MACKILLOP AND BENNETT
NICARAGUA
2012
In the fall of 2008, just having returned from a Habitat Global Village trip to Costa Rica, Tony Bennett and Paul MacKillop decided to embarque on their own Global Village adventures. The team from Ottawa was starting to take shape. Since that day, the Bennett-MacKillop connection has enjoyed two trips to El Salvador, and are now getting set for their second trip to Nicaragua.
In November 2012, our team of dedicated volunteers will be leaving the comforts of their homes, for the adventures awaiting in northern Nicaragua.
Introducing Team 2012:
Paul MacKillop, Tony and Carolyn Bennett, Tad Pierscianowski and Jake Pierscianowski, Ron Wiltshire, Camille Ewert and Gerald Ecker , Wendy and Jeffrey Darwin, Barry MacKillop, Rosie Milito, Susan Freiwald, Jane Obst, David Gervais , Rita Conti, Brian Gervais, Jennifer and Renee Ouellette, Stafford Rollocks, Chris, Jill (Woodley) and Grace Tessier, John Lindsay, Cheryl Pettit, Joe McGuire
Paul MacKillop:
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Hola! My name is Paul MacKillop and this will be the fourth build for Tony and I as team leaders. I'm from Ottawa Ontario and I'm married with no kids. I can't wait to land in Nicaragua and get to work. Looking forrward to experiencing Estili Nicaragua with this great team of ours!
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Renee Ouellette:
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Hey, my name is Renee, and i am a Grade 10 student at St.Joseph's high school. I am extremely excited to be joining everyone this year in this Habitat experience. I've heard so much about Habitat from my mother (Jennifer) over the last two years and I am overjoyed to be joining her and everyone else on this trip. Looking forward to meeting everyone
Jennifer Ouellette:  |
Tad and Jake Pierscianowski
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Tad Pierscianowski is a 62 year old physician – dermatologist – who has been practicing in Ottawa for over 26 years. He is a Brit with a strong Polish heritage who immigrated to Canada from England in 1977. He served with the Canadian Armed Forces for 20 years.
Jacob Pierscianowski is an enthusiastic 17 year old, grade 12 student in the International Baccalaureate program at Colonel By S.S. He is the youngest of four Pierscianowski kids. His goal is to study sciences at University and follow in his father’s footsteps into medicine. He is passionate about fitness and enjoys playing football, rugby and swimming.
I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone! Cheers, Jake
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I was born into an entrepreneurial family in
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Hello fellow “Habitatters”. My name is Dave Gervais and I live in
I’ve been on several trips with Tony and never a dull moment. This is trip will be my 4th with Habitat and 2nd to
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Me llamo Ron. I am a 56 year old Occupational Therapist. I have two grown boys (ages 24 and 22, just finishing school – yahoo). I have a lovely, supportive wife. I am a “newbie” to this, and am looking forward to the adventure, and to getting dirty.
Jane Marie Obst |
Hello folks! Since I did not get voted off the island, I am returning for my 2rd year as a member of this team, I guess I was able to convince Tona and Paul that every team DOES need a Newfoundlander after all.
I am really looking forward to sharing another wonderful experience with the old and new team members. Over the past year, I have been trying to work hard on my card playing, party tricks and writing skills. Looking forward to the break from the corporate world, the busy family life of a husband, 3 kids, and a cat...... and being gently reminded about what life is really all about.
I am really looking forward to sharing another wonderful experience with the old and new team members. Over the past year, I have been trying to work hard on my card playing, party tricks and writing skills. Looking forward to the break from the corporate world, the busy family life of a husband, 3 kids, and a cat...... and being gently reminded about what life is really all about.
Grace Tessier:
Hi! My name is Grace Tessier and I’m 16 and in grade 11. I go to a small town high school, so I’m happy to get the chance to go to Nicaragua and learn about their culture. I live a good life with a wonderful family, and I know this trip will give me a chance to understand that not everyone is as lucky as I am.
I love the outdoors and new adventure, but my favourite place to be is on the water. I am an avid rower with the Ottawa Rowing club and spend as much time there as I can. I work part-time at a daycare in my town, and love kids. I am looking forward to helping those who are less fortunate then myself, and meeting the children. I’m hoping this trip will give me new experiences and help me with my future goals in life. It will be great to be a part of something that I have heard about from my parents and my sister who went to Nicaragua in 2011. I look forward to meeting you all!
Jill Woodley Tessier
I am so excited to get back to building in Nicaragua. After I decided to follow my husband who started with the team 5 years ago, I am hooked and thrilled to be going on my third build. Last year I was accompanied by my 17 year old daughter, Morgan. We felt this might be the perfect graduation gift to help her decide where her focus might be in university. It was the best experience of my life, and sharing it with her will always be etched in my heart.
This year we are travelling with our second daughter, Grace, who at 16 is ready for the adventure, the hard work and the lasting memories and friendships. I have promised her she will get all four….the memories and friendships something that she can keep forever.
I am a proud Mum of three beautiful young women, and work in the non-profit world. My day job has me raising funds and awareness around homelessness and living with HIV/AIDS. The dignity and health that comes with having a home is very important to me, and I have seen such incredible stories of resilience and strength. I am a Maritimer living in land locked Ontario, but surviving. I love the water, and cannot wait to dip my toe in the Pacific and feel the warm embrace of Nicaragua.
Cheryl Pettit:
THIS is how excited I get being a part of these HFH trips. This is my 3rd year with this team, and I am looking forward to seeing everyone from years past, and meeting this years newcomers. Nicaragua was a wonderful country to see last year, anxious to see more of it, and get some building done. See you all soon. Cheryl
Camille and Gerry :
"Hola from Gerry and Camille! This is our 4th Global Village trip with Paul and Tony down to Central America and we are pretty excited to see the 'old' team members again and to meet those who are joining us for the first time. We always end up having great adventures - some planned, such as discovering a wonderful community, and some not so much, like push starting a bus! But we always leave looking forward to re-joining the team the next year."
CAROLYN COLLINS BENNETT
TONY BENNETT
Hola. This will be trip number seven to Central America. Thank you Joe McGuire for introducing Habitat to Carolyn and I. This will also be trip number four co-leading with Paul MacKillop. This year's team has twenty-six members with eighteen veterans and eight rookies. I am happy to have my wife Carolyn join me for her third trip to Central America. Should be lots of fun and lots of lifetime memories for everyone to share.
RITA CONTI
Hello Fellow Habitaters! I am looking forward to another trip with Tony and Paul. I was born and raised in Ottawa. I`ve been married to Steve Ryan for 18 years and have two children, Liam, age 13 and Sarah, age 11. When I`m not shuttling kids to hockey and ringette, I spend my days working as an Information Assistant in the Animal Health Division of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. I was on the last two trips to El Salvador and Nicaragua with Tony and Paul. It was definitely one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. I am looking forward to seeing everyone from last year and meeting all of you new to the team. Much fun and adventure to be had!
WENDY DARWIN
Hola, my name is Wendy Darwin and I live in Ottawa with my husband, Jeff...yes, he's the one in the pilot's seat! After the incredible experience I shared with everyone on our team last year in El Salvador, I knew I had to do this again. I'm really looking forward to our build in Nicaragua and meeting those of you new to the team this year. As for the heavy lifting...I just stay close to Dave and Stafford!
SUSAN FREIWALD and ROSIE MILITO
Sue Freiwald on the Left: Hi team, my name is Sue and this will be my first trip with Habitat for Humanity. I'm married and have 2 boys aged 11 and 13. I have heard so much about Tony and Paul through my sister-in-law Rosie, who will be heading down there with me. I love to travel and can't wait to experience all there is in Estelli and the awesome feeling of helping others. I can't wait to meet everyone!
Rosie Milito on the Right: Hi All, this is my second trip with most of you, and I am looking forward to it. My family consists of two teenagers, Michael and Lina who keep my life busy. Not to mention the real love of my life – our new puppy named Carter. And oh yeah, I probably shouldn’t forget my husband of 20 years, Ron, whom some of you know. In talking of the trip two years ago many of my family and friends were interested so this year, my sister-in-law (Sue) is joining us. I am sure she will enjoy herself and fit perfectly into our “Habitat” family.
BARRY MACKILLOP
Hello all! My name is Barry MacKillop and I was born and raised in Hull along with my little brother Paul . ! After working for over twelve years with the Youth Services Bureau in Ottawa and a couple of years addressing youth and violence issues in Ottawa, I took a position with the federal government. I currently work as the Deputy Director with the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada. I have been lucky to share my life for the last thirty with a beautiful and wonderful woman and we have two teenagers to keep us busy. This will be my 4th build and I am looking forward to what promises to be a great experience.
JOHN LINDSAY
Chris,John,Dave G. and Dave T.
This is my fourth trip with Habitat for Humanity. Tony first introduced me to the experience and I had to go back. The smiles on all the faces during the week we there just makes your day.
During the week I work with BMO Harris Private Banking as an Investment Counsellor. I am married and unfortunately my wife Gail can not attend this trip. We have one son named Grant who is 15 years old.
My other main responsibility is driving Grant from one soccer practice to the other 52 weeks out of the year. Looking forward to meeting everyone shortly. That's me in the shorts.
CHRIS TESSIER
Hola my friends! I’m Chris Tessier and this will be my 5th build with the stellar Bennett/MacKillop leaders and I can’t begin to tell you what these trips have meant to me. You not only build homes, you build friendships that last a lifetime. I am very excited to be sharing this build with my beautiful daughter, Grace. She has been a part of these builds through stories and pictures, and I feel so fortunate to be sharing Nicaragua with her. Looking forward to seeing this beautiful country and leaving some sweat behind. I am an avid volunteer in my community and love it, but there is something to be said about challenging your horizon and going global too. I am always inspired by the incredible people along the way.
JOE MCGUIRE
This Nicaragua build is very special for me, in many ways. I travelled to Nicaragua in 1988 as a member of the 'Canadian Light Brigade', an ad hoc group of observers and workers who travelled the country at the time of the war between the Contras and Sandinistas, meeting various groups, and working to refurbish a school in Managua. I particularly look forward to returning to Esteli, then, the site of horrendous atrocities.
It is often said that these builds are addictive. Indeed, they are. Where else would one travel with such an enthusiastic group of people who are high on making the world a better place? The host families and communities have much to give, in many unexpected ways... the face grins, and the mind spins on that plane ride home.
This will be my tenth build with Habitat; so far, all of them in Central and South America. In the above picture, I am installing a railing on a home in Haiti, during my first build with the Fuller Foundation in September of this year.
Thanks, Tony and Paul for having me! I look forward to working together again!
BRIAN GERVAIS:
I live in Halifax, Nova Scotia with my wife Sue and three daughters. I work for TD Bank Group in Canada leading retail branches in Atlantic Canada. My volunteer experience extends to coaching sports, Board of Directors for Ronald McDonald House, local area hospitals and several Habitat for Humanity builds in Canada.
STAFFORD ROLLOCKS:
Hola All.
I would like to thank Tony and Paul for the opportunity to accompany the team to Estili, Nicaraqua . This is my first build and I am looking forward to contributing to the success of the team and helping out in any way that I can. Over the past four years I have heard Tony, Carolyn, Jeff, Wendy and Dave talk relentlessly about the feeling and fulfillment that they received from their involvement with Habitat. I’m looking forward to feeling what they feel and helping those that are less fortunate than we are. I’m truly looking forward to the experience and forming new friendships along the way.
When I’m not trying to be a handyman (Jeff and Dave can attest to how handy I am…so much so that in Grade 7, I passed my wood working shop only if I promised the teacher not to enroll in future wood working courses….so no nailing and hammering for me), I work at Algonquin College as the Controller for the Students’ Association. I was blessed with two amazing boys, Brandon and Jordan. Brandon is in his 3rd year at Carleton University (Ottawa) taking business administration with his sights on getting an Accounting degree and certification as either a CA or CGA. Jordan is in his last year of high school with hopes of continuing his education in the US, looking to study business or political science.
In my down time, I enjoy reading, going to sporting events, participating in recreational activities and spending time with family and friends.
Espero verlos pronto y conocerlos a todos y juntos hacer la construcion de el Habitat para Human Society un exellente logro.
ESTELI NICARAGUA:
If you're one of those travelers drawn to Nicaragua by more than a bit of curiosity about the Sandinista-led revolution, particularly if you're the sort with a Che Guevara T-shirt, you really need to stop into the highland stronghold of Estelí. It's an agribusiness center (specializing in premium cigars) and principal town between Managua and the Honduran border, hence the strip of trucker-friendly business lining the Interamericana (Pan-American Hwy) as it blasts through town.
This strategic importance led to heavy fighting during the revolution and later, the Contra War; this city has been bombed too many times. Regardless, then, as now, it remained one of the Sandinista's strongest support bases in the country. This sentiment is expressed all over town, from murals and bars to the several Spanish schools that were once the first stop of the internacionalistas (idealistic young volunteers who came during the 1980s) before they hit the collectivized farms. Estelí is still a popular place to learn the language, smoke a stogie - Estelí's own Tobaco Cuba-Nica Serie Padrón 1926 is one of the world's best - and just relax into one of the Northern Highlands' most storied cities.
Housing:
Eighty percent of the Nicaraguan population subsists on less than US$2 per day, and 43 percent on less than US$1 a day. In a country of more than five million habitants, there are many situations that affect the housing situation. Inadequate housing (both qualitative and quantitative), insufficient public investment in the housing sector, natural disasters, social and economic instability, migration from rural to urban areas and the formation of new nuclear families are all factors that take a toll on the availability of adequate housing in Nicaragua. It is estimated that each year the housing deficit in the country rises by some 30,000 homes.
Due to the low priority of housing on both political and non-profit agendas, investment in the housing sector has not been sufficient to tackle the problem.
Eighty percent of the Nicaraguan population subsists on less than US$2 per day, and 43 percent on less than US$1 a day. In a country of more than five million habitants, there are many situations that affect the housing situation. Inadequate housing (both qualitative and quantitative), insufficient public investment in the housing sector, natural disasters, social and economic instability, migration from rural to urban areas and the formation of new nuclear families are all factors that take a toll on the availability of adequate housing in Nicaragua. It is estimated that each year the housing deficit in the country rises by some 30,000 homes.
Due to the low priority of housing on both political and non-profit agendas, investment in the housing sector has not been sufficient to tackle the problem.
Habitat for Humanity in Nicaragua
Habitat for Humanity began working in Nicaragua in 1984. Under the sponsorship of the Pro-Denominational Alliance Evangelical Council, the first construction began in the community of Germán Pomares of Chinandega. Since then, families in Jinotega, Matagalpa, Estelí, León, Chinandega, Managua, Bluefields, Carazo and Rivas have built their homes with Habitat assistance.
Model Projects
Model Projects
Habitat for Humanity Nicaragua supports the social production of habitat in such a way that strengthens community leadership and resources, and supports families in achieving solutions to their housing needs. The organization works through four main initiatives to serve low-income families, with special emphasis given to women-headed households, families with three or more dependents, families with members who have special needs and families with a monthly income of less than US$350.
Auto-construction: Habitat Nicaragua creates exemplary construction projects in alliance with others. These projects provide training and technical assistance in areas such as alternative construction methods, quality control systems and community infrastructure.
Disaster mitigation: In order to facilitate disaster response and mitigation, Habitat Nicaragua provides technical assistance in construction systems, access to disaster-recovery related subsidies and financial intervention. The disaster response strategy includes preventative projects that mitigate the effects of natural disaster in the most vulnerable areas of the country, such as the Western and Atlantic coast regions.
Secure tenure: Habitat Nicaragua provides training and technical assistance in the legalization of land ownership. In addition, the organization helps to channel subsidies and train key actors, such as local government officials, communities, housing networks and social movements.
Housing law: Through advocacy initiatives and the strengthening the capacity of municipal governments, Habitat for Humanity Nicaragua supports the implementation, regulation and budgeting of national housing law.
Auto-construction: Habitat Nicaragua creates exemplary construction projects in alliance with others. These projects provide training and technical assistance in areas such as alternative construction methods, quality control systems and community infrastructure.
Disaster mitigation: In order to facilitate disaster response and mitigation, Habitat Nicaragua provides technical assistance in construction systems, access to disaster-recovery related subsidies and financial intervention. The disaster response strategy includes preventative projects that mitigate the effects of natural disaster in the most vulnerable areas of the country, such as the Western and Atlantic coast regions.
Secure tenure: Habitat Nicaragua provides training and technical assistance in the legalization of land ownership. In addition, the organization helps to channel subsidies and train key actors, such as local government officials, communities, housing networks and social movements.
Housing law: Through advocacy initiatives and the strengthening the capacity of municipal governments, Habitat for Humanity Nicaragua supports the implementation, regulation and budgeting of national housing law.
- 25% of Nicaraguans have access to sanitary services.
- struggling to fulfill a need of 937,000 houses.
HELPFUL VOCABULARY ON JOB SITE
| Spanish | English | Spanish | English |
| Alicates | Pliers | Viga | Hoe |
Alambre
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Wire
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Albañil
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Mason
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Arena
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Sand
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Aflojar
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To loosen
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Block
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Block
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Agarrar
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To Hold
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Carretera
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Wheelbarrow
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Aplanar
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To level
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Cemento
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Cement
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Apretar
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To tighten
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Cernidor
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Sifter
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Excabar
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To dig
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Clavo
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Nail
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Cortar
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To cut
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Concreto
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Concrete
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Levantar
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To lift
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Cubeta/Balde
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Bucket
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Mezclar
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To mix
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Cuchara
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Trowel
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Palear
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To shovel
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Grifas
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Rebar bending
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Pegar
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To attache one to another
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Guantes
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Gloves
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Romper
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To break
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Hilo
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String
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Romperse
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To break by itself
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Martillo
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Hammer
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Pala
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Shovel
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Mezcla
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The mix
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Metro
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Tape measure
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MORE HELPFUL VOCABULARY
| Spanish | English | Spanish | English |
| Buenos Dias | Good Morning | Si | Yes |
| Buenas Tardes | Good Afternoon | Por Favor | Please |
| Buenas Noches | Good Night | Soy alergico | I’m allergic |
| Hola | Hello | Me siento mal | I don’t feel well |
| Gracias | Thank you | Siento Dolor | I feel pain |
| Cuanto Cuesta? | How much is it? | Agua | Water |
| Como esta? | How are you? | Baño | Bathroom |
| Donde queda? | Where is that? | Quien? | Who? |
| Como llego ahí? | How do I get there | Como hagoesto? | How do I do this? |
| Me puede ayudar | Can you help me | Embajada Americana | US Embassy |
| Mi nombre es | My name is | No comprendo | I don’tunderstand |
| Soy extranjero | I’m a foreign citizen | Mucho Gusto | Nice to meet you |
| Como se llama usted? | What is your name? | Cuantos son? | How many are there? |
| Perdon | Excuse me | Dios te bendiga | God Bless you |
| Lo Siento | I’m sorry | Estoy bien | I am fine |
| Usted habla ingles? | Do you speak english? | Al aeropuerto | To Airport |
