A Weekend Amongst Three Theives

This week was another exciting week in Costa Rica for several reasons. Jeff and I spent the majority of the week preparing new sketches and models for a new design of the church in Urubamba. Further talks with the ministry indicated that the church desired a plan which better reflected a traditional church appearance. Progress on the seminary master plan has been slow as we are trying to capture as much of the ministries vision as possible. Hopefully, next week will be more productive from a design standpoint.

This past weekend the other interns and myself traveled to Manuel Antonio National Park for a short weekend excursion. We had planned to have a nice relaxed weekend in a beautiful tropical setting, however we were unaware that this weekend would turn into a reminder of the fallen world we live in and ultimately how blessed we truly are.

The Gang's All Here

After arriving in Manuel Antonio of Friday evening we checked into our hostel for the weekend and spent the evening eating out and watching the NCAA Basketball Tournament at a local restaurant. The following morning we rose early and began our adventure at the National Park. It was here that we were introduced to the first two bandits looking for free handouts from the tourists. See pictures below. Our day at the park was great especially having the opportunity to experience more of God's beautiful creation in another part of Costa Rica.

Enjoying a Free Meal Taken from Park Guest

The Racoons Who Took Some of Our Food

While We Were Swimming They Were Popular With the Ticos!!

When we returned to our room on Saturday afternoon, we discovered that we had encountered a thief of a different kind. Grant noticed immediately that our locker had been destroyed and our things searched for any items of value. In total our group lost several items totaling over $1000 in value. Needless to say our weekend did not end as we had planned, however, we were all reminded of God's grace and his provision for us and also that He calls us to forgive those who commit wrong acts against us. 

Our Surprise

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Col. 3:13

And the following passage I will borrow from my buddy Grant who was the worst affected by our misfortune. 

But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so thatwhen you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For,Yet a little while, 
and the coming one will come and will not delay; 
but my righteous one shall live by faith,
and if he shrinks back, 
my soul has no pleasure in him. Hebrews 10:32-39

Thankfully each of us are safe and everything can eventually be replaced. I think we would all agree that we hope our future adventures will be a little less exciting!!

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Here are Some More Pics from the Past Couple of Weeks!

Seminario Evangelico Bautista Independiente Del Cusco

Well I am only a couple weeks behind on updating my blog by now so I thought it would be a good time to update everyone on what is going on here in Atenas! I returned home to Atenas on Sunday February 27 after 10 great days in Urubamba, Peru working on the design of the new SEBIC seminary campus for Baptist Mid Missions. The ministry we are serving is excited about the plan we were able to create and is hoping to begin fundraising this week. Their excitement has led to a busy week this past week for myself as I have been working diligently to produce a master plan document for members of the ministry to carry to their supporters this week.

Master Plan of Future Seminary Site

Our project trip was a great success and a wonderful experience. Our project team demonstrated God's faithfulness in assembling a powerful team of volunteers eager to travel thousands of miles from home to accomplish His purposes for the people of Urubamba and the surrounding regions of Peru. The team consisted of 16 volunteers from places as far as Calgary, Canada to Houston, Texas and San Diego, California to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and was comprised of architects, city planners, structural, civil, and electrical engineers, a surveyor, a construction manager, a drafter, 3 of their wives, and our 6-month old mascot! It was incredible to have the chance to work with so many individuals from so many walks of life all for one unified purpose!

Our Project Team at Machu Picchu

The purpose of the new SEBIC seminary campus will be to continue to train indigenous Peruvians including the Quechua Indians to spread the Gospel throughout the jungle and mountain regions of Peru all around Urubamba. The Quechua people have many young Christian men excited about spreading God's word, but lack the training necessary to adequately lead new believers through difficult situations common to life in Peru.

On Top of Waynapicchu

(The Tall Rock Behind our Group Photo)

On the trip I was able to participate in several capacities as and instrument man for the surveyor, drafter for the master planner, and as a drafter and helper for two structural and two civil engineers. The project trip was an exciting adventure, but the project has only just begun. I will be working alongside and managing the efforts of four engineers over the next several months which should keep me very busy! I am looking forward to the opportunity to work alongside each of these four men the next several months and the valuable experience that I will gain in the process.

Part of our Project Site Including Partially Constructed Auditorium