The WVU group, Global Brigades coordinators, doctors and volunteers
on the last day of the medical and dental clinics in La Corona.
Photo by Blair Dowler.
Blair Dowler and Rachel
Nieman on a group hike
to a waterfall near the
community of La Corona.
Photo by David Hoeng.
A Lasting Impact
On the last day of this nine-day adventure in Central
America, our group had the opportunity to enjoy the scenery
of Nicaragua. We traveled to a nature reserve where we hiked
to a beautiful waterfall and saw many exotic animals. Immers-
ing myself in the country’s natural beauty, it was hard not to
recognize what this trip had given me. The Global Brigades
coordinators, translators and volunteers opened my eyes to
how they strive each day to change the lives of people in
resource-reduced countries around the world.
During this journey, new and renewed friendships bloomed
among the members of our group. Each evening after work,
there was time for reflection. As the students opened up and
told their stories and shared their dreams and passion for
helping people both at home and here in an unfamiliar land,
they restored my faith in humanity. As they talked with and
helped the kind folks of these Nicaraguan communities, they
painted a picture of a future of hope.
While I did not eat in extravagant restaurants or stay in
luxurious resorts during my visit to Nicaragua, I was easily
submerged in the country’s authentic culture. I encountered
humility, selflessness, compassion, resilience and perseverance.
This journey and these people changed my outlook on life.
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