by Tatiana Capelo
Fabrizio and Federico were formed in the Salesian school in Milan. Both studied at the city's state university. The experience in Taisha and in the nearby communities was unforgettable for them, a challenge for their lives. "To evaluate the simplicity with which children and young people live and to start from this simplicity to be happy."
"The motivation for living this experience came at the oratory," says Fabrizio, while for Federico it was born from the Salesian Youth Movement. Federico had already had a month-long volunteer experience in Ethiopia and Fabrizio's restlessness to volunteer was due to the testimony of his friend. In collaboration with the person in charge of the missionary voluntary service in Milan, the opportunity was given to them to have this experience in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Despite the language difficulties, songs, dynamics, games, help for the young, and support for the mission were the tasks carried out in Taisha and in the neighboring communities.
Between laughs, they say that it was the first time they took a small plane and according to Federico "it was the first and last time!" On that occasion they visited the community of Wasakentza for two days and were amazed at how a school could be in the middle of a veritable jungle.
This is why the two volunteers will share their experience with the young people of Milan. "Here in Quito, as in Europe, life is very easy, but when you go to a missionary community you find another reality. It is important to be able to admire the reality of children and young people. Many of them are happy with only a few things, they have fun with a stick, with a rope; instead we have computers and everything ... we do not value what we have and what we are."
On returning to Italy, they will testify of this experience that was very important for their lives. Fabrizio and Federico were extremely happy together with the youth of Taisha.
