Improving Communities around the World
"You truly learn a whole new meaning to the word community"
In Feburary and March of 2009, deep in the heart of the "Darien", considered one of
the most hostile jungles in the world, eight Canadians and two Americans traveled to the
village of Llano Bonito with one mission: to make a difference. I was privileged
to be a part of this exciting expedition.
The mission was to improve the water supply and waste management for the Embera
tribe who lived in the small village. Armed with construction supplies, hygiene
and school supplies, sports equipment and World Health Organization toilets, the
crew worked diligently to improve the standards of life for the small tribe.
Really, the Fer-de-Lance and the Black Panthers seemed less of a threat than the ants
and the chiggers. The journey to the village took three days by plane, van, and boat (hand cut from a tree)
followed by a vigorous hike, deep into the jungle. The trip lasted 10 days and consisted of sleeping
in hammocks, digging trenches and waste holes, and building cement hole covers and latrines.
This was a marvellous experience watching, learning and sharing with an isolated
culture. You truly learn a whole new meaning to the word community.