Debug MPI tests

[dzalkind]

Purpose

Please do not merge.

PR for debugging issue around mpi runs and other seemingly unrelated issues in #447

Type of change

What types of change is it?
Select the appropriate type(s) that describe this PR

• Bugfix (non-breaking change which fixes an issue)
• New feature (non-breaking change which adds functionality)
• Breaking change (non-backwards-compatible fix or feature)
• Code style update (formatting, renaming)
• Refactoring (no functional changes, no API changes)
• Documentation update
• Maintenance update
• Other (please describe)

Testing

Explain the steps needed to test the new code to verify that it does indeed address the issue and produce the expected behavior.

Checklist

Put an x in the boxes that apply.

• I have run existing tests which pass locally with my changes
• I have added new tests or examples that prove my fix is effective or that my feature works
• I have added necessary documentation

[coveralls]

coverage: 58.139%. remained the same
when pulling 879ae93 on debug_mpi
into 9913da4 on develop.

[gbarter]

should be resolved in the rectangular branch- i think you can close this

[dzalkind]

Thanks for the help!