Tuesday was one of those days that left us exhausted but deeply encouraged. It was a day filled with long hours on the road, river crossings, unexpected challenges, and meaningful conversations that reminded us why this work matters.
Our team set out early in the morning to visit two of the most remote communities we serve: Camerones and La Flor. The trip from San Juan took nearly three hours each way and involved navigating winding dirt roads, climbing and descending more hills than we could count, and crossing several rivers. While the journey was demanding, the beauty of the countryside made every mile worthwhile. Recent rains had transformed the landscape into a sea of vibrant green. Trees, fields, and hillsides were bursting with life, creating breathtaking views around every corner.
Our first destination was Camerones, where COMMIT built a medical center one year ago. Reaching the community reminded us just how isolated some of these villages are and how difficult it can be for families to access healthcare. When we arrived, we found that the doctor and nurse were not at the clinic. Later, we learned that transportation challenges had prevented them from getting there that day. Had they known we were travelling to the village, they would have gladly joined us.
While at the clinic, we inspected the water tank that supplies the facility. We discovered that it needs to be raised higher to improve water pressure and reliability. Eric will be building a taller base for the tank in the near future. We also learned that the water truck responsible for refilling the tank cannot always make the trip because road conditions often become impassable, especially during periods of heavy rain.
As we discussed possible solutions, one idea stood out: installing a rainwater collection system. With the amount of rainfall the area receives, capturing and storing rainwater could provide a valuable supplemental water source for the clinic and help reduce dependence on water deliveries. It is another example of how small improvements can make a significant difference in remote communities.
One of the most rewarding parts of our visit was spending time with local residents. Several people shared how grateful they are to have a medical center in their community. Before the clinic was built, accessing healthcare often required long and difficult travel. Today, families have access to a doctor and nurse five days a week. Hearing stories of how the clinic has improved lives was a powerful reminder of the impact that accessible healthcare can have on an entire community.
From Camerones, we continued our journey to La Flor, crossing another river along the way. Years ago, COMMIT partnered with this community to drill a well that would provide clean drinking water. We were delighted to see that the system continues to function extremely well and serves not only La Flor but neighboring communities as well.
Although the village still does not have electricity, residents now have something many once lacked—reliable access to safe, clean water. The gratitude expressed by community members was humbling. Clean water is something many of us take for granted, but for these families it has transformed daily life, improved health, and reduced the burden of collecting water from unsafe sources.
After leaving La Flor, we travelled to the hospital in Nandaime to meet with staff and learn more about their current needs. The hospital has an extensive list of equipment and supply needs, but one item rose to the top of the priority list: a fetal heart monitor. This equipment is critically important when monitoring mothers whose labor is being induced, helping healthcare providers ensure the safety of both mother and baby during delivery. We also discussed the ongoing needs of several other medical centers that COMMIT has built and supported throughout the region.
Our final stop of the day was Casa de Piedra. We were pleased to find that the community well is operating successfully and continuing to provide clean water to local families. However, like many community-managed projects, there are ongoing challenges. Some residents have fallen behind on payments, making it difficult to build sufficient reserves for future repairs and maintenance. The water committee is actively addressing the issue and continues working to educate residents about the importance of contributing to the long-term sustainability of the system.
Before ending our visit, we met with members of the local sewing cooperative. Unfortunately, participation has steadily declined, and the group has made the difficult decision to close. While this chapter is coming to an end, they hope to keep one sewing machine for personal use and transfer the remaining machines to the San Luis sewing cooperative, where they can continue to benefit women and families in another community.
As the day came to a close and we made the long drive back to San Juan, we reflected on everything we had seen. The miles travelled, rough roads, and river crossings were significant, but they were overshadowed by the evidence of lives being changed. We saw a medical center providing healthcare in a remote village. We saw wells continuing to deliver clean water years after installation. We identified new opportunities to strengthen existing projects and listened carefully to communities as they shared both their successes and their challenges.
Days like this remind us that sustainable development is not just about constructing buildings or drilling wells. It is about building relationships, supporting communities, and walking alongside people as they create healthier and brighter futures for themselves and their families. We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of that journey and thankful for everyone whose support makes this work possible.
We had to cross and drive through three rivers to reach
Camerones and one more to reach La Flor
At the Medical Center COMMIT built two years ago
Some people from the community of La Flor using the well
Monday, Project Report
Today’s trip to San Luis began early, with a 6:30 a.m. departure and a two-and-a-half-hour drive ahead of us. The journey was not an easy one. Recent rains have left the roads in rough condition, with deep ruts and large puddles making travel slow and challenging.
The trip was especially memorable because it was Brhett’s first visit to Nicaragua. Along the way, she got a true introduction to rural Nicaragua and its wildlife. One of the highlights of the morning was stopping to observe a tree full of howler monkeys. Their voices were astonishingly loud, echoing through the surrounding area and providing an unforgettable welcome to the country.
After arriving in San Luis, we met with the women's sewing cooperative. Eric, our construction specialist, joined us for the visit. Following the recent break-in, security has been a major concern. Eric had already reinforced the iron bars on the windows, but after discussing additional protection with the group, he plans to install a metal barrier in front of the shutters as an extra safeguard. This added layer of security will help prevent future attempts to gain access to the building.
The women also expressed a need for a secure storage locker for their sewing machines. Encouragingly, all seven of their machines are currently in good working condition. however, the cooperative has not resumed sewing since the break-in. Another challenge arose when electrical service was disconnected because the building lacked a meter and the cooperative does not yet have an official registered name. The group plans to establish a name for their cooperative and work with the municipality to restore electrical service. If all goes well, they hope to be sewing again by mid-June and preparing costumes for Independence Day celebrations in September.
We also inspected several of the community stoves and identified some maintenance concerns. A number of units have faulty pipes and issues within the combustion chambers that will need attention in the future.
Later in the day, we met with the well committee to discuss the community water system. The committee has been doing a commendable job maintaining the well and currently cleans it once each month. While the community is not facing a water shortage, they are experiencing low water pressure.
One positive development is that the municipality recently drilled a well at the local school. Community members are now hoping to install a water storage tank at the site, which is estimated to cost approximately $200. We will discuss this possibility and determine whether it is a project we can support.
To help manage water availability, the committee has established a schedule that allows some households to access water in the morning and others in the afternoon. However, the current distribution appears somewhat unbalanced, with one group consisting of 29 households and the other only 6. The committee is considering adjustments to make the system more equitable for everyone.
As in previous years, collecting water payments remains a challenge. Residents are expected to make monthly payments to Cora, but not everyone has been keeping up with their contributions. The committee continues to work toward improving participation and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the water system.
Although the morning revealed several challenges, it also highlighted the determination of the people of San Luis. From strengthening security and restoring the sewing cooperative to maintaining the community water system, local leaders and residents continue to work together toward practical solutions and a stronger future.
La Vigia was next on our list of villages to visit today. The well is in good working order and there don't seem to be any issues. The people are so very grateful for the clean drinking water that they have in their community.
Next, our team visited Nandarola, COMMITS' first adopted village. The rainy season has certainly arrived, turning the roads into muddy tracks and making the journey an adventure from the very beginning.
The river crossing was manageable, but the real challenge came when our vehicle became stuck on a steep hill. Fortunately, a little patience and teamwork got us moving again. Along the way, we passed countless cattle wandering the roads, a familiar sight in rural Nicaragua and a reminder of the agricultural life that sustains these communities.
When we finally arrived in Nandarola, we were warmly welcomed by the farming cooperative. Every visit feels like coming home. The relationships built over the years have grown into something much deeper than a partnership—they feel like family.
One of our priorities was inspecting the clean cook-stoves throughout the community. We were especially encouraged to visit a stove installed during our original pilot project. After nine years of daily use, it is still serving the family well. The stove now needs a replacement firebox, but its longevity is a testament to both the quality of the design and the care taken by the family using it. We also visited several other homes to inspect stoves and identify repairs that will help keep them functioning safely and efficiently.
Another major focus of our visit was the community water system. We made the difficult climb up the hill to inspect the water tank that serves the village. The hike involved nearly 100 meters of elevation gain and was a challenging trek, especially in the humid conditions following heavy rains.
At the top, we found that despite previous reinforcement efforts, the water tank continues to leak. The community well itself is working very well and provides a reliable source of water. The primary issue is the aging storage tank. After assessing the situation, we determined that the best long-term solution is to replace it with a new concrete tank approximately three feet high and measuring four by four meters. This project has now been selected as our team's major work project for January.
We were also pleased to see that the community corn mill continues to operate successfully. Not only is it serving Nandarola residents, but it is also grinding corn for neighboring villages, providing both a valuable service and economic opportunity for the community.
The farmers shared some of the challenges they are facing this season. Unusually heavy rainfall has made planting difficult, and many families chose not to risk planting larger crops because of the uncertain conditions. Family garden plots, however, are doing well. Looking ahead, many families have expressed interest in joining the irrigation system project so they can ensure reliable water supplies during the dry season and continue growing food year-round.
One of the most urgent needs raised during our visit was assistance with seeds for the next planting season. Farmers estimate that approximately $40 per family would provide the seeds needed for their next crop. This relatively small investment could make a significant difference in helping families recover from a difficult growing season and improve food security in the months ahead.
As always, our visit to Nandarola was both encouraging and inspiring. We witnessed infrastructure that continues to serve the community years after installation, identified practical projects that will strengthen access to clean water, and listened to the hopes and concerns of local families. Most importantly, we were reminded that lasting development is built through relationships, trust, and partnership.
We look forward to returning in January to work alongside the community on the new water tank project and continue supporting the people of Nandarola as they build a stronger future.
For Brhett, the day provided an authentic first glimpse of Nicaragua—rough roads, welcoming communities, important conversations, and even a tree full of howler monkeys whose powerful calls were impossible to forget. It was a memorable introduction to the country and the work being done alongside its communities.
The farmers of Nandarola
A stove in Nandarola, built over 9 years ago and still working well.
