2013 Saquiquib Bridge and RMS Team

A few months ago, DeeDee and I had the blessing to host the March 2013 Lipscomb Spring Break team.  That team helped us launch the 2013 Saquiquib Bridge Project with the construction of two concrete bases.  Since March, we had been working hard to prepare for the May 2013 Engineering Mission Team from Lipscomb.  Below are a few pictures which capture our experience with the team and the Saquiquib community....

This scaffolding was built just a day or two before the team arrived.  It was a huge improvement from last year's scaffolding, as we spanned the entire river and had secure handrails installed (not pictured).

As we got to work, we laid out most of the metal parts on the scaffolding to insure we had each of the 257 parts (not counting the 750 bolts donated by Steel City Bolts and Screws in Birmingham, AL).  As it turned out, there were a few plates and angle iron that were not built the way we expected, so we had to make some on-site modifications.  

As with all of our projects in the Valley, community involvement is a huge part of the experience.  Here are a few pictures of us using the strength of the Saquiquib men (and Elizabeth) helping to tighten bolts.  

As good engineers we like things to be straight and level...and thanks to the constant inspection by Dr. Kerry Patterson, there is no doubt that this bridge is both.

As we completed the project, we had the honor to participate in a true Mayan thanksgiving celebration.  Much like what DeeDee and I experienced last year about a month after the bridge was completed, this year the team witnessed the prayers and sacrificial offering of the Mayan tradition.  Afterwards, we got to enjoy a meal and even some dancing at their local church.

This is the "old" bridge pictured as of January 2013.  

Here is the Lipscomb Engineering Mission Team on this year's bridge.

And then we called everyone around to come and stand with us as we celebrated the completion of the bridge.  

In addition to the bridge project, Alex Casey led a team of 4 students working on a Remote Monitoring System for a few of the local water projects.  The basic idea was that a telephone would be able to send a text message to the CAFNIMA staff informing them of how much water was in a respective tank.  

Here is a valve box housing the RMS system for the Benitzul.

The completed float switch design in Benitzul.

Julio, CAFNIMA's water tech, receiving a text message with the tank level information.  

A second ultrasonic system was installed in Semesche.  

The RMS team, including their translator, Cata Ixcol.  

On Tuesday night we also has the opportunity to surprise Cata with a cake to celebrate her birthday.  For the past few years Cata has been in the Valley with us during her birthday, so it was great to be able to show how much we love her and appreciate her contribution to the teams.  

We praise God for two completed and successful projects that will hopefully bless the communities of the Valley for years to come.

DeeDee and I are now in our last week here in the Valley and are preparing to return State-side this Friday.  It will be a big transition for us, but we are excited to return home, especially with one more than we came here with...