PROJECTS!

so i have a bit of an update! the projects for the EMI america latina office for the spring term have officially been scheduled. there are three projects, and it looks like there will be two interns per project. if you're interested, here's a brief description of each:

project #1
the first is the design of a school for the Guatemalan village of Tizate, where there are about 200 families living in poverty. EMI is partnering with Global Shore who will be using the school to provide Christ-centered education from first through twelth grade for the preparation of higher education or specific career training. The property currently has no water, sewer, electric, etc. EMI will be working to complete the design and construction documents for the new school and site.

project #2
the second is a church expansion project in Costa Rica. the church is Templo Bíblico Jerusalén (Jerusalem Bible Church) and was started by the efforts of missionaries. Pastor Mario Perez and his family moved to the impoverished area of San Jose years ago and developed a variety of ministries for the community within the church. the church has experienced incredible growth and currently holds two services each Sunday, which 400 people attend although the space only holds 300. EMI will be doing the design to expand the sanctuary to hold an additional 300 people. it will be implemented in phases so the church can continue meeting on Sundays throughout construction.

project #3
the third is a church campus and training center - Iglesia Alianza Cristiana y Misionera. in 1997 a small group from the Christian Missionary Alliance (CMA) in Peru began meeting. the group continued to grow, called Pastor Antonio Rojas to lead them, and held their first worship service of 70 people in a rented facility. the church eventually purchased the building and now 1,300 people attend worship there each Sunday. to keep up with the growth and CMA Peru's vision, they have asked EMI to design a new facility that will provide a large auditorium, meeting rooms, offices and classrooms for sunday school, job training, life skills, and seminary. the scope is larger than their existing 5000 sq. ft. lot, requiring a multistory (5 or more) building and the demolition of the existing building.

sorry if that was kind of long. while i hope you found all of it exciting, i understand if you skimmed. i find myself getting a little overzealous about anything and everything pertaining to the spring. i am tentatively assigned to the first project, the school in Guatemala. i'll keep you updated on whether that changes. less than 2 months until i leave and i am getting more excited by the day. except more excited about leaving means that i'm having to fight the urge to say 'peace' to the present and everything school-related. i think this is what people refer to as "senioritis". in all of my nerdiness i'm not sure that i have experienced this until now. the reality, however, is that i really need the time (and should be grateful for it) to get things done and prepare. especially in the area of espanol...

i also wanted to give a huge thank you to everyone that has been praying for me throughout the support raising process and as i prepare to leave, and to those that have been able to support me financially. i am so grateful. i plan to serve these families of Guatemala with all i've got and i thank each of you so much for helping to make this possible!

buenas noches!