Finally I post on the work in Balcones. Jonathan has been with us since January and we have worked together in the refugee community of Balcones de Palin. His original task was to be the construction manager for the design and construction of a new water tank, a suspension bridge to anothe comunity, and a clinic. This has been shortened down to the design and construction of the tank and evaluation/reparation plans for the water system (welcome to Guatemalan timelines).
I feel like I have had a lot to contribute to this project in particular. Most of the eMi projects revolve around structural systems where I know the least. With this project I was able to really teach Jonathan about Hydraulics in pipes and come up with some creative ways to overcome some very difficult conditions.
We knew things were going to be tough when the people tore down the old tank without telling us and before the tank design was even finished. From the huge rock under the tank area that broke the backhoe and the neighbors slab, that was too big to remove from the site and is still sitting in the road; to the workers being accustomed to certain construction and not listening to Jonathan's advice, to undersized pipes broken all over with holes drilled in them "to let the air out". It has been quite a journey. At virtually every step there was a new obstacle. Solving one problem only seemed to uncover 5 more but God has given us the grace, patience and creativity to meet them head on and, I believe, come up with some great, creative solutions .
Jonathan has been able to grow professionally as well as personally by working and living in such a challenging environment. We have had some great times studying the word in how God relates to men and discussing how to bring these trues into daily life.
The tank is nearing completion and Jonathan will return home May 23. I consider it a privilage that I was able to work with him in the office, have so much fun having him the times he was living in our home, and approach new discoveries on site while living in Balcones.
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