Pics From Frank's 2012 Trip To Argentina!

Here we are, a team of 15 volunteers, posing on the water tower platform. It's holding thousands of gallons of water over our heads and has a great view of the property that the Instituto Biblico Patagonico sits on.

On the right is Bob Combs, the man who heads up this volunteer opportunity in Argentina.  He has taken several trips there and has seen the school come a long way in its journey to becoming the best it can be.

The people were warm and friendly and we enjoyed their service very much. Each of the team members had a chance to speak to the group, with interpreters of course.

The existing library is just the size of a walk in closet.  The students and faculty are really looking forward to the new library which is being built in stages.  As you can see below and in previous posts from the 2008 trip, the library has come a long way.

The new library!  There will be room for many more books and desks for the students to study.  The far end of the room will have a new wall added to separate the librarians office from the rest of the library.

We bought supplies from local companies for the work to be done on the library.

The whole area became a workroom for most of  the projects.

The school's librarian is in her new office here and looking outward.

And here she is again looking in.  New shelves for organizing and a desk!  A librarians dream!!

The city was nearby pouring cement for a project of their own and we were lucky enough to get them to pour a little cement into all the post holes we had dug for the new lighted walkway we had built. Seen below in the evening.

This walkway links the cafeteria to the dorms.

We added 4 new benches around the picnic area.

The coffee bar, being walked over to the recreation room.

The Rec Center, now finished,  has this new Coffee Bar.  The students need a place to gather where they can relax and play games and were very excited to get this treat. 

I fixed two washing machines, repaired some large industrial tools and even rebuilt a cell phone.

 Desks & tables, for the classrooms.

Nice job on the stairs! Taped off to let the varnish dry.

Here and below are a few pics of the staff. This is Eddie, he's the dean of the school. He was originally from San Jose, Ca. After giving his life to the Lord, he asked God "not to send him to any place like this." What a sense of humor God has, and missionaries have to have one too, I suppose.

Emmy mainly runs the kitchen.  As chef she makes sure everyone eats well.  She is also a student studying to become a missionary. 

She is one of the kitchen helpers, a student, studying to be a missionary to Japan.

This family lives on campus.  He is a teacher at the institute and handyman around the school too.

August 2008 was Frank's first trip to Trelew, Argentina.  He and several volunteers landed  in Buenos Aires and from there they drove to the institute.  Frank snapped a few pictures along the way.

This shot reminds me of our own spaghetti junction here in San Jose.

A beautiful church!

Here's the crew!  At the Instituto Biblico Patagonico!

Yep!  That's Frank in the reflection.  Looks like this particular building was finished in 1998.  There is ongoing construction at the site, by various volunteers who come during the school's summer breaks.  Although during this mission trip, about half of the students were still there attending classes.

A portion of all donations goes toward supplies.  Supplies that will finish buildings on the inside and out.

I think I see flooring in the far corner. Also, Frank and crew built these shelving units, painted where needed and did some landscaping.

These bricks are for the shell of the library, begun in 2008.  It's all built now.  But, needs finishing work on the inside.

Did they whistle while they worked?

Yes, they did!!!

Have measuring tape! Will work! (for food and lodging)

We've got the guys putting the finishing touches on the playground set here.  The kids anxiously waiting.

All done!  Group photo!

Because Bible students have families too!

Frank pulled this tree out by the roots with his bare hands, and a truck probably.  Now for some before and after photos.

The library in 2008. 

We are looking out from inside the unfinished library here.

An unfinished doorway.  Soon this building would be ready for the finishing touches. It takes a while since they build to last with the best in supplies.

This building and the one below are built but very rough.

Take a closer look by clicking on the image.

A smaller brick exterior facade is added over the rough, then trim and windows added and a beautiful structure emerges.  This one is the cafeteria.

Dorms for the students and their families.

Good work Volunteers!!!

The Bible Institutes beautifully updated kitchen was donated by the Assembly of God's Women's Ministries.

The cafeteria also doubles as a lecture hall and chapel.

The students were all so grateful and kind to the workers.  They stopped their studying to wave to all of us who make the school possible.

Bob Combs, on the left, is the man who is heading up this endeavor.  Pictured here with his brother, Lloyd, who accompanies him periodically on his missions trips.  Thank you, thank you, thank you for viewing.  Hope it was fun!  Have a great day!