http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/ 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. en Copyright 2007 Wed, 21 Mar 2007 16:11:12 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 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? http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/return_to_the_bubble.html http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/return_to_the_bubble.html MaryKate Moore Wed, 21 Mar 2007 16:11:12 -0500 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. http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/back_at_bucknell.html http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/back_at_bucknell.html Lauren Varboncoeur Mon, 19 Mar 2007 20:38:14 -0500 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... http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/last_day_and_the_return_to_the.html http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/last_day_and_the_return_to_the.html Keith Kolakowski Mon, 19 Mar 2007 18:47:52 -0500 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?" http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/top_ten.html http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/top_ten.html Candice Hinckley Sun, 18 Mar 2007 08:38:47 -0500 A still morning, with a rare rain. http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/saturday_morning.html http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/saturday_morning.html Jim Orbison Sat, 17 Mar 2007 08:40:03 -0500 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! http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/its_hot_down_here.html http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/its_hot_down_here.html Lauren Varboncoeur Fri, 16 Mar 2007 21:40:25 -0500 Well, we definitely just had an AWESOME afternoon! We had the dedication of the new facility at the health clinic, and it was packed! http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/somewhat_organized_chaos.html http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/somewhat_organized_chaos.html MaryKate Moore Fri, 16 Mar 2007 20:20:13 -0500 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... http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/ill_be_a_monkeys_uncleaunt.html http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/ill_be_a_monkeys_uncleaunt.html Candice Hinckley Fri, 16 Mar 2007 19:50:25 -0500 Early Friday morning, students just beginning to stir.]]> http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/friday_morning.html http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/friday_morning.html Jim Orbison Fri, 16 Mar 2007 08:30:41 -0500 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! http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/cooperativas.html http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/cooperativas.html Keith Kolakowski Fri, 16 Mar 2007 00:07:43 -0500 This morning started with a talk given by the Vice Mayor of Ciudad Sandino. He told us about all different aspects of the city, its history, and current issues. After the talk we set out to work on the compound. I worked with Rio making rebarb ... basically twisting pieces of wire around metal rods. A couple hours and some impressive finger pricks later our group finished about five columns and played with the kids before lunch. http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/a_night_on_the_town.html http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/a_night_on_the_town.html MaryKate Moore Thu, 15 Mar 2007 00:39:36 -0500 I said in my last blog that we were taking a trip tomorrow, but that is today because I typed my entry yesterday, which was at that time today. Got it? So, this time I mean it for real when I say that we are taking a trip tomorrow to El Porvenir, the coffee co-op, where we will meet the CEO - the president of the co-op - do a little hiking, maybe buy some great organic coffee, though I don't know for sure that they sell any there. These cordobas are burning a hole in my pocket, let me tell you! http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/tomorrows_trip.html http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/tomorrows_trip.html Candice Hinckley Wed, 14 Mar 2007 14:42:13 -0500 Hard work! Have you ever tried to mix concrete by hand? And by "by hand" I mean with a shovel. It's really grueling. Blisters, sore muscles, dust in the eyes. It's a beautiful thing. My favorite part was working side by side with the Nicaraguans making concrete cinder blocks. http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/trabajo_duro.html http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/trabajo_duro.html Keith Kolakowski Tue, 13 Mar 2007 20:23:00 -0500 I spent this afternoon translating for Dr. Stechschulte in the clinic. It was my first experience in the clinic and it was such a great experience. http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/afternoon_in_the_clinic.html http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/afternoon_in_the_clinic.html Lauren Varboncoeur Tue, 13 Mar 2007 19:38:03 -0500 I have never been this dirty in my life, and I consider this effort to be covered from head to toe in filth a personal best! http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/brigadista_sets_new_record.html http://blogs.bucknell.edu/BrigadeSpring07/2007/03/brigadista_sets_new_record.html Candice Hinckley Tue, 13 Mar 2007 16:11:10 -0500