Multi-Project Trip

Trip Summary

COMMIT Mission Trip May 2023

The COMMIT Mission trip was reasonably successful this year although we had a couple setbacks. I will deal with the following areas:

Accommodation

Stove project

Water project

Garden project 

Sewing project

Music program

Human resources

Container

Requests

We had a team of 14 people including three with farm experience, four younger and very energetic ladies hoping to do a sports program, our music teacher, two expert sewers , a retired pharmacist/stove project promoter and social media guru.

Accommodation

We moved to a new location this year.The accommodation was very nice and the proprietors very accommodating.We had to buy some appliances to accommodate the new location and our team’s needs. We all enjoyed the swimming pool in the hot weather conditions. It was a gated community and very safe. Edgar provided a storage facility at his residence for our equipment. 

Stove project

We had to start the stove project on this trip since it had been delayed because of COVID for over 2 years and our donors were asking for progress information. Unfortunately our Global Grant was refused because we had run out of time to respond to their further demands. There were also issues with supplies and a cement shortage. However, piecemeal we were able to acquire the supplies needed and were able to make a start at building several bases and some stoves.The heat was oppressive however and we were able to work best in the morning. Local residents helped with labour. The team building the stoves was trained by Stove Team International in Guatemala and their standards and quality control were certainly high. One trainee was more experienced and was put in charge of quality control. A team from STI will visit in June to inspect our product. The process was certainly more involved than we anticipated so we had to adjust our labour rate accordingly. We have always paid a fair wage for our workers. 

Water Project

The six wells we drilled were visited. Three were working well and providing the only source for safe drinking water to the communities. In those locations we have to make sure all residences are hooked up to the system. The water committees are working well, contingency plans are in place and one village is even selling water to surrounding areas to supplement their contingency fund. Electrical bills amounted to $1 to $3 USD per month and manageable by the population.

One well where the pump was stolen is awaiting ministry approval to re-hook the pump.

One hand pump in a remote area was not working ie wouldn’t keep its prime. During our visit the pump was pulled, new piping and washers were installed and to a tremendous applause by the villagers, is now working well.

One well in a very hilly area was only being used in an emergency. The reason they gave included it was too expensive to pump the water up to the tank at the top (they requested the tank be put higher up). Because of a slight sulphur smell to the water they wondered if the water is safe to drink. We have another tank we can put at pump level to help with the cost of electricity. The sulphur smell is not a health hazard, was very faint, and dissipated when water was left in the tank for a day. This is obviously an educational problem which we will address. Again it is the only safe potable water for the community so it is essential that they use it.

Garden Project

The garden project was working well. We have 3 co-ops working well in 2 communities. There was a family garden started in Nandarola in the dry season using irrigation and this was working very well and is a model for further households to try. One co-op has purchased around 20 acres in a remote area, with help from a microloan by COMMIT. They were farming it successfully for beans and corn. Plots were designated for each farmer but the land was a fair distance from the village and at a higher elevation. A tractor would certainly help and a dam was discussed in one area for irrigation during the dry season. Some legal arrangements for the final transfer of the land were discussed with our lawyer but should go through shortly (this is a separate arrangement from Rotary). Our farm team met with Purina re a larger scale chicken/egg operation but it was considered high risk. However some small family chicken operations seem to be working well and this was to be encouraged.The team farm group was impressed by the farming operation and their organization under COMMIT and suggested more worm and composting operations be extended to other communities.The bee/honey operation is working well in one community. They have had their first harvest and are anxious to expand. 

Community garden in dry season

A memorial for the late Rotarian Pat Feryn was held in Nandarola. The farmers remembered him fondly and a plaque was placed in the Community Center noting his contribution to the farming endeavour.

Sewing Project

The sewing project under Wynnie and Kim went well. In spite of supplies from the container not being released they were able to do their educational program in two communities, teaching sewing and operation and maintenance of the machines. They were helped by two locals, Manuel who was a teacher and technician for the machines and Darling who was identified as a leader. Attendance was excellent. Projects were completed.  A graduation ceremony was held and the ladies proudly received a certificate (probably the first certificate they have ever received) and a ceremony with cake and beverages was held at the end. Arrangements are being made to continue the program (strongly requested by the villages) with the locals identified above, and this will be supported at our end.This was a most impressive program. Congratulations to our team leaders!!

Music program

The music program was continued in 4 schools under the supervision of Bev and Jhonny. A variety of instruments were used for fun in their teaching but the recorder was the basis of most of their instruction. This is really the only music program in the schools. The students were enthusiastic. Some teachers took an interest in continuing the program. A pinata party was held at the end. Bev is hoping COMMIT will support Jhonny in regular visits to the schools to continue instruction and to move the program forward. Again, kudos to Bev and Jhonny for introducing music into the students’ lives.

Human resources

We employ two people in Nicaragua to support our projects.We changed our model to emphasize results rather than salaried hours to encourage more interest in successfully completing our projects. Meetings were held with our employees.

Container

Although we tried to get the container away as soon as we could load it in the winter, a series of delays did not allow the container to be released in time for us to unpack and distribute the supplies when we were there. We were fined for a seal infraction (not the right seal on the container used). We felt this was unfair and we are sorting this out with our shipper re responsibility. We had several discussions with our local mayor who was hoping it could be released without the formalities but this did not happen. When it is released it will be distributed by our people in Nicaragua. Janice and Jennifer spent hours assigning all the supplies to various areas to help in the distribution in our absence. But the other result was that our sports program could not go ahead with our 4 energetic young ladies for the youth  in the communities since all the supplies were in the container. However, everyone was kept busy with our other projects.

Requests

The need is so great in all areas. We always have requests for help.These requests are very reasonable. We were able to bring down a portable and very expensive ultrasound machine as requested previously by the hospital for diagnostic procedures especially in maternal child care and obstetrics.These tests in the prenatal period are essential for the well being of mother and fetus. But it has many other applications as well in diagnosis. It was enthusiastically and gratefully received by the hospital.

Other requests have included vaginal speculums, a printer for the hospital to print out ultrasound pictures, along with other hospital requests (a cryotherapy canister which is in the container), a washing station for one of the schools, a honey extractor, money to expand their bee/honey project, and more tools for expansion of the farm project.There is also money needed to continue the sewing and music programs.

Overall a very effective mission which did not go entirely as expected but was effective. The team rose to the challenges and are to be congratulated for their hard work and sacrifice.

Respectfully submitted.

Doug, Janice and COMMIT team

PACKING SHOULDN'T TAKE THIS LONG

Saturday, May 20

Saturday May the 20th and the last day before the team returns to Toronto tomorrow. Many spent the
day sorting clothes and packing before leaving for the airport at 2am. A card game was enjoyed to lessen
the effect of the afternoon heat with the winners reclaiming their manhood inspite of the “blonde”
comments of the opposition.
Graham and Edgar left at 6 am to make another attempt to fix the hand pump on the recently drilled
well in La Flor. The 2 hour drive is on a very rough and twisty road with Edgar down shifting or braking to
lessen the impact of some of the bumps. Breathing was difficult with clouds of dust kicked up by the
lorries as the dry season comes to an end. Everyone is hoping the rainy season will start soon. In the
back of the Toyota we had a 7 new pieces of PCV pipe to replace the previous pipes which apparently
leaked and prevented the priming of the pump. This village has a hand pump because it has no
electricity. Four villagers helped us to remove the old pump and install the replacement. Cheers all
round when the new pump produced water and held its prime.
This day did not escape another blackout with the loss of electricity but at least the water tower was
full. Many swam in the pool [1 meter deep} to help cool our bodies from the 40 degree heat.Now time
to share our last supper together and marvel at what Eva can create without electricity. We have been
spoiled with 3 weeks of exceptional meals as Eva blends Canadian and Nicaragua dishes using foods
grown locally.
Overall a good 3 weeks spent helping people that just want a hand up.
Graham Hart

Today was a more relaxing day for the team as we packed up for our trip home tomorrow. For most of us it's been bitter sweet with lots of accompishments but also with some disappointments. The fact that our shipping container is still stuck in customs is definetly one of the bitter parts. We couldn't do our planned sports camps due to the fact that all of the t-shirts and sports equipment are stuck in Managua with no access. Edgar will collect and save these items until we return with our team in the fall. Anyone interessted in running the sports camps then? 

We are so thankful for the work done by our team, by Edgar and the stove team guys and of course Eva for the delicious meals she fed us

Hasta pronto Nicaragua

Janice

OMETEPE ISLAND TRIP & LA FLOR WELL CHECK-UP

Friday, May 19

Today most of the group went to Ometepe for the day on a holiday break. But three of the team
embarked on a trip in the country to La Flor to visit our well project. We had drilled a well there during
covid but it had to be cleaned and reassembled so we were not sure how it was doing. There was no
electricity in the village so it required a hand pump and this was their only potable source of water.
Leaving at 8 am we were able to travel through the mountainous but beautiful countryside in the
warmth but not oppressive heat of the morning Two hours later we arrived at the village and the two
local well technicians (father and son) were there starting to dismantle it. The well was not keeping its
prime and essentially was not able to be used. After pulling up over 120 ft of poles and refitting the foot
balve, we replaced all the washers and reassembled the pump hoping this would solve the problem but
to NO AVAIL!
Still no prime. The two inch pipe in the well would have to be also taken up and replace as there miust
be a leak in the pipe. When they reassembled the pump in the new location it had been 4 years lying
around and drying out. Perhaps the main pipe had sprung a leak . Luckily we had a spare length of
pipe(100 ft) but it was back at Edgar’s house so it would have to wait for another day. BUT we leave in
two days and I was determined to fix this before we left so we agreed to meet the next day and replace
the main pipe. Graham a team member who is somewhat familiar with wells and their infrastructure
agreed to return at 6 am the next day and finish the job with the team and piping,
We had a quick errand to do in Granada and then home hopefully to pleasant afternoon. Alas no power
and no water at the Casa. I was reminded of the story of Job in the old testament.
Eva was able to cook us a wonderful dinner on the gas stove in spite of all and we had a candlelight
dinner although not by choice.. Luckily the power and thus water came on about 7:30 pm to a
tremendous hurrah!

Stay tuned for tomorrow and the rest of the story?
Doug

Most of the team decided on a visit to Ometepe Island for a little sight-seeing and relaxation to celebrate the end of our trip. We had to leave very early in order to catch a morning ferry from San Jorge, so breakfast call was 5am! The ferry ride was smooth sailing and offered views of the two island volcanos: Conception and Maderas. The island seems to cater somewhat to tourists, as there are many hotels, restaurants and adventure outfitters, and we passed many tourists on scooters and bikes. We were met on the other side by a driver and 10-seater van who shuttled us to the kayak outfitter and we were soon ready with paddles in hand for our adventure.

Guide Danny led us out on sit-aboard kayaks to a small channel/inslet off of the main body of Lake Nicaragua, where the water was calmer and we could leisurely explore the flora and fauna of the area. Danny found a caymen hiding in the foliage, with only its snout and eyes gleaming above the waterline. Good find! We also saw many egrets, herons, cormorants and smaller brightly coloured birds. Local farmers let their animals graze and drink from the lake, so we saw lots of cows and horses, too. Kayaking was very enjoyable, although we all got wet butts. It was Richard's first time kayaking and he said that sitting out in the middle of the lake chatting with Guide Danny about his farm and life was one of the highlights of his trip. :)

Next, the team drove to Villa Paraiso for a tasty lunch out on the deck, which overlooked the lake and a beautiful sand beach. We feasted on steaks with jalapeno sauce, grilled chicken plates and Alexia had a delicious whole fish. Some of us walked on the beach after lunch, while others played cards and enjoyed the beach resort atmosphere.

We ferried and bused it back to the casa, met by Bev who had sad news: the darn power was out again!! Unfortunately the water tank was accidentally drained after the power went out at around 1pm, so the team had a communal bath in the swimming pool. A bit gross, but so refreshing! Power and water returned around 5pm so a major crisis was averted.

Eva's culinary delight for dinner was ribs (with the usual arroz and frijols + fixings). The evening was rounded out with some rambunctous card games and a wonderful day was enjoyed by all.

Tomorrow is our last day! Time flies!

Jennifer

LAST DAY IN NANDAROLA AND CASA DE PIEDRE

Thursday, May 18

Can you say Hot? WOW - Overnight at approximately 11:40 p.m. the power went out. No fans, no lights, and no WIFI, but… worst of all no breeze. Sleeping was a sweaty mess. Nevertheless, the “rude”ster and the guinea hens made their debut bright and early.

Eva managed to turn out another delicious breakfast of fruit, beans, cheese quesadillas and coffee.We learned that the gas stove in the kitchen would work without the electric power but the flame needed to be lit on the stove and there were no matches to be had. Jose took up the hunt and after a jaunt around the neighborhood saved the day returning with the flame!

Today the team was divided into four groups. Each group had their mission for the day and off they went.

Graham, Bev and Jhonny were off to La Vigia to visit a small school and bring music to their ears. The small class of 20 children enjoyed Jhonny on the guitar and joined in with singing songs. They also learned some notes and rhythm work with Bev who guided them on to playing handbells and boom whackers. They all finished the day off at the school with a pinata for all the students. Always a big treat!

Janice and Jennifer spent the day searching out video content for the new and improved web site and found lots of content  for the hyperlapse of stove building. It was an honor for Erick to be the star of the video since he has learned and perfected the stove building from start to finish.

Doug, Richard, Davna, Alexia, Sofia, and Brad went on to Nandarola for another day of stove base building. What a great welcome to arrive at the village to find a crowd waiting and all of the supplies ready. The locals were such willing helpers and stove bases were assembled efficiently. Everyone had a Fresco treat at lunch time.

Kim and Wynne had a very special celebration with the women of the sewing group in Casa de Piedra. After seven successful days of teaching 17 women how to sew, it was time for the graduation ceremony. Each sewing student received their certificate and celebrated with cake and juice. Kim gave a speech and special thanks were given to Darling for her translation and Manuel for keeping the sewing machines in good working order.

Wynne

NANDAROLA

Our day today started out a little later than usual, with the team, or almost the whole team leaving at 8 o'clock. Wynne and Kim had left already at 7:30 for their 2nd last sewing day in Casa de Piedra. We were all fueled up after a delicious breakfast made by our amazing cook Eva and ready to build stove bases in Nandarola. As we climbed onto the bus, we were all soon drenched with sweat, today was a cooker. Temperatures soared to the high 30s, which felt like 40 degrees. Working in the heat had us all exhausted by noon, but we continued on into the afternoon despite this handicap.

With all hands on deck, we were able to finish 8 stove bases. Some of us sifted the sand which seemed to get onto every inch of our bodies, while others helped deliver the 90 lb stones to each household and mix the mortar. A few split three of the rocks for the upper level and the skilled masons worked on the stove bases. What a team, many hands make light work, well maybe not light lol, but quicker.

We were blessed with lots of animal sightings, including a troupe of Congo monos (howler monkeys) who despite their small size, echoed their whooping bark throughout the village. There were brand new puppies, a large iguana, cats, cows, horses, parrots, birds, chickens and more. Lots of pictures were taken by the team and even some time-lapse videos.

Some of us recorded the sounds of us working in the village for a reporter from CBC radio. We've been interviewed for the segment which will air this Sunday, May 21st, featuring our work on the eco-friendly stove builds. Tune in at 11 am Eastern time to the "What on Earth" segment. It will also be available on the CBC website.

We have enjoyed working with the Nicaraguan stove team builders. What a humbling experience, helping the people of Nicaragua. Many new friendships have been made and old friendships strengthened.

We are all looking forward to supper, it smells delicious. Fish tacos, yum.

Hasta luego

Janice

SAN LUIS DE MANARES AND BRICKS FOR LA ENRAMADA

Blog May 16, 2023
Today the group split into 2 groups with one travelling with Edgar and the other by bus to continue building stoves. The highlight for the stove builders was receiving some help from the villagers to sift the sand and distribute it to each home. One villager offered a pickup truck to transport 9 bags of cement and a pile of bricks to future building sites. Typical village truck, needed to have the fuel primed and water added to the rad before starting. Appreciated by everyone to reduce the time distributing the
materials to each site. Materials including bricks and metal tops for 15 sites have been delivered to a central site in the village.

The highlight for me was watching Eric complete the building of a stove. The brick work requires considerable masonry skill to position each brick correctly and mortar it into place. He stopped frequently to measure the correct distance between the bricks. Some bricks had to be cut into smaller pieces with a hammer and chisel. The finished stove looked like a work of art and very attractive.

The other group headed to San Luis to do the music and sewing programs. Howler monkeys greeted us along the way. It was hot and dusty. We dropped Jhonny and Bev off at the school in Delores de Lago for the first of two music programs. We continued to the village of San Luis. We stopped at the well to see how things were going. We were reassured to find that it was running well. A leak occurred in the piping the day before but they proudly told us they found the problem and repaired it. People were paying their electric bills albeit a bit late re water and they were selling water to neighboring communities and putting the funds in contingency. They were not using chlorine because the residents complained but we explained the importance of that especially if they were selling the water. They requested a larger tank.

Then on to the community house we had renovated the year before for the sewing project. Several ladies showed up. Some of the machines were repaired by Manuel (our technician and teacher) all were checked and they were given a small sewing project to do. They also requested a regular teacher to help them with more difficult sewing projects in the future Jhonny and Bev were picked up from the schools amid much excitement by the kids. The teacher wondered if we could provide a cement wash basin for the school.

We also learned that the lunch program for the children had been cancelled due to some political problems with the NGO. They would like some help restarting with some beans, rice and oil donated. After a quick lunch at the community house which we shared with the sewing ladies and a bunch of red chicks, we headed home much exhilarated by the events of the day. We will have to consider all the items requested for both those projects in our next budget.

Graham Hart and Doug Thompson

LA FLOR AND EL JABILLO

Today was a day to divide and conquer. Wynne stayed at the casa to clean up sewing boxes and supplies
retrieved from Nandarola, some went off to build stoves, and I along with Doug, Graham, Richard and
Kim set off with Edgar to visit a couple remote villages.
We were happy to find construction happening at the medical centre in Camerones 2. COMMIT has
supplied the money for the roof and the building will have adequate space for patients and for a doctor
and nurse to work and stay overnight. We only saw the top half of one worker who had the task of
digging the latrine. But we knew he was working hard as dirt was flying out of the hole.
After a long, bumpy ride we arrived in La Flor, a village still without electricity. Having been to La Flor
before, I was encouraged to find some parts of the road in a little better shape, but it is still a very rough
journey. We were just about there when we found ourselves behind a stalled bus. We hoped off Edgar’s
truck and walked the rest of the way. Ever the gentleman, Edgar carried the 30-lb. piece of luggage
containing our giveaways on his head. Our first stop was the school where we were able to deliver a few
school supplies and clothes. The children looked so cute sitting at their little desks and they along with
their teachers were most appreciative of what we brought them. Then it was off to check the well
which COMMIT built and it was disappointing to find it not working properly. The fix is available but
unless you personally supervise it may not get done.
Leaving La Flor we drove a few kilometres before stopping on the almost dry riverbed to eat our lunch of
buns and peanut butter with an added treat of Oreo cookies. In a few weeks this riverbed will be full of
quickly moving water, likely making it impossible to reach the village. But today we had the flora and
fauna, including the sound of howler monkeys, all to ourselves.
Going higher into the hill country, the view is stunning, usually with a view of Mount Mombacho in the
distance. We arrived in El Jabillo to do a check on the well there, sitting down with a member of the
CAPS (water committee) to discuss issues and concerns. There was a slight smell of sulfide in the water
and they had not been using the water because of concerns that it is not safe. Sulfide in itself may be
distasteful but is not a health concern but we did offer to test the water for heavy metals. Whether that
will be enough for use is the question.
The rest of the team went to La Enramada and built stove tops as supplies allowed. In the afternoon they
bought groceries and worked on finances.
We had a meeting with the Mayor. Although he is requesting the release of the container be expedited,
proccess dictates that it will probably take 20 days. Quite a disappointment since many of our projects
required contents from the container. We are scrambling to plan for that eventuality.
Beverly Neeb

SUNDAY FUNDAY

Sunday May 14, and I’m calling it Sunday Funday.
It’s been over a year since my first trip with COMMIT and I’m so happy to be back to help.
We fortunately had a small sleep-in and got our energy from another amazing breakfast from Eva. The
group loaded the bus and we made our way to Mombacho. Once we arrived we transferred to an open-
air truck to make our way up an incredibly steep drive to the top of the volcano. To my surprise, the
weather was at least 10 degrees cooler for our hike around the crater. What a relief! Amazing job by
everyone, considering the terrain that we encountered. The beautiful views were well worth the effort.
Heading back down, we stopped half way and enjoyed a great lunch and some fresh smoothies. Then it
was decision time, take the truck down or zipline down to the bottom. Six of us (including myself) chose
zipline, and I’m glad we did. What an experience! On our way home we stopped at Masaya Market to
purchase some souvenirs and everyone was successful. Beverly even was serenaded by live entertainers
who thought it was her birthday.
Once we returned to the casa, we were treated to a traditional Nicaraguan meal called Nacatamal. This
consists of pork, rice, potatoes, cornmeal, and of course some secret ingredients they won’t tell us
about. It is all wrapped in banana leaves and cooked on an open fire. Ava spent a lot of the day
preparing and cooking this meal. Muy bien.
Back to work tomorrow.
Brad Osborne

NANDAROLA CARNIVAL

Saturday, May 13

Still no rain although the rainy season should be underway. We expect another hot day. But today is a
day of celebration for the residents of Nandarola. We do a lunch of sorts for them followed by games
with the kids. The lunch is simple hotdogs and accruements but decent hotdogs are hard to find. We
take out the ingredients for bread to the village and one of the residents makes bread for 200 hotdogs.
And that bread is so good. The hotdogs are boiled and a team cuts buns, puts in the hotdog and on goes
the relish. The circle is complete with a glass of luke warm Lipton tea mix (the only flavored drink we
could find). It was delicious except there was a plastic wrap around the hotdog which did not seem to be
edible so we spent considerable time removing that. Everyone seemed to have a good time. While the
meal was cooking our younger team members played with the kids.
The team then had a hotdog and we were off to the piñata game complete with music and the famous
dance that all the kids seem to know. We had two piñatas and as it got banged apart kids would run in
to retrieve the candies while the blindfolded child is still thrashing the baton. Lots of candy fell to the
ground but got quickly gobbled up by the host of kids and even the carcass of the piñata got carried
away by a proud boy.
We had a bunch of small wallet/purses we somehow miraculously found so being Mother’s Day
tomorrow we distributed those to all the mothers in the group.
Everyone seemed happy.
We then had more solemn occasion as we dedicated a plaque to Pat Feryn who recently died. He was
last down in 2019 and was instrumental in starting the Garden projects. He died last month.
Two of our members on the mission were also close friends. Most of the farmers were present and
remembered him fondly. Besides being a friend and great Rotarian he had a big heart for the people in
Nandarola. He will be greatly missed and as we did our own reminisces, I think we all suddenly felt a
great loss.
We had a brief Farmer’s Meeting and they mentioned the loss of a part of the beehive to flooding but
had great plans to expand in the future.. They have taken off one good crop of honey and were asking
for an Extractor. The technician for Nicaragua who advises on the project is visiting later today and we
will await his report. Our goal as with all projects is to make is self sustaining.
Overall I think the team felt good about the day and the things we have achieved long and short term in
Nicaragua. There are rumors the container is still not out of customs, but that may be tomorrow’s problem.
We will take each day as a gift.
Doug

Fiesta Friday: Feliz Cumpleanos, Sofia!!

Friday, May 12

Fiesta Friday started off with a delicious pancake breakfast with veggie & cheese omlettes, and fresh frutas. Deliciosa!

Half of our team spent the morning at La Enramada to work on the tops of the stove bases. They had to make forms with lumber, nail it into the cement stones, and then mix and pour the mortar to make a smooth and level 2 inch surface upon which the actual stove will be built. The base top will dry for two days, after which time we can return to this village to begin the exciting part: constructing the stoves.

What did the other half of the team get up to, whilst the others were getting their hands dirty? Roommates Janice and Jennifer have been spending hours working on overhauling this COMMIT website, including consolidating the menus for easier navigation, updating our pages and removing legacy web components that are no longer needed. Kim and Wynne did "homework" for the sewing program: Kim did preparation work for San Luis (Tuesday) and Wynne did some repair work for one of the ladies at Casa de Piedra. Bev sorted through items that came out of the NPH Bodega - finally, some hand sanitizer (just kidding!).

The afternoon was time for relaxation at San Juan del Sur. The bus ride to get there was just over an hour, but the drive was well worth it and made more enjoyable by the tunes pumping out from the crew at the back of the bus. We were delighted to have joining us Erik and Jamil (two of our stove builders), our cook Eva and her daughter Milagro, and our local manager Edgar - it's fun to get to know everyone on a more personal level outside of work.

Our group had a long table reserved at Vivienne restaurant, which had a great open-air feel and view over the beach and foothills in the background. Everyone enjoyed swimming, playing ball in the water, beach walks, and a game of friendly soccer with some locals. Brad was glued to his phone, as he Zoomed into David's setup so he would watch Leafs Game 5. Lo siento - they lost! The sunset over the hills was spectacular and the dancing lights in the evening dusk were magical.

We ate some delicious meals - fish, surf 'n turf, steaks - and of course enjoyed a few happy hour beverages (do you like pina coladas?). The ladies (plus Erik!) also danced up a storm before we had to get back on the bus and head home for the night.

What an awesome day of fun and comradarie, and a great way to celebrate Sofia's birthday. 

Buenos noches

Jennifer

Super Hot Thursday

It’s Milla, today was a LOVELY day started with rolling straight out of bed to the breakfast table, as per usual. Still half asleep, we hopped on the bus ready for another day of stove building. We have become efficient in our team making and division of skills. Along with our efficiency we also had quite a goofy day. Our three stove building groups went on their way to start building in Nandarola. Davna, Jamil and I were one group, Eric, Sofia, and Alexia were another and Janice, Brad, and Jen were the last. I got chased by a cow (who turned out to be nice). Sofia and Alexia made progress on their Spanish skills working with Eric. The villagers who lived in the houses we were working at were all very kind and offered us beverages and homemade bread with sugar, and also seemed very interested in our work as most of them stood and watched while we were building. It was an extremely hot day starring an unforgiving sun, and I’m sure they found it entertaining to watch us unacclimatized Canadians sweat. After completing the stove bases in Nandarola, we travelled to El Ramada where we finished 2 stove tops on the bases we completed earlier in the week. Setting a record we completed 7 stove bases and 2 tops before 3 o’clock. After our usual music-filled bus ride back to the casa in the evening, some editing was done on our website and supplies for the carnival day we will be running on Saturday were sorted through. Overall, it was a very productive and very fun day despite the heat. Back again tomorrow! Milla

More Details on Stove Building

Wednesday May 10 2023

Today was a busy day for all of us. While some of the team headed back out to Nandarola to continue to build stove bases and work on our agriculture project, some of us went shopping for food for the team. This is a long drawn out process consisting of driving to Jinotepe, walking through the market to our favorite vegetable stand and ordering from a long list that Eva has written for us. It literally takes about two hours, but the fruits and vegetables are fresh and priced right. We also visited the hospital, picked up parts for the eco-friendly stoves and went shopping for Piñatas for our upcoming Carnival Day in Nandarola. We stuffed them to bursting with candies when we got back. Can't wait to see the joy of the children when these Piñatas explode the sweets everywhere. Unfortunately we are still waiting for our container to be released, praying that we get good news tomorrow. 

Meanwhile Wynne and Kim continued creating wonderful sewing projects with their ladies in Casa de Piedra. 

Hasta mañana Janice

Hola, friends of COMMIT!

Another hot day with temperatures soaring and a ‘feels like’ of 39 degrees. Whew!

It’s time for a deeper catch up on the clean, eco-friendly cookstove project that is the primary focus of the team. We’ve spent quite a few days in the villages of Casa de Piedra (house of rock), La Enramada and Nandarola - three of the villages (of six) where we are building the stoves. The fundraising efforts of COMMIT will allow us to construct and install approximately 250 stoves. Unfortunately, we learned today that the Rotary Global Grant that Doug worked so diligently on over the last two years was denied. This means we will not be able to fund the installation of an additional 500 stoves as planned.

From start to finish there’s quite a lot that goes into each and every stove. It starts of course with fundraising, as each stove costs $150 USD. Every local family that needs/wants a stove participates in the process, and is expected to contribute $5 along with physical support when the stove is built. Materials seem to be in short supply here in Nicaragua, and it’s a frustrating endeavor for our local manager Edgar to negotiate the purchase, hound the suppliers, find trucks and drivers to load and drive to the villages (some require long drives and river crossings to get to them!). The supplies include 90-lb stones for the base (each stove needs 9), sand (about 6 buckets of unsifted sand) and a bag of cement. Wheelbarrows, levels, shovels, trowels, hammers, gloves, measuring tape - all the construction tools you can imagine are also needed.

The “prep work” before installation starts includes delivery of the materials - to a central site in the village, or dropped on the road outside each casa; moving the materials to a location closer to the house; sifting the sand to remove larger rocks and debris; sometimes de-construction of the current stove; breaking up the mud in the location where the stove is to be installed, and creating a level area for the stove base. Three of the 90-lb blocks have to be chiseled in half blow-by-blow. This prep work alone is very tiring! Some of the village ladies carry the 90-lbs stones or wheelbarrow them up the roughest paths you can imagine. Our team members are building muscles too, shifting the blocks to the stove location.

We are working with local team members who were trained on the stove base and top construction, on a course in Guatemala. I was told it was a 2-day bus ride EACH WAY, and then a 3-day course to learn the correct way to build each element of the stove. They are now very skilled and seem to get quicker at building the bases every day. Each builder can do about 4 stove bases per day. Sometimes I’m not sure if we are helping or hindering their process - there’s definitely a ‘flow’ that 2-3 people can get into with mixing the cement, filling the bucket, watering down the stones, measuring/leveling, and ensuring the base is in good order. The first layer of stones and mortar dries for 24 hours before the middle of the stones is filled in with the floor debris, a frame nailed around the edge and then a top layer of mortar is poured to make a flat and even surface for the stove.

The actual stove is constructed with smaller red bricks which are MUCH easier to carry! It requires very exact measurements to get the bricks in the correct position creating the outside wall, inner chambers where the wood fuel is loaded, a second chamber where the smoke diverts under the metal plate, over the bricks and is sucked up the metal chimney stack. I know there are probably more technical terms for this - if you want to watch a video or see more technical specs, head on over to the StoveTeam International site and look at the Justa stove. It’s developed for use in remote villages with wood fuel sources exactly like here in Nicaragua. A metal plate with a pot ring and flat cooking surface completes the top - it can be removed for cleaning. The stove dries for 8 days before it can be used. 

You should see the smiles on the faces of the village ladies - they are so eager for these stoves to be installed. They often offer help fetching supplies and water for the build, offer ice and drinks, and engage us in small conversations while we work. 

Did you know that the smoke from their existing stoves is so harmful, it’s like being a 3-pack-a-day smoker? We ask and they extinguish the fires before we go inside to work, otherwise we can’t stand the smoke for even 2 minutes. Women and children alike also get lots of burns on the open flame, and the high base raising up the new stove helps keep limbs and kids away from the heat source.

Well enough about the stoves - you’ll hear and see more in the coming days as we continue building across all of these villages.

So grateful for this amazing, eye-opening experience.

Jennifer

If you want to be instrumental in changing someone's life through the gift of a stove, you can donate through the Rotary Club of Stratford. Click on the following link: https://rotarystratford.com/sitepage/donate-now

Be sure to note COMMIT Cookstove Project on your generous donation. 

AGRICULTURE IN NANDAROLA

It was off to Nandarola today so the rooster had us awake at a good time for our 6 a.m. breakfast. It is always a pleasure to return to Nandarola, one of the first villages in which COMMIT began to work.  The strides the village has made are enormous – a drilled well, water tower and distribution system, community centre with a room for visiting doctors to work, gardening project, farming co-op, bee hives, a music program in their school. You can see the difference all these things have made in the lives of the people. It is written on their faces.  There is pride and ownership in what they have accomplished. And who wouldn’t be happy to make a little better life for your family?

When we arrived in Nandarola, Jhonny and I went to work with a classroom of students eager to meet with the music teacher from Canada. Jhonny is also a teacher by trade but has been a great help to COMMIT in many ways.

So between the two of us, me talking and Jhonny interpreting, we had lots of fun with the children. And who wouldn’t have fun using a boomwhacker to make music by hitting a fellow student, or better yet, the Canadian teacher, on the head. There were lots of laughs and giggles but they could hear the progression of sound, a good start for children who have never had a chance to “make music”. The hand bells came out and they loved the clear, pretty sound they produced. Jhonny will bring these instruments to this school and other schools COMMIT supports with a music program, when he visits them over the next months. We will visit Nandarola two more times during our stay and tomorrow I plan to introduce some basic music theory to these same students.

After our time was up at the school, I joined some COMMIT members and Nandarola’s farming co-op leaders to view their operation in a rather remote area they are trying to purchase. Doug told me it was a “little hike” which in reality turned out to be a gruelling trek up an often very steep hill.  With my walking stick in hand I felt a little like a female Moses with his staff. But the effort was worth it when we arrived at the top of the hill where in a few weeks the farmers will be planting their corn and bean crops. I wouldn’t want to be the one planting on the side of a steep hill, using the no-till method, hand digging a hole and dropping in the seed.

These farmers are hard workers and have accomplished so much. At season’s end they have food to feed their families, seeds to sell, and enough for next year’s crop. They are enthusiastic and eager to experiment further, entertaining ideas to possibly build a dyke to hold water during dry season, or maybe a windmill near the fields to provide the power to pump water. A small garden tractor would be a godsend to these folks. They could use it to carry supplies up and down. To date, bringing the crop off the hill involves an oxen cart! 

We also visited a community garden at a villager’s home, the first in the village with an irrigation system and family garden. WOW. Farmers in Ontario would give their eye teeth for corn looking as good as his. He also is growing pumpkin, bell peppers, squash and tomatoes. These community gardens provide easily accessible produce during the dry season.

Our sewing team returned to the village of Casa de Piedra today where they helped 15 women create boys' pajamas. They sewed the bottoms from fabric brought by COMMIT, and put a matching patch on a t-shirt to create the pajamas. What a wonderful skill they are learning.

We returned to our casa, hot and dirty but delighted in the progress made by the people in Nandarola and Casa de Piedra.

Beverly Neeb

May 7 2023

Hola

Domingo - Sunday - a day of rest. After we slept in for a bit we enjoyed breakfast and then once more boarded our bus - this time to Granada for an enjoyable day off. We began at Immaculate Conception church where of course a service was being conducted. After watching quietly from the back some people climbed the many many steps up to the bell tower where there is a spectacular view of the entire town. Doug and Edgar each led a small guided tour of the market area of the town while Bev, Graham and Richard had a horse and carriage tour.

At the Chocolate Factory our guide “Willy Wonka” taught us how to roll & crush the cacao beans releasing the oils to make the cocoa powder. Davna, Brad & Wynne showed us all how to dance our way through the rolling process. FUN. We sampled lots  of products which of course led to purchases. Lesson learned - even 85% and 100% chocolate bars will melt in the 38 degree weather. Who knew…???

Next - onto Tio Antonio's where we learned the amazing history of the evolving of the Tio Antonio business. He began by helping one deaf boy procure employment and from there it just grew and grew worldwide. They began by creating hammocks to sell and then branched out into a coffee cafe. The newest addition is plaster figurines and penny banks to be painted by the purchaser. All the hammocks and figurines are produced right here in the workplace - all handmade. Antonio has given so many young people an opportunity for employment and the gift of learning a trade that they would never have received anywhere else. A wonderful selfless man. We happily purchased a few hammocks and purses before we left.

A bit of market shopping then off to a pizza lunch and we ended the day with a boat tour of the 365 islands that were formed in Lake Nicaragua when the volcanic Mt Mombatchu erupted. These islands are owned by rich and poor alike. Even the monkeys have an island of their own.

Tomorrow -  back to work again.

Hasta Luego

Kim 

Saturday, May 6th

Saturday May 6, 2023
Today was an early start for some of us, who heard the local roosters crowing beginning around 2am. Good morning, Nicaragua crew! Janice and Jennifer went for an hour power walk at 5:45am and enjoyed the cooler morning temps and sunrise. David, Graham and others did some pre-breakfast yoga to get ready for the day. Eva cooked up a healthy and delicious buffet of pancakes, fresh fruits, and scrambled eggs which some of us drowned in her amazing salsa verde. What a great start to the day!

After a short bus ride, we went to the villages of La Piedra and Enramada. In La Piedra, more prep work was done for the stove project and Wynne worked with some ladies at the sewing coop, providing more instruction which helped one lady finish an apron project.

Down the road at Enramada, sand was distributed for the stoves and massive bricks were unloaded to each homestead. This village is different than I was picturing. It’s basically a long dusty road dotted with little casas on alternating sides of the road, and all around are fields for growing crops. One field looked
like newly planted plantain trees, and another is a rice field awaiting the rainy season for much needed agua to regenerate the crop. It’s very hot and dusty here, and the last two days have been a bit gusty, too. There is a perpetual scent of wood burning on the air, from the many open-fire cook stoves used throughout the villages and from some crop burning which we saw from our bus ride. There are all kinds of transportation here – including horse or donkey-drawn carts, many motorbikes, open-back trucks and bicycles.

I spent an hour or so with some very cute ninas today, they were shy at first but soon we were chatting in (my very broken) espanol . I am apparently as old as their mama and got some curious looks when I told them no, I don’t have any hijos. They are a family with 4 kids and their cousins are 5 boys. It was quite special when they came running over with their school folios and showed me their drawings and homework. One girl wants to be a teacher and cook, and the other a mathematician and astronaut. Wow! A bit later they came running over with family and school photos, each carefully wrapped in a plastic bag. I was very touched to be shown these family treasures.

The ladies on the shopping run also enjoyed watching Edgar’s son playing in his first baseball game, and despite getting told off by a drunken fan for having their feet on the seats, they seem to have enjoyed the experience very much.

When we got back to the casa, it took about 3.5 minutes for some of us to get bathing suits on and jump into the pool – so refreshing! Eva’s dinner was another delicious buffet including meatballs, rice and beans, the best salsa verde ever (can you tell I like it??) and fresh tortillas. A quiet evening followed with
pool time, euchre and reading.

Hasta luega!
Jenni

THE ARRIVAL OF TEAM TWO

Mission COMMIT May 5, 2023 Blog
After a short night in San Salvador the rest of the team arrived today to beautiful 30 deg weather. The day was spent unwinding, sorting out some problems with the container and stove project and just relaxing. Introductions were made all around and it was nice to see the mix of younger and older mingling and taking an interest in each of our special stories. Lots of laughter all around. The place where we are staying is beautiful with pool fed by the waters of the earth with no chemicals, beautiful courtyards and brightly painted surroundings not to mention comfortable rooms and tile floors that were kept spotless. Almost everyone through the day availed themselves of a cool dip and a
few refreshments before supper.

Jimmy came and we had a nice meeting with our two farm experts Richard and Graham that were part of our team. Although they need to see the operation in person some good ideas were shared and it was a very profitable meeting. Jhonny also came for supper and shared his very long history with COMMIT to the new members of the
team. He and Bev discussed the music program and together they planned the weeks events. It was wonderful to see Ava our wonderful cook again and meet the very welcoming mother and two children Carlos and Pamela that run the resort.

Tomorrow we head out to do a couple of our projects. We are excited, pumped and feeling good about the work we are doing.
All for now.
Doug

MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU

Hello folks! Today we started another beautiful day in casa de Piedra. Us little girls were the muscles of the operation moving bricks, concrete, and sand all morning long! The sewing ladies had yet another great day of teaching how to make aprons. We had lots of little helpers from the village come and offer their services wirh menacing smiles on their face. They were too kind and cute offering their endless help. After lunch it was back to work with heavy wheelbarrows of bricks, concrete and sand. The kids just couldn’t get enough of playing around with us while we worked. They’re honestly the cutest little girls and boys. Menacing but cute !!!!!! We left the village covered head to toe in dirt feeling very accomplished. Eva welcomed us with another delicious meal ! Janice stayed back today to prepare the casa for the team arriving tomorrow morning. She even cleaned milla and I’s room for us while we were gone for the day! How kind is she?!! Anyways we’re so pumped for the team to arrive in the morning.

Adios for now !

Davna :)

Another Workday in Nicaragua

Wednesday

Today was a good day, from the perspective of Milla and Davna. We started out the day with a delicious breakfast made by the one and only Eva, eggs, fruit and pancakes with cinnamon sugar and coconut. Soon after we were on our way to Casa de Pedra for the second day of building and sewing. When we arrived on site we realized we had used all the materials for the project so us and Edgar went took a mini adventure to get more. When we got back we delivered the materials around the village and got a bit of the days workout in. Eventually we ran out of things to do and the kids weren’t as excited to see us today so we decided to clean up some garbage around the community. It’s interesting to see the difference of how we’ve learned to care for the earth in Canada compared to here in Nicaragua. Not too long after we started we had to take a break because of the heat and we were being smoked out by the burning fields across the road being prepared for harvest. Wynnie and Kim gave us young girls the simple task to help out a bit with the sewing coop. Us 4 girls soon found out there’s a reason why we play sports and go to the gym because we REALLY struggled to cut out fabric circles. After our struggles some of the little chicos tracked us down and we did our best to interpret their Spanish. One of the highlights of the day is them changing Davnas name to Maria because they are unable to say her name. They followed us around and we completed more tasks and eventually we headed back to the casa.

Whilst this was all happening Janice and Edgar went to Nadamie for a meeting. They also picked up some groceries from the market as the rest of the team is arriving Friday! We all got back to the casa minutes from each other and took some time to relax before dinner. Dinner tonight was scrumptious and well earned after a sweaty hot day working in the sun.

Hasta luego,

Milla y Maria (Davna)

Tuesday May 2, 2023

Another day in Paradise!! A beautiful sunny day again to begin our actual work here in Nica. A wonderful breakfast, load the bus and we’re off. Casa de Piedra was anxiously awaiting our arrival. Kim and Wynne began their sewing project with the morning class of 11 ready & excited to get started. The afternoon class of 5 joined us after lunch. Several children arrived along with their moms and since the stove team members were still getting ready & the girls were not needed yet they graciously entertained the children. THANK YOU !! The ladies were taught the mechanics of a sewing machine as well as the importance of regular upkeep. Manuel “el profesor” was a huge help in this department. He was able to explain this to the ladies in their own language much more  effectively than I could have through a translator. Thank you Manuel. After getting the feel of the machines by practicing on paper designs we let them loose with some fabric. They all began to create a personal tote bag for themselves. They are so excited! Between Manuel, Darling (our translator,) Wynne and myself all of the ladies received personal instruction. Over the next 3 weeks they will create many projects for themselves and their families. Hopefully this skill will allow these ladies an opportunity for a trade and some extra income.

On the other side of the village the girls and Janice , plus Jimmy, Yamil and Erick were sifting sand for our upcoming projects. 

Following yet another delicious supper we enjoyed listening to the music of a worship service just down the hill. What a perfect way to end our day.

Hasta manana

Kim  

Monday, May 1st

Our day dawned a little later than planned for most of us as today is a holiday in Nicaragua- May 1st is labor day here. That means people wouldn’t be around for the stove building and the sewing coop. After Kim and I had a speed walk towards the town of Nandaime, we all enjoyed another amazingly delicious meal by our cook Eva. It was such a pleasant surprise to find her here when we arrived. 

Kim and Wynne took the available time to check out the seven sewing machines salvaged from the Nandarola Sewing Coop, Unfortunately most of the women and sewers in their coop have migrated to Costa Rica. Many of the machines were missing parts and needed lots of TLC. The girls Magivered parts that were missing and were able to get most of the functionable. Unfortunately our shipping container just arrived Friday, ten days behind schedule and we are awaiting for it to be released from customs in Managua. The Mayor of Nandaime and our shipping guy Jairo are on it, so hopefully we get good news soon. Our talented sewers even sewed a few tea towels for the casa as they were lacking towels.

Meanwhile the girls and I piled into the cab of Edgar’s truck and drove to pick up Yamil and Erick- part of our stove building team. Four men were trained in Guatemala by Stove Team International on how to build the specialized eco-friendly stoves that we will be helping build. These stoves are so important for the people in the villages. First of all they use much less wood to cook, they are insulated and eco-friendly for the environment, but most importantly for me, they will improve the health of the women and children who are exposed to the smoke from the open fires in the home everyday.  Breathing in this smoke is equivalent to smoking a staggering three packs of cigarettes a day. For the people it will be life changing. 

The girls, Erick, Yamil, Edgar and I drove to buy bricks for the stove project. It took some off-roading and a few stops here and there to find 150 bricks to start the project. Each stove requires 28 bricks to build. The bricks are al hand made in an outdoor oven and spread over the ground to dry. We were able to order the exact size that is needed to build the stoves properly. We loaded up the back of the truck and headed back to our casa.

The girls ended up spending time while I spent an arduous three hours working on COMMIT Nicaragua finances for the month of April.

We look forward to going to the village of Casa de Piedra tomorrow to work together with the people there. Thanks to all of our donors for making these projects a reality. Please pray for the container to be released asap. 

Hasta luego

Janice

We were excited to give some of out donated knit dolls to some cut kids. They were thrilled, thanks Rita

The Weekend- Sun, Fun and Some Work

We’re back with another blog after a very very hot (37°) weekend. Started off with a visit at our casa from doctors who work at a local hospital. They were in need of some medical equipment which we were able to supply, and they left with some new stethoscopes and ultrasound gel. It was lovely to meet them and talk with them about plans to aid the hospital with items from our container, which will hopefully arrive soon! After they left, we sorted through our hockey bags full of various items like toys, materials, clothes, and other supplies that will eventually be distributed to the locals in the villages we will visit in the coming weeks. In doing this we realized much of our sewing ribbons and fabrics had become tangled on our journey over, so we spent some time at the casa sorting through them so our seamstresses will have an easier time during our work days. This weekend we also visited Edgar in San Juan del Sur, where we picked up some tables and chairs from his beautiful home and loaded them into our school bus to be transported. We also had lunch with him and his wife Ana at the beach in San Juan del Sur, where we spent some time enjoying the heat and the water. The waves were so huge that they stole Wynne’s glasses! 

Hasta luego Sofia

COMMIT Multi_Project Team 2023

Our First Two Days

Well already day two into our trip to Nicaragua, and I'm just getting around to writing. Yesterday started off at around 9 thirty am, with me arriving at Kim's for our pickup by Doug. After helping pack another two hockey bags for Kim who was running way behind, Wynne arrived and then Doug rolled into the lane with his trailer behind. With our hockey bags securely tied down, we headed to pick up the four young girls who were waiting at Millas in Kitchener. We arrived at the Toronto Airport with time to spare and waited to check our heavy bags. My check-in stewardess was very sweet and turned a blind eye to both my bags being seven pounds overweight each. Kim unfortunately had a very strict lady and had to transfer some things into Wynnes lighter bag. Check-in is always stressful and we were happy when we finally were sitting at our gate, after a fifteen minute commute by bus to another terminal. Boarding our Avianca flight, we were disappointed to find that our bulkhead seats weren't even bulkhead, but directly behind the three rows of premium plus seats, no more business class. Seats that used to be spacious, barely gave us room for our legs, and I'm not tall. I couldn't imagine someone taller sitting in them, let alone sitting in the standard seats. Our flight went quickly with binge watching a Netflix series and we soon started our descent into San Salvador, El Salvador. Milla and I unfortunately, due to allergies, experienced excruciating pain in our right ears and down our necks due to pressure change.

Arriving in El Salvador and getting through customs took awhile but soon we were strolling out into the warm, humid air. Instant frizz for some of us and drenching sweat for others dressed for Canadian weather. Our shuttle took awhile to come but after a five minute drive in two trucks we arrived at the Arquette hotel. It was quaint, and more like a hostel, but the food was delicious after our travel.

After a very short sleep, we were once again on our way back to the airport. Customs was an absolute breeze at the first check-in but every one of our bags was given a thorough going through, including a body pat down at the second.

A short fifty minute flight landed us safely in Managua. Everyone got through customs without a hitch, other than having to pay three dollars each for hot chocolate and peanut butter -that is Milla and I.

We were overjoyed to see Edgar who was eagerly awaiting our arrival. We were also met by our bus driver and son who will be our team's chauffeurs for our trip. As our green bus drove us towards Nandaime, we were once again met with the sights and sounds of my beloved Nicaragua. It's always amazing to return here and show others this beautiful country.

Before lunch Edgar and I raced to NPH to pick up some of our belongings while others settled in at Casa Estrata.

After lunch Milla, Davna, Sofia, Edgar and I headed to the market and the Colonia to buy groceries. It seemed to be a long process and we finally arrived back at our Casa.

Our accommodations are beautiful and we even have a small pool which was enjoyed by most of us.

Our biggest surprise was learning that we have Evita for our entire stay to cook for us. What a joy to see our dear friend. We look forward to enjoying the culinary delights that she will most likely prepare for us.

Everyone is tired and we look forward to our first night of sleep in this beautiful country.

Please pray that our container gets released pronto.

Hasta mañana

Janice