Spain's dream came true for Letizia! Volunteers say

To her the word:

"To realize one of my dreams in the drawer, which until then had seemed difficult to achieve, I finally decided to look for a way to leave for Spain. After several searches, I found a European volunteer project with the Europeans Solidarity Corps (ESC) funded by the European Union. I was immediately intrigued by the possibility of doing an experience with an organization that deals with people with mental disabilities, so, without thinking twice, I sent my application. a few months, when I thought I had not been accepted, I received a call from the InCo association telling me that I had been selected. I was incredulous and full of joy! I waited for the right moment to tell the people closest to me, until that moment unaware of the wonderful news, and in the meantime I began to get in touch with the organization and the project representative. "

"The months have passed and the time to leave has come, while my emotions and the desire to discover a new reality grew more and more. I, who are usually used when I travel to double check at least ten times that I have not forgotten anything, this once I found myself packing my suitcase almost in a hurry: I filled it with only a few clothes, some everyday products and a necklace, given to me a few days earlier, which would remind me that I would never be alone, in any challenge of my life. The suitcase was packed, the ticket had been bought and it was time to face that year's journey, which I had dreamed of all my life. "

"After a whole day spent on the means of transport, looking with curiosity from the window at the landscape that surrounded me, I arrived at the Spanish village of Xinzo De Limia, in the province of Galicia. I was immediately welcomed by a very kind volunteer like me and cheerful. Only later did I discover that she would be my roommate, with whom an understanding would be born from the first days, both on a personal and professional level. Once I arrived home, I met my tutor, who with time turned out to be a truly fantastic person: a real point of reference throughout my stay in Spain. The first day, after explaining the various house rules, the organization of the center and the roles I should have covered, he left me a little rest for the long journey. "

"The next day, together with another roommate of mine, I started my first day of work in Limisi, where I presented myself almost shyly to the group of" special "guys. They taught me that we don't need many things to be happy, it takes very little: a song listened to on the radio is enough, an unexpected gesture coming from a loved one, and that for my part it took a moment of my time to help them perform an action, which for me is completely habitual, so much so that I don't realize how complex it could be for them. "

"With the passing of the days I have acquired greater confidence, both in the Spanish language, and in relating with the children and accompanying them in the daily activities of the center (sewing, cooking, preparation and packaging of jams, gardening, yoga, dance, theater, creation of notebooks, bookmarks, etc. ..). "

"After a month it was time to leave for training, where I met many other volunteers of different nationalities, thoughts, mentalities, and I realized that the world is a fantastic place because the people I have confronted with every day with their story they have somehow enriched me a lot. "

"On my return from training, another roommate showed up at the door, who then shared the whole year with me, because he participated in the same program as I did. We had many opportunities for discussion throughout my year. She is one of those people I will always remember for her determination: even when I was exhausted and lacked motivation, she always encouraged me not to give up. "

"Month after month, I integrated into Spanish society and met new people who left their mark: among them, a woman who left her country for a better life, who helped me a lot with learning Spanish. , and a shy boy, but with the sweetest smile in the world, with whom I used to talk about our days over a coffee. In short, about the people with whom I shared unique moments. "

"It would be impossible to convey in words only half of the feeling of happiness I experienced this past year, but certainly in the town of Xinzo De Limia I have left a little piece of my heart.

Thanks Letizia for your story and good luck for the next adventures!

A big hug,

the InCo Team.