BajaNews - 1-23-2010 at 01:59 AM
http://www.chicoer.com/news/ci_14253497
By TONI SCOTT
01/23/2010
CHICO -- About 40 Chico State University and Butte College students on a house-building mission trip are trapped in Mexico, with this week's rain
storms closing down roadways in the region.
The students, along with 10 leaders, traveled to Vicente Guerrero, Baja California, Mexico, Jan. 17 to build five homes in the town about 175 miles
south of the U.S. border.
The group, which is affiliated with Bidwell Presbyterian Church, was expected to return to the states today, but learned Thursday that two bridges
near their work site were washed out by the rain, with the roadways also flooded.
Bidwell Presbyterian senior pastor Steve Schibsted said Friday that the team is safe and in "good spirits," adding that the church has been in cell
phone contact with college pastor Greg Cootsona, who is in Mexico with the group.
It is unknown when they will be able to return to Chico, though Schibsted said the group was initially told the roads would be closed for a week.
Late Friday afternoon, Schibsted said the roads could be reopened sooner, possibly by Monday.
Schibsted said the team is being housed in a facility for missionaries. They have plenty of food and water, Schibsted said.
"Their biggest concern is getting to classes," Schibsted said, adding that the students have no access to the Internet.
Bidwell Presbyterian college ministry coordinator Bonnie Johnston has been in contact with both colleges about the situation. She has also been in
communication with the students' families and employers.
Additionally, the United States Consulate has been apprised of the situation, Schibsted said, noting that officials are working with local Mexican
authorities to help speed the process along.
For at least a decade, teams of Chico college students have visited the Mexican town of Vicente Guerrero, spending a week of their winter breaks
building homes and volunteering in a local orphanage.
Shirley Adams, whose husband Grant coordinates the trip, said she received a telephone call from Grant Thursday night, and learned that the team would
be stranded for a few days.
Adams said Grant told her the rain was "coming down in sheets" and she said to her knowledge, this year was the first time a team has been forced to
take a day off from construction due to inclement weather.
Still, despite the poor weather conditions and delayed return, Adams said the group "had their spirits up" and were likely enjoying "lots of
laughter."
Schibsted said the team has plans to continue volunteering at a Vicente Guerrero orphanage and are considering the setback an adventure.
"They're enjoying being together," Schibsted said.
[Edited on 1-23-2010 by BajaNews]
BajaGeoff - 1-26-2010 at 10:51 AM
And in related news......this is a group that we insured that is also in Vicente Guerrero that is still stuck as of this morning.
http://www.nwcn.com/video/featured-videos/Local-Group-Strand...
BajaGringo - 1-26-2010 at 10:52 AM
They should be able to get out this afternoon as the bridge fix/detour at Vicente Guerrero is almost completed and San Vicente is now passing
traffic...
BajaGeoff - 1-26-2010 at 05:27 PM
Thanks for the update Ron!
Chico College Students Finally Headed Home From Mexico
BajaNews - 1-27-2010 at 12:53 PM
http://www.khsltv.com/content/localnews/story/Weds-Update-Ch...
by Kelli Saam
Wednesday update: A group of Chico college students trapped in Mexico after recent storms is finally headed back home, five days late. The group of
40 college students and 10 adults are from Bidwell Presbyterian Church. Wednesday morning, church leaders said on their website that their prayers
had been answered, and the group was finally able to cross over the newly repaired bridge that had kept them in Vicente Guerrero.
The group has been in Baja California in the town of Vicente Guerrero building homes for the poor. According to information posted on the church
website by the group leader, the group had hoped to drive out Tuesday morning, but the roads weren't ready.
They will drive from Baja California to San Diego, where they will fly back to Northern California. They are expected to arrive in Chico around 1am
Thursday. For updated information on the group's status, log on to:
http://www.bidwellpres.org