the Gospel.  La Finca is an extension of that ministry.  Located in the mountains of Nicaragua and doubling as a working coffee farm, La Finca offers a unique opportunity for the Youth of Nicaragua where they can escape the struggles, heat, and desperation of the City and experience the beauty of God's creation, great food, extreme fun, adults who care for them as individuals, and the opportunity to meet Jesus Christ.
Many of us remember our summer camp experiences.  Imagine if along with all the other memories you have, you add the first time you saw a flush toilet, or the first time you had three meals a day?  This creates a wonderful opportunity for youth.

Here is a You Tube video about the camp:


The eMi design team will be supporting the ministry of La Finca by assisting with three specific technical issues they are facing.

1. A pedestrian bridge - the camp is split up by a lake
2. Drainage/sediment control - during the wet season, there is a large sediment load that fills up the lake.
3. Graphic design for the Camp Master Plan - As the camp looks to the future with their Master Plan, it will be helpful to have a three dimensional model.

We have a team of 12 of us who will travel to Nicaragua from the 21st to the 28th of February.  I will be trying to provide some blog updates as we move through the week, so keep an eye out for that!

I would really appreciate your prayers for our team as they seek to give of themselves, and learn more about what God is doing in Nicaragua.

EMI Orientation

Wanda and spent this last week at EMI orientation at The Hideaway near Monument, CO.  It was an awesome time that is honestly a little hard to explain.  It was a time to learn about ourselves, about Engineering Ministries International (EMI), about those around us, about experiencing different cultures, about poverty, about working as a team, and about a lot of things that I won't remember anyway.  EMI orientation week is done twice a year at the beginning of the fall and spring terms.  The main purpose is to welcome in and train new interns and new staff.

I was excited for the week for a few reasons - mainly getting to spend time with Wanda while my parents (God bless their giving spirits!) lived in our house and played mommy and daddy for our three wonderful kids.  I knew there would be things I learned as we looked at how our personalities, spiritual gifts and strengths worked together - and as we looked to learn more about living in different cultures, but I was impressed with a number of other things as well.

We spent a fair amount of time sharing our stories/testimonies.  In seven minutes we were to share the story of our lives.  For those of us over 30, there are a lot of things that have happened in our lives.  I could easily spend 7 minutes on dirty diaper stories, or stories from times I have seen the power of our creative God through nature, or stories of the times that our powerful God has seemingly saved my life and protected me, or stories of the times that our provider God has miraculously put food on the table and a roof over our heads, or the times that I have chosen to turn my back on God and walk my own way, or the times that those closest to me have shown grace and forgiveness, etc, etc.  So which stories do you share?

As 22 year old interns and 50 year old staff shared about their lives and God's movement through their lives, I was amazed at the openness, and at the brokenness of ... us.  We are broken, in so many ways by so many things.  Listening to the stories broke my heart.  To hear the pain that people have experienced, the broken relationships, the bad choices, the bad circumstances - And then to hear the beautifully rich stories of restoration, forgiveness, grace, and love.  It is good to remember that we are broken, and so is everyone around us.  But it is also good to remember that there is forgiveness and restoration.  That is the heart of God.  And I can't remember how many times during the sharing of stories that my heart filled up and my eyes overflowed with tears.

23 new staff and interns came together a week ago and played a silly name game, each wondering who these other 22 people were.  Today, Wanda and I said goodbye to 21 new friends.  Tomorrow, those friends will begin to spread themselves all over the world.  To Africa, Canada, UK, India, and the US.  Some back to work, some to partnership development, some to internships, all called by God.  Some of these new friends we will see soon, some we will see in the next few years, and some we will probably never see again. I am reminded of "The Four Loves" by C.S. Lewis:

“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.”

Thank you fellow Orientation survivors for being vulnerable with us.

Final Reports

For the past couple months, I have been leaning heavily on our interns, and our volunteers to complete the report for the Promesa School in Cusco, Peru.  We are finally into the last few days of pulling things together and packaging them for the ministry.  I have been blessed in a few ways through these months.

First of all I have had wonderful interns to work with Josiah and So Hwan both came to EMI with completely different backgrounds, but their dedication to the work and integrity were very encouraging.  So Hwan is an Architect student who came from South Korea, and Josiah is a Mechanical Engineer.  I greatly enjoyed working with both of them!

Second was working with the volunteers.  We had a great team of Architects, Engineers, Surveyors, and Construction Managers that did a huge amount of work.  One of those volunteers is an Architect from Alaska who basically turned some of his staff over to us to work on some of the final renderings and a fly through of the proposed school.  Here is the video of the fly through.



Very cool stuff!  And here are a couple of the renderings.

As you come up the access road to the campus

Central stairway/plaza

Near the top of the campus looking back into the valley

Again, I was amazed at what the team produced.  Our hope is that the time and effort that was invested makes a difference in the lives of the kids in the Cusco area that will maybe someday get to walk these stairs and gain an education that gives them hope for a physical future, and that they can experience Christ and gain hope for a spiritual future.