Trip Report for Medical Clinic build - 2026

Location: Casa de Campos (Headquarters near Nandaime) & El Porvenir, Nicaragua
Duration: Two weeks
Project: Construction of a Medical Clinic
Team Size: 13 participants

A team of 13 volunteers—11 from Ontario and 2 from British Columbia—gathered at Casa de Campos, our headquarters near Nandaime, Nicaragua, for a two-week humanitarian mission. The primary objective of the trip was to continue construction of a much-needed medical clinic in the rural village of El Porvenir, improving access to basic healthcare services for the local community.

The team consisted of 8 men and 5 women, bringing a wide range of skills, experience, and dedication to the project:

• Tim Heipel – Provided essential plumbing expertise for the clinic
• Jason Murray – Contributed IT knowledge and technical problem-solving
• Adam Schefter – Assisted with construction and project support
• Niall Stanley – Skilled welder who supported metalwork and structural needs
• Steven Eckenswiller – Ensured team members had the tools, supplies, and support needed each day
• Jim Titerle – Brought a strong work ethic and great sense of humor, boosting team morale
• Brad Osborne – A returning veteran of five years with valuable building experience
• Luke Schefter – Contributed hands-on construction experience
• Mikayla Flanagan – Provided concrete and foundation-related expertise
• Sandra Lowe – Led sports and craft activities for local children, fostering connection and joy
• Sara Bartholomew – Taught CPR and first aid while also assisting with construction
• Linsey Vankooten – Supported CPR and first aid training and worked on-site at the build
• Janice Rauser – Team Lead, responsible for coordination, leadership, and overall guidance
  
  

Upon arrival, the medical clinic already had a foundation in place, allowing the team to focus on advancing the next critical phases of construction. Over the course of the two weeks, the team:

• Constructed the clinic’s walls and poured the concrete floor
• Dug and constructed a septic tank to support safe sanitation
• Completed plumbing, concrete, welding, and general building tasks
• Welded and constructed a front gate for the clinic
• Provided CPR and first aid training to community members
• Engaged local children through sports and craft activities
• Worked alongside Nicaraguan village  locals, building and painting

In addition to the construction work, Team Lead Janice Rauser conducted three field visits to existing COMMIT projects, strengthening relationships with local partners, monitoring ongoing initiatives, and gaining insight to inform future program planning.

The work completed during this trip significantly advanced the development of the medical clinic in El Porvenir. With the foundation already in place, the team progressed the project by constructing walls, installing sanitation infrastructure, and securing a front gate. These improvements bring the community closer to a fully functional medical center that will provide essential healthcare services for years to come. Edgar, along with our contracted workers and a hired engineer, will continue overseeing construction until completion. The engineer will provide technical guidance to ensure all aspects of the facility meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards. The team remains committed to steady progress, and upon completion, the clinic will greatly enhance access to medical care and support the long-term health and well-being of the region.

Sara and Linsey delivered CPR and first aid training across five villages, providing community members with essential life-saving skills. Each participant was given a personal first aid kit to support the immediate and ongoing application of their training. The sessions included interactive demonstrations and hands-on practice, and the CPR manikin used during instruction was donated and left in Nicaragua to enable continued training within the communities. Through these efforts, Sara and Linsey not only enhanced medical preparedness but also contributed to building long-term confidence, resilience, and self-sufficiency in emergency response among local residents.

The trip was marked by strong collaboration, adaptability, and mutual support. Each team member’s unique skills and positive attitude contributed to a productive work environment and a meaningful shared experience.

The team was unexpectedly stranded in Nicaragua for three days while awaiting flights home. A severe storm in Toronto led to widespread flight cancellations, preventing our return as scheduled. However this did not dampen the team’s morale. 

In conclusion this two-week humanitarian mission was both impactful and rewarding. Through construction, training, leadership engagement, and community partnership, the team played an important role in supporting the long-term health and well-being of the village of El Porvenir and strengthening COMMIT’s broader mission in Nicaragua.

Field Visit Reports

Field Visit Summary – Village of Nandarola

A field visit was conducted to the Village of Nandarola, where we met with five of the fourteen active members of the Agricultural Cooperative. Members reported that while additional people were invited to join, some later migrated to Costa Rica.

The cooperative meets monthly to discuss crop production, planting needs, and challenges. The primary challenge is water scarcity for crops on the hillside. No permanent solution can be implemented until the land purchase is finalized.

Main crops include corn, beans, wheat, and sorghum. The most recent harvest was strong due to favorable rains:

• Beans: 32 (100-lb) bags
• Corn: 15 (100-lb) bags
• Wheat: 8 (100-lb) bags
• Sorghum: 8 (100-lb) bags

Seeds are being saved for the next season, and surplus produce was sold locally at reduced prices, primarily within the community.

Family gardens are thriving and provide food for household consumption. Two pilot drip irrigation systems are working well, and many families are interested in installing similar systems. Costs for pumps and piping are being explored, with plans to include all interested families and hire an agronomist if the project proceeds.

The community-operated corn mill is functioning well and serves neighboring villages. Compost worm boxes are generally in good condition, though some need minor repairs.

Improved stoves are well maintained and have significantly improved household living conditions. The drilled well serves 50 families, is regularly tested, and functions well except for a cracked storage tank. The community proposes constructing a cement tank and requests support for materials estimated at USD 6,000, with all labor provided locally.

A one-day work visit is planned for September, including agricultural support, composting activities, and planting 50 tree seedlings.

The cooperative continues to demonstrate strong solidarity and organization, with active leadership and mutual support among members.

Field Visit Report – Casa de Piedra
 

Water Well

• CAPs meet monthly; president inactive—committee plans leadership change if needed.
• User fee: 80 Córdoba/month; ~32 households served.
• The well is functional but lacks regular chemical sanitation and biannual water testing.
• The committee agreed to resume chemical cleaning and begin routine testing.
  
  

Improved Cookstoves

• Stoves are functioning well and regularly cleaned.
• Users report high satisfaction, especially reduced smoke.
• The stove committee remains active and collects maintenance funds.
  
  

School (Auroitia)

• 20 students enrolled; met with Head Teacher Rosario Mercado.
• Needs: outdoor handwashing sink (piping already installed) and Nacho textbooks.
  
  

Sewing Co-op

• Meets three times weekly (paused in Nov–Dec); 7 active members.
• 7 machines total: 5 working, 2 need repair; technician to be sent.
• Requests materials for school uniforms and four instructional visits from a sewing teacher.
  
  

Serger Trial

• Serger on trial pending regular use
• The group will send photos; Janice to join WhatsApp group for monitoring.
• Members shared greetings and appreciation for Kim.

Field Visit Report – San Luis

Water Committee (CAPS)

• Met with President Francisco, Auxiliary Secretary, and Treasurer Cora.
• Village well functions, serving 34 households on two schedules due to low pressure:
  
  

1. 6:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (half)
2. 1:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. (other half)
   
   

• Water not recently tested; well cleaning/sanitation delayed due to Francisco’s age. Plan to assign a younger member.
• Requested 160 pipes from the mayor for service expansion.
• Planning household water meters for fair fee distribution; currently collect ~3,400 Córdoba/month.
  
  

Improved Stove Committee

• Leadership: President Francisco, Auxiliary Secretary, Treasurer Juana.
• 24 homes have improved stoves; 4,400 Córdoba saved for maintenance.
• Benefits reported: no indoor smoke, better health, faster cooking, less firewood, more family time. Program running well.
  
  

Sewing Cooperative

• Coordinator: Cora; nine women participating; sewing occurs 2–4 days/week; 7 machines working.
• Experienced a break-in; seeking additional security, possibly a doctor to stay in the attached medical center.
• Needs: extra scissors, built-in closet, reinforced windows, door reinstallation.
• Only San Luis Uno members participating; San Luis Dos members stopped due to lack of pay.
• Actively selling produced clothing; further evaluation for improvements planned.
  
  

Day 11 - Our final Day

Another great day in Nicaragua!

This morning, on our last workday at the site, we woke up to a rather surprising visitor—a nice, large spider waiting for us in the shower! Definitely not the kind of “good morning” we’re used to back in Canada. 😅

It’s wild to think about how different the wildlife is here. These big, furry friends are common in Nicaragua, but you just don’t see anything like them at home. It was a little startling at first, but now it feels like a fitting farewell to our time on-site—one last adventure before we wrap things up.

We’re leaving with a lot of memories, from the hard work we’ve accomplished to the unexpected encounters with local wildlife. Nicaragua, you’ve been full of surprises, and this last day reminded us once again how unique this place is.

A highlight of today was giving out brand new soccer and baseball jerseys to teams who do not have matching set. They were thrilled. Thanks to the fellow Mitchellite who donated the jerseys. 

Day 10: More of the same?

Wow, what an absolutely incredible 10 days this has been!

We started this project completely from the ground up, and watching it grow day by day has been nothing short of inspiring. From the very first planning session to seeing the beginnings of construction, it’s been amazing to witness what a dedicated team can accomplish. Every step of the way, our team has poured our hearts into this project, and the support and kindness we’ve received from the local community has been extraordinary. Their generosity, warmth, and enthusiasm have made this journey even more meaningful, and it’s clear that this project isn’t just about building a medical center—it’s about building connections and hope.

In these 10 days, we haven’t just worked side by side to accomplish something tangible; we’ve also forged friendships that I know will last a lifetime. Sharing laughs, stories, and even the occasional challenging moment has brought us closer together, reminding me that the best part of any project isn’t just what you build—it’s the people you build it with. Every conversation, every shared meal, every moment of teamwork has been a memory I’ll carry with me forever.

Today had a little twist: a city-wide power outage! While at first it seemed like an inconvenience, it ended up being a small blessing—we got to go home an hour early. Moments like that make you realize that even in the middle of hard work, life has little ways of giving us a break and reminding us to appreciate the small joys—like an unexpected early evening or the cool relief of stepping out of the heat.

Looking back, these 10 days have been more than just about construction. They’ve been about community, perseverance, and the beauty of people coming together for a shared purpose. I am endlessly grateful to our team, the locals, and everyone who has supported us along the way. We are building more than a medical center; we are building hope, memories, and bonds that will last far beyond these 10 days.

Here’s to the journey so far, the people we’ve met, and the difference we are creating together. I can’t wait to see what comes next.

Day 9: Fence, Forms and Fun

Site Journal – Day’s Progress

After completing our first aid training, everyone was ready to get hands-on with the building work. The front fence is looking almost complete now; just a few finishing touches remain, like leveling the posts and securing the final panels. It’s satisfying to see it taking shape so quickly.

At the front wall, we stripped the forms from yesterday’s steel-reinforced concrete columns. Setting up the new forms was a careful process, ensuring everything is level and secure before pouring the next batch of concrete. Meanwhile, additional blocks were added to the front wall, slowly giving the structure more height and stability. Every block laid feels like a tangible step toward the finished building.

Over at the back of the site, work on the septic tank continued with steady progress. The base and walls are now more defined, and it’s encouraging to see the plans from paper turning into real, functional structures. Attention to detail here is important because this part of the building will have a lasting impact on its functionality.

Today, posts for the front and back roofs arrived. They were painted on-site to protect them from the elements before installation. It was satisfying to see everyone pitching in, carefully handling the posts, and preparing them for the next stage. Knowing they will soon support the roof gives a real sense of progress.

Watching the building slowly take shape is a humbling experience. It’s a reminder of how much technology, equipment, and planning are involved in construction projects—resources that we often take for granted back home. Every day on this site reinforces the importance of teamwork, planning, and patience in turning a vision into reality.

Day 8: A Day of Service and Teamwork in La Vigia

After a weekend full of rest and relaxation….

In La Vigia, Linsey, Sara, Carlos, and Daniel led a CPR training course for community members. Their dedication ensured that participants not only learned life-saving skills but felt supported throughout the process. A special thank-you goes to Carlos and Daniel for their invaluable help with translating and teaching—your efforts made this training accessible and impactful for everyone involved.

In addition to the CPR training, Edgar spent time in the field visiting with the local water committee. This visit allowed for important conversations about current water needs, system maintenance, and future improvements, strengthening collaboration and understanding within the community.

Back at the Casa, Jason, our IT brain, stayed behind to work his magic. He spent the day getting donated computers up and running, which will soon be delivered to the local hospital and fire hall. This behind-the-scenes work will make a lasting difference for these essential services.

Meanwhile, at the building site in El Porvenir, Janice and Mikayla put in a full day constructing rebar cages. Their hard work laid the foundation—literally—for what’s to come.

The construction crew—Adam, Brad, Niall, Luke, Tim, Jim, Orlando, Jamil, Erik, Steve, and Roger—worked tirelessly pouring concrete caps throughout the day. Even after the long hours, they continued on, coming together to assemble the fence and weld everything securely into place.

Each person played a vital role today, and together, these efforts are helping strengthen the community of La Vigia and El Porvenir. We are grateful for every hand, every skill, and every heart that made this day possible.

Day 5: Continued Progress

Day 5 took our team in several directions as we continued serving families and communities in Nandarola and the surrounding areas. Sara, Linsey, and Daniel spent the day teaching first-aid and CPR in Nandarola, with Carlos translating. It was a valuable time of hands-on learning and equipping community members with practical, life-saving skills. Nandarola is a beautiful community. Hardworking and appreciative of all the support from Comitt.

Janice, Mikayla, and Edgar also met with the people of Nandarola to discuss their ongoing agriculture project. Together, they talked about the family gardens, how the current irrigation systems are working, and opportunities for future expansion. During this meeting, the community shared a request for support in building a concrete water tank, which would help strengthen their water storage for their bean and corn crops and support long-term agricultural growth.They also met with CAPS and checked on previously installed wells and stoves, with Edgar translating throughout the day.

Meanwhile, Sandra led sports and crafts with the children in Nandarola, creating a fun and encouraging space for kids to play, learn, and connect. Jhonny assisted Sandra, helping make the day engaging and joyful for the children.

While in Nandarola, the community blessed us by baking toaster-strudel-like pastries using the baking oven funded by Comitt—a sweet reminder of the partnership and shared joy between our team and the community.

Back at the jobsite, Tim, Jason, Adam, Steve, Luke, Niall, Orlando, Erick and Yamil continued steady progress on the build. The team installed septic pipes, built the front gate, and began cementing the floor—another big step forward in the construction work.

Overall, it was a full and impactful day marked by teamwork, service, and meaningful connections across the community.

Day 4: Coming together

Today was another powerful reminder of why we're here: building together, serving together.

At the Build Site: The Medical Walk-In Clinic Takes Shape

Construction on the new medical walk-in clinic continued with great momentum. The black water hole now has forms for a solid foundation in place— a key step forward! We raised four walls on the main building to the halfway mark, giving the structure real definition and height. It's exciting to see it rising day by day.

Yesterday's trenching paid off beautifully: we successfully ran grey and black water plumbing lines, and most of the trenches are now filled back in. The front fence got a proper doorway installed, making access safer and more welcoming.

What stands out most is the incredible partnership with the local community. Husbands, wives, and children joined us, chipping in with their time, energy, and expertise. This isn't just our project—it's ours together. We're continually blessed by their generosity and willingness to help build this clinic that will serve their families for years to come.

Nurse Team Out in the Community

While the build crew hammered away, our nurse team was out visiting several sites. Linsey and Sara led a first aid training session for eight parents, equipping them with life-saving knowledge they can share at home. Mikalya and Janice made follow-up visits to previous sites, checking in on families and offering continued support and care. These personal connections make the work feel so meaningful.

Sewing Facility: Creativity and Economic Hope

The sewing program keeps thriving! There are currently eight active sewers hard at work in the facility. The most exciting update: they've begun selling their handmade items at the local cooperative! This is a huge milestone—turning skills into sustainable income and building economic independence for these women and their families.

Improved Stoves: Transforming Homes

The stoves we helped introduce continue to make a tangible difference. Several mothers shared heartfelt stories about the changes: no more smoke filling the house, so everyone can breathe easier and stay healthier. The stoves burn more efficiently, using less wood—which means less time spent gathering firewood and more time for family, rest, or other pursuits. Best of all, the stoves remain in pristine condition thanks to this careful, grateful use.

Well Update: Clean Water Still Flowing

We met with the local water committee to review the well dug a few years ago. It's in excellent shape—well-maintained and reliably providing clean drinking water to the community. Seeing the ongoing care and ownership from the committee is inspiring; it's a beautiful example of sustainable impact that outlasts any single trip.

Days like today fill us with gratitude. The progress on the clinic, the joy in the sewing room, the healthier homes thanks to the stoves, and the steady flow of clean water— the power of community working hand in hand.

Day 3 : Dig Dig, Build, Dig

Wow,  what another fantastic day was had by the whole team. On arriving we hit the shovels hard and had to finish a large hole that will be for the septic tank, wheel barrel after wheel barrel of dirt was removed.  We definitely take heavy equipment for granted. At the same time several team members were working on trenches where treated water will be able to enter the building and other trenches where the grey water will leave.  The cement block walls for the building are starting to really take shape and it is beginning to look like the future medical center that will be such a blessing to all the locals. While the work at the jobsite was happening in the morning, several of our very amazing nurses went to Casa de Piedra to give life saving first aid training and they gave out some well needed first aid kits and other medical supplies.  Once some welding jigs had some small repairs done to them we were able to set up the assembly line and make rebar cages that will be cemented into the walls at strategic locations to help the building survive earthquakes. The front gate to the property and fence posts were started as well, so many different parts of the project are well under way.  Lots of laughs, combined with sweat and hard work that will help so many people in the future is the best way to create so many long lasting friendships amongst the team members,,,,,, it doesn’t get better than this.    

Day Two: Building Skills, Relationships, and Hope

Day two of our mission trip was full of meaningful work, teamwork, and joy as we continued serving the community of El Porvenir.

In the village, Linsey and Sara led a First Aid and CPR training for 12 women, equipping them with practical, life-saving skills they can use to care for their families and neighbors. They were joined by Daniel, a firefighter, who shared his expertise, and Carlos, who faithfully translated to ensure everyone could fully participate. At the end of the training, first aid kits were provided to each attendee, a gift that will continue to make an impact long after our team leaves. It was encouraging to see the women engaged, asking questions, and eager to learn.

Meanwhile, Sandra spent time with many eager children, playing games and leading crafts. The kids especially loved baseball and creative activities, and their energy and laughter filled the area. These moments of play created quick bonds and reminded us how powerful simple joy and attention can be.

At the job site, our construction team made major progress. A six-foot-deep hole was dug, a physically demanding task that required perseverance and teamwork. Even more exciting, we started the first layer of bricks for the medical center, a huge milestone in the project. Seeing the foundation begin to take shape made the vision feel real and tangible.

As we ended the day, we reflected on how God worked through teaching, playing, building, and serving. Day two showed us that missions happen in many forms—through education, encouragement, hard labor, and shared smiles. We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of something that will bless this community for years to come.

Day One: In Nandaime

Travel Day

By the time our travel day began, eleven of us were already learning one another’s rhythms—who packed too much or too many shoes, who stayed calm, who cracked jokes when plans went sideways. Our WestJet flight ran about an hour late, testing our patience early on, but once we were in the air everything settled. The flight itself was smooth, almost peaceful, giving us our first quiet moment to imagine what lay ahead

We landed in Liberia and breezed through customs far faster than expected, a small victory that buoyed our spirits. Soon we were rolling down the road on a one-and-a-half-hour drive that passed easily, the landscape unfolding outside the windows as the reality of the trip slowly sank in.

Then came the border—and the work. Dragging two fifty-pound suitcases each over nearly 500 meters quickly turned camaraderie into necessity. Laughter mixed with groans as we inched forward, until someone had the brilliant idea to hire a rickshaw to carry some of our bags. Watching it trundle off with our heavy luggage felt like a triumph. The line at Nicaraguan customs stretched on forever, but when our turn finally came, our bags passed through without a problem, another quiet win at the end of a long stretch.

At last, we met Edgar and our driver, and together faced the puzzle of fitting our many enormous suitcases into the back of Edgar’s truck. Somehow, with determination and creativity, everything found a place. The final drive delivered us to our casa, where the day ended on the best possible note: a warm, delicious meal prepared by Eva, Ana, Milagro, and Alicia.

By midnight, we were crawling into bed—utterly exhausted, muscles aching, but hearts full and excitement buzzing quietly beneath the fatigue, ready for whatever tomorrow would bring.