Having received training for international volunteer work in Spain by the Salesian NGO "Jovenes y desarrollo" (Youth and Development), they were assigned to carry out activities in Ecuador, with children at risk and involved in child labor.
Speaking with Pilar and Rosa, both agreed that it was worth making that decision. "You appreciate their simplicity and the capacity to be happy with very little, with what is necessary. They play with what they have, and they do not even complain with a fever at 40. In the end you say to yourself: what a beautiful time I had with the 22 children." It is Pilar's thought.
The experience has taught Rosa to appreciate every moment of life, to enjoy it with the people around you, to not waste time on trivial things that are part of the daily routine. She smiles and is moved in remembering all the love she received and in never having felt like a stranger.
One of the challenges was to adapt to the local reality. They woke up very early, helped clean up, washed clothes and enjoyed playing their games - human formation, as Don Bosco wanted.
What was your contribution to the lives of children and young people?
They do not hesitate to answer that they transmitted love, affection and companionship, their ability to listen in situations of sadness because a number of circumstances obliged the children to live far from families.
Pilar and Rosa launch an invitation to young people interested in volunteering.
"Be sure the experience will not disappoint you. Always take something good. Learning about different realities opens your mind and makes you look at life in another way."
Pilar and Rosa returned to Spain with the aim of motivating more people, with their testimony, to feel and become involved in volunteering.
