Saturday, May 23, 2015

The MSOE Team - Shared by Douglas Nelson

“Why me lord?”

That is one of my favorite lines from a hymn.  It goes on to say “if not me, then who lord?”  All of these questions cross our minds as we are in our busiest time of the academic year and we add to that the stress of major travel with significant project work.  I have no idea what has gone through Karissa’s or Mikala’s mind as they have gone through the last few months of preparation.  Left to even more speculation is what was going through their minds as we had 24 hour delays, troubles in customs, and nearly missed flights.  An adventure before the adventure starts.

 For me, the answers came as nearly every single student sought out one of the Sisters at St Francis school during one of their monthly presentations during mass.  I cannot ever hope to have the love and devotion that these women have to these children.  Hopefully, our efforts will make the Sister’s job just a little easier.  If nothing else, I understand a part of the world that I did not a few months ago.  I know some wonderful people doing what they can to make the most of their lives.

Having done this before, I know that it is more than traveling to fix a water system.  It is about understanding how others live their lives and view the world.  It is about discovering friends that you never imagined having.  It is about being part of the solution to far more than the hydraulics and water quality that we are experts in. 

Who are “we?”  Karissa Brunette is a rising senior majoring in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in environmental engineering.  She grew up in Door County, Wisconsin and has traveled to Jamaica’s Blue Mountain region to help assist with computers for schools in that region.  Mikala Turner is a rising junior in Construction Management.  She grew up near Baraboo on a dairy farm run by her family.  She has performed mission work in the past, but this is her first time flying and traveling outside of the US.  Douglas Nelson is an Assistant Professor in the Civil and Architectural Engineering and Construction Management Department and teaches courses in water quality, plumbing and construction management.  All three are from MSOE University.

Douglas J. Nelson, P.E., Assistant Professor

Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE)

Civil and Architectural Engineering and Construction Management Department

Advisor-American Society of Plumbing Engineers Student Chapter

Advisor-Habitat for Humanity Student Chapter

1 comment:

  1. I have no doubt that Mikala Karissa (and Juan) are in good hànds-- yours and Deb's! I am certain that Deb is grateful to have you Doug as a paetner-- lots of decisions to make! And the sisters! They inspire and humble at the same time with their passion and tireless yet joy-filled effort, dont they?

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