Milton's Trip to New York

Milton and Luzvelia perform a traditional Nicaraguan
dance in Geneseo.

My name is Milton Antonio Mejía López. I am a forest engineer and I’m 25 years old. I was born in El Sauce, in the department of León, Nicaragua. I am currently working on my uncle’s farm, assisting with technical and administrative jobs. I have been studying Enlgish for almost 2 years with Enlace Project and I’m in the second level, although almost finished with the level.

My primary reason for traveling to New York was to practice the knowledge that I acquired in English class. I also wanted to learn more about the culture of the United States and to share my own culture, as an exchange. I was very excited to visit one of the most prestigious public universities in New York and reconnect with my friends who are studying there. I had met them when they came to El Sauce through the Enlace Project study abroad programs. It was also exciting to see different sights around New York State.

I spent 12 days in New York. In New York City, I had the privilege of visiting Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, Yankee Stadium, Wall Street, and Main Street, as well as some others. I also visited the area where the twin towers were, and where there are now two large fountains. I also saw a tree in that area that had survived the attacks.

From left clockwise: Milton, Juan, Camilo, and Javier enjoying Yankee Stadium.

Next we moved to Waterville, the hometown of Enlace Project Director Kellan Morgan. There I met his family, for whom I’ll always be grateful. Here we played many sports like soccer, bowling, and kayaking. We also visited Saratoga, where I saw horse races. My friends and I bet 12 dollars on a horse, but we unfortunately lost. Lastly, we went to a waterpark, which is a beautiful place to enjoy a happy weekend with your family. Here, you shouldn’t be afraid of heights, and the games are really fun.

Finally, we visited Geneseo University, where Mr. Wes Kennison explained to us a bit of the culture and history of Geneseo. We also saw different places around the university and town. I was very excited to see my friends who live there.

Milton in Morgans True Value Hardware Store in Waterville, NY.

We then visited one of the 7 wonders of the world—Niagara Falls. This place is fantastic, and we were able to board a boat to see the falls more closely.

I also went to the home of the Lupisella family. It was very nice to have a DJ at the party. The Lupisellas have built two schools around El Sauce, in the community of Ocotal. That is admirable because, thanks to them, many children can go to school without having to travel long distances. We visited Rochester and Buffalo, and had a meeting with people who have helped working with the 4 Walls Project.

For me, I enjoyed myself everywhere, but especially New York City. This was because I was in one of the cities most visited by tourists, and I was one of them. I was in "the empire.” The hardest part, however, was not being able to understand what everyone was saying. I had to adjust to the weather and living conditions too. But these experiences helped me to improve in my English and I learned how to adjust.

Visiting the Big Tree Inn in Geneseo, NY.

The trip was an unforgettable experience, and I learned that in all the world there are very good people. Traveling can help to improve your personal life, too. I learned that you have to lose fear, like I did when I was nervous about speaking and when I was afraid of heights.

I would like to thank everyone for making this experience possible: Wes Kennison, Jessica Kroenert (who helped my apply for my visa), the Towsley family, the Morgan family, the Lupisella’s, Kris Dreessen, Enlace Project, and everyone else who had helped in any way.

--Written by Milton Antonio Mejía López

SUNY Geneseo Students Find a Second Home for Enlace Project on Campus

The student body of the State University of New York at Geneseo, Enlace Project’s biggest partner in Study Abroad programs, is about to get a whole new look into El Sauce. A student-led initiative is in the process of forming the Enlace Project Geneseo club, which hopes to serve as “an organized connection to Enlace Project for anyone in Geneseo who has an interest in the programs (that they offer).” Additionally, the group will run fundraisers and keep students who have participated in past programs  in contact with each other and with El Sauce.

Students from SUNY Geneseo working with Enlace Project members
to begin planning some club activities. 

Christopher Pike (known as Topher) is a Senior Business Administration and International Relations double major at Geneseo. Supported by the Frank Vafier Student Ambassadorship Grant, Topher decided to work with Enlace through a project he entitled “Sustainable Non-Profit Management in El Sauce, Nicaragua.” The goals of this project include learning about the operations of Enlace Project and creating “a stronger fundraising and information network between El Sauce and Geneseo.”

Topher originally became involved with Enlace Project through Geneseo’s Humanities II program over the summer of 2012. He explains that he was very impressed with the work that Enlace Project was doing, and believed that the Student Ambassadorship would be a great opportunity for him to apply his skills to Enlace Project’s mission.

During Geneseo’s Humanities II program in the summer of 2013, Topher once again traveled to El Sauce, this time with the mission of learning about Enlace Project’s work and collecting photographs and videos to use in his project. He accompanied Kellan to school openings, worked with Enrique Corrales to learn about the microloan program, and sat in on the weekly staff meetings. Now that he has returned to Geneseo, he hopes to start the Enlace project Geneseo club.

Topher Pike during his first visit to Nicaragua.

The club, which is currently seeking recognition by the college, has about twenty students involved, and hopes to expand membership to include Geneseo community members. Most of the current members have previously traveled to El Sauce, and are hoping to remain in touch with the community. On October 18^th, from 5-8pm on the College Union Patio in Geneseo, the group will be hosting a benefit concert and selling baskets from the Fuente de Pino women’s cooperative.

Topher is also working on compiling an informational video for Enlace project and create advertising materials for future trips.

--Written by Sean Conner, Enlace Project Intern

“Enlace Project not only made my time in Nicaragua extremely enjoyable, they helped me discover a passion for international development.”

-Topher Pike

Meet Conrad Wright: Bringing a Unique Blend of Business and Agriculture to El Sauce

Conrad Wright is one of Enlace Project's newest staff members, joining the team from Colorado, through Enlace Project's connection with Peace Corps. Prior to his enrollment in the Peace Corps, Conrad had traveled to South-Eastern Asia and Africa to volunteer and work on various projects, including starting a non-governmental organization that operates in Uganda and Tanzania. He has a bachelor's degree in International Business Administration from Fort Lewis College. Conrad's service in El Sauce began in May 2013.

What do you do here in El Sauce as a Peace Corps Volunteer?

Well, I am a small business development volunteer and  I have two primary jobs. One of my jobs is working in local schools helping teachers with a small business class. The business course is part of a new nationwide initiative aimed at spurring long-term economic growth by giving students the tools to start their own business. My second job is with Enlace Project. I am working here sort of as an auxiliary support person filling in wherever I’m needed but I do have the freedom to start my own projects too.

Early biochar experiments.

What is some of the independent work that you are doing as a part of your service?

I am working on a cross-sectoral project with the Manuel López coffee cooperative. I met the group of farmers through Enlace Project and had the opportunity to tour some of their farms. They had mentioned to me that their crop yield is lower than average output. I offered to share with them what I know about organic land management, because of my interest in permaculture and my experience working on organic farms back home. So, for example I am planning demonstrations on biochar, bio-insecticide production, large-scale compost management and field application, compost tea production and pruning techniques.

Can you explain in more detail about the process of producing biochar and bio-insecticide?

The procedure of producing biochar is pretty simple. It is an anaerobic chemical reaction known as pyrolysis. Essentially what this means is that in order to create biochar you have to use an oxygen-free zone so the bio-material you are using carbonizes. The great thing is that you can use corn stalks, used corn cobs and waste wood, and other similar materials that are abundant on farms. 

The reason why biochar is so effective as a soil amendment is that it increases surface area in the soil for microbes, bacteria and fungi to live. So, by adding biochar to the soil you dramatically increase soil life which is largely reasonable for converting organic matter in the soil into nutrients for the plants. There are a variety of other benefits like GHG sequestration and increased water retention, to name a few.

In the process of pyrolysis you get other useful byproducts such as synthetic gas and what has been termed “bio-petroleum.”  So, I built a device known as a “modified biocrude gasifier” to both produce biochar and to capture these other useful products. The biocrude can be processed into both a fuel that can be used in small engines like a generator and also insecticides that can be applied to the plants.

Conrad's "modified biocrude gasifier" during its first complete test in mid-September.

How does this help the farmers?

Well, the farmers will be able to use the biochar in field application to improve crop yield. Then they can use a dilute of the biocrude to fend off the pests that may be feeding on the coffee trees. Or they can process the biocrude into a bio-fuel to run their generator up there to produce valuable energy. 

How much did it cost to make this biocrude gasifier?

I spent about $120 USD to pay for material, labor and transport for the gasifier, but you could do it for much cheaper. You could build one for next to nothing if you could source your materials from leftover construction projects or the garbage dump. But for this project, I bought almost all of the material new.

Can you explain how this project fits into the idea of sustainability?

Resulting biochar material from one of the initial tests.

In terms of the farmers, the aspect of sustainability relates in a multifunctional way to their whole system of production and, by extension, their way of life. First of all they are closing the system loop by converting a waste resource into valuable products. It also allows them to source their inputs for crop production locally. In a financial sense, the project could potentially save them money in the long run or generate money (from cost-reduction) depending on how you look at it from not having to buy organic insecticide and organic fertilizers. Additionally, it would save lost income from a pest infestation or if they are really ambitious they could use the project as an income generating activity. For a more global sense the project fits sustainability criteria by GHG sequestration and a reduced demand on petroleum products.

What’s the next step?

I have to put together a series of participative lectures and demonstrations to facilitate the “knowledge transfer” of this whole process and show them how all this stuff works and what to do with it. So, I am hoping that sometime in December I can have them down here at the office for a day to show them what I have been up to.      

Keep on the look-out for updates on Conrad's work!

El Sauce’s Charm is Less in Quiet Reflection, More in the Connections

In the month of September, Enlace Project had the pleasure of welcoming back an old friend. Colleen Dunham, who has come down to El Sauce for three extended visits since 2011—the first for a month, the second for six weeks, and this time for three weeks—has become enchanted with the welcoming people and culture of rural Nicaragua.

Colleen hard at work building a house during her latest visit.

Colleen explains that she came upon El Sauce by luck, when she was looking to travel during a “significant milestone” of her life. She came in contact with members of Rochester’s 4 Walls Project, and later the staff of Enlace Project. It wasn't long after her first meeting with Bonnie Yannie of 4WP that she was convinced and bought a ticket to travel. While she was expecting a calm, reflecting experience, what she found was somewhat different; she admits that when Enlace Project staff member Juan Mairena picked her up and told her she was to start working on a house the next day, she was taken by surprise.

Nonetheless, the experience was definitely worthwhile. By sitting in on Enlace Project’s English classes, she quickly made friends with Peace Corps volunteer Rachel Ropkey and several Nicaraguan students from the class. Student Jahaira Lira, who is now in level 2 in the advanced class, would invite her over to meet her parents and do her hair. Pepe Hernandez, who leads 4 Walls Project efforts, also became a good friend, despite the initial language barrier. “I thought I would feel excluded, but I never did,” she admits.

Andrew taking a break from work for a photo-op with one of the local kids!

Since the initial trip, Colleen has learned a great deal about Nicaragua, and is taking Spanish classes in Buffalo. This trip she came down to visit families that she has become close to and work on a house for 4 Walls Project. Joining her is Andrew Schantz, who had never traveled to Nicaragua before. While he notes that there have been some challenging moments, he also explains that it has provided him with many new insights.

Colleen says the thing that struck her most was the disparity of wealth between Nicaragua and the United States. She explains that many of the material things and opportunities that we have in the U.S. simply aren’t available here. However, in return, Sauceños also possess some qualities that are harder to come by in the U.S. Namely: “resourcefulness, patience, and generosity.” Colleen, and possibly Andy as well, will return to El Sauce for sure in the future. In the meantime, their experiences of the most recent trip are sure to stay with them.

Colleen and long-time friend Pepe Hernandez. 

“If there is one thing I want to say about El Sauce, it’s this: Just come. It’s easy, inexpensive, and life-changing.”

-Colleen Dunham.

--Written by Sean Conner

Student Testimonials: Richelle Pennington

Richelle Pennington is a Junior Pre-Physicians Assistant, Biology major from the State University of New York at Geneseo. In her free time, she is the volunteer coordinator for Geneso's Outing Club, the Charity Chair of Phi Lambda Chi, the secretary for Biology Club and an EMT for the Geneseo Fire Department. Richelle traveled to El Sauce with the Summer Service Learning program in 2013. Her experience, she explains, is one that will say with her for her entire life:

Richelle Pennington, pictured center right (yellow shirt), at the hospital in El Sauce.

In regards to traveling abroad, I have been fortunate enough to travel a lot in my lifetime. When I was younger I lived in Geneva, Switzerland, which gave me the chance to understand another culture besides my own outside of the United States of America. Since then, most of my trips outside the country have been for leisure, to see new place or visit family and/or friends. I have learned a lot in my travels but in the end I’ve realized nothing compares to being fully immersed in a totally new culture.

When I initially applied to journey to El Sauce, Nicaragua I planned on working at a rural health post so that I could give back to the community since I really enjoy patient care. I know Nicaragua has its issues in the health care world so I saw this opportunity to be right up my alley. I was aware I was going on a “service-learning” trip but I continued to tell myself this was more of a volunteer trip and focus on that. I never thought about the fact that I would be taken on a journey. I met new friends, slid down a volcano, listened to music, traveled to cities and mountains, spent quality time with my host family and learned a new culture as well as a language. I was given the chance to help out, which I did. I was able to assist with vitals, help calm down patients and even preform a few pap smears. I was able to give a little but in reality I ended up learning so much more in the end.

Climbing up Cerro Negro near León.

I now see how to immerse myself in a culture, which is to live how everyone else does. I also see how back at home I take many things for granted such as water, food, transportation and my family. After my experience I now feel much more fortunate for all I have been given and will use this to help me realize what issues are and are not realistically important. I will use the experience and knowledge to tell others how important service is, but in the end an adventure like this will ultimately change your thinking and how you live for the better. I may have stayed only one month in El Sauce, Nicaragua but my involvement there has made a lifetime impact on me. 

Student Testimonials: Jo Speicher

Jo Speicher, from the State University of New York's Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, participated in the university's two-week summer program in El Sauce. Jo, who is studying to be a Nurse Practitioner, had previously traveled to Nicaragua and worked on the Atlantic Coast in the city of Puerto Cabezas. Thus, El Sauce provided an opportunity for her to experience a different aspect of Nicaraguan life working in rural medical posts. She writes:

Jo with her Sauceño host mother.

It was an honor and enjoyable privilege to be a part of a team of six students from SUNY Upstate Medical University this past July to visit the quiet community of El Sauce, Nicaragua. The noble organization, Enlace, coordinated our stay by arranging every detail with meticulous care. The people of El Sauce are warm and welcoming and my host mama has become a dear friend.

We were introduced to the health care system in Nicaragua by actively participating in clinics at health posts in surrounding rural areas. The local doctors who accompanied us challenged us to think critically and discussed symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments as well as allowing us to do hands on assessments of the patients. We performed respiratory assessments, blood pressure checks and did numerous pap smears. Visits to the local hospital and Casa Materna gave us a further look at the MINSA (Ministerio de Salud, or the government’s Department of Health) system in Nicaragua. The frustration but also ingenuity of the doctors was evident when they creatively met the medication needs of their patients.

The trip was not all work with no play. The staff of Enlace Project planned after-hours entertainment as well. We found respite from the heat by swimming in a few local rivers. We had salsa lessons, which we then practiced at a local Karaoke establishment. We waited for the rain to clear and squished under a pavilion to finally watch a horse race. My favorite was participating in the ‘English School’. I enjoyed watching the students who are dedicated to learn English. Their camaraderie and fun was contagious.

The leaders of Enlace have incredible maturity as young leaders within this community. I was extremely impressed with the different levels of local involvement, from tourism promotion to micro-financing. Enlace is to be commended for its mission and goals and has definitely made a difference in the small community of El Sauce and for the visiting groups like ours. Perhaps Enlace could be a model for many other areas of Nicaragua (and the world) that would benefit from having similar programs. I suggest a TED Talk to promote this unique program.

I would love to return with a big chunky grant to further help promote Enlace’s work! Maybe next summer!!

Student Testimonials: Patrick McCormick

• Patrick McCormick, a State University of New York at Geneseo Junior studying Political Science and Pre-Med, traveled to El Sauce in May 2013. During a two month stay, Pat participated in both the Humanities II and Service Learning programs that Geneseo offers. As president of Geneseo's Peace Action club, he looks back on the experience fondly. 

  In reflecting on his experience, Pat came across a journal entry that he had written for the Service Learning class, this one dated June 25, 2013:

  

  Patrick with his host father, Luis.

  My initial game plan of working with the dental health campaign was abruptly altered when the opportunity to work at the clinic with Dra. Sara fell into my lap. I really enjoyed working with her because she took time to explain what problems each patient was having as well as making me write down words I did not know. The four hours I spent there were a great insight into the daily challenges of a general practitioner and she was amazing at keeping me involved despite my limited Spanish. After four hours of continuous patients without any break, I was able to really appreciate the work she does in a community like El Sauce.

  Not to be out done, my afternoon was a totally different sort of adventure. Yesterday Luis, my host father, invited me to accompany him to the small community of Sálales to the northeast of El Sauce. He was there to try and solve a water rights issue and was also accompanied by two police officers and three others. One police officer gave a long speech on how the police would fight drugs in the community and asked the people to help as well.

  Luis has quite a way of commanding the respect of the people. They were far more attentive and responsive to his speech than that of the police officer or other man that spoke. After talking to the community we marched up toward the nearby mountain to take a look at the water dispute first hand. Apparently there is a man claiming his father gifted him the land where the water gathers, a spot that is no more than 20ft by 10ft, and claims to have the rights to the spring of water. The townspeople badly need the water and the discussion held theirs was lengthy, but rather fruitless in the end. Eventually we left thanking the community, and finally hopped back in the police truck that we road up in.

  The resolution of these types of community issues is Luis’s job everyday. He tells me that he must travel to communities in and around El Sauce and try to find solutions to all sorts of problems just like this with the hope of improving the community. I am very impressed with how hard he works and just how much he cares for these communities. He does not get angry or frustrated, yet continues to work everyday at this task. I guess that it is not surprising to me that Silvia loves him dearly and praised him for his enormous heart when he left after dinner; he truly cares about improving the lives of the poor and downtrodden. For my part I gained a whole new perspective on Luis today and much more respect for what he does. Our difficulty communicating has made talking hard at times, but I am honored he invited me to go to Sálales with him. This was an excellent day in El Sauce.

  For more information on Enlace Project's Study Abroad Opportunities, click here.