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A Bucknell delegation of 25 students and staff traveled to Nueva Vida, Nicaragua, March 9-17 to continue helping at a health clinic in a resettlement community of 15,000 people who lost their homes and livelihoods to Hurricane Mitch in 1998. On March 16, 2007, a new clinic was officially dedicated with Dr. Jim Orbison, dean of engineering, representing the University. It is the second clinic built by Bucknell students and donors. While in Nicaragua, the delegation traveled to a mountain-top village and visit a coffee cooperative - the source of the organic shade-grown coffee sold on campus.
I don't think I've ever been asked so many questions from so many different people in my life! Since I have gotten back, every single person I've seen has wanted every single detail of my trip. But can you blame them? I had the experience of a lifetime, and who wouldn't be interested in it?
Continue reading "Return to the bubble" »
After a long trip home Sunday, we arrived in Lewisburg at about 3:15 Monday morning. The rumors were true. We were welcomed by about a foot of snow on the ground! I think all of us made a gasping noise as we stepped off the bus without winter coats. At least two of us literally ran home pulling our suitcases because we were so cold while some of our fellow Brigadistas had to shovel out their cars before heading home.
Continue reading "Back at Bucknell" »
Before I start my last blog entry, I'd like to give a big thank you on behalf of the Brigade to a friend of the Bucknell community and father of first-year student George Hingson. George's father works with Brother's Brother, a non-profit that focuses on gathering medical donations to be sent to places in need around the world. The Brigade received more than $200,000 worth of medical donations this year from Brother's Brother. This is a HUGE help to the people of Nueva Vida and it will, quite honestly, save lives and better their community! Thanks so much to Brother's Brother on behalf of all the Brigadistas!
On to the blog...
Continue reading "Last day and the return to the states" »
It is early Saturday morning. Breakfast will come along in about half an hour, then we do a group photo, pile on the bus, and start the long journey home. It is long in every sense of the word. Not only are our blogs unable to capture the experience for you, be prepared for looks of consternation and bafflement when you see us in person and ask, "How was it?"
Continue reading "Top 10" »
Today was definitely the hottest day we've had here so far. Ironically, it was also our busiest day. As for tonight, we are about to head out on the bus to a Nicaraguan discoteca!
Continue reading "It's hot down here!" »
Well, we definitely just had an AWESOME afternoon! We had the dedication of the new facility at the health clinic, and it was packed!
Continue reading "Somewhat organized chaos!!!" »
Well, this morning, my immune system threw up, if you will pardon the expression ... and I had to miss the morning activities while I regained my equilibrium. So, everyone piled onto the bus to head for the clinic and I hit the sack...
Continue reading "I'll be a monkey's uncle...aunt" »
Early Friday morning, students just beginning to stir.
Continue reading "Friday morning" »
So, apparently co-ops are the business model of choice here in Nicaragua. About 50 or so local Nicaraguans are starting a new spinning co-op to supply the cotton thread necessary to make the fabric for the already-established women's sewing co-op here, which everyone knows about. That is who we have been working with - making the cement blocks and bending steel reinforcement to build the walls!
Continue reading "Cooperativas!" »
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