Volunteer Oct24. 3 months so far!

Ciao, Hola and Hi!
I’m Río Rojas Mayorga and it's been 3 months since I'm an ESC volunteer here in Caritas Jesina.
Let me update you briefly about my experience!
The arrival and first week in Caritas was a mix of emotions between the excitement to start and the confusion of all
the new people and information we were bombarded with.
At first we didn't have a schedule and it was a little bit messy but,
I'm glad I shared so much time with my project partner; it was nice having someone in the same situation.

First month
Once the schedule was set, we had to adjust not only to the work but also to the people we shared the time with.
As all the services are done with local people, at first it was difficult the communication as I had no words in Italian,
but I was gladly surprised to find out my will of talking and sharing was lovely appreciated and corresponded,
I found out the language barrier was a challenge but i wasn’t fighting it alone.

My birthday arrived eventually and i was here afraid to be alone in this special date,

but actually that morning they prepared for me a cake and a table to cheer,

I was so happy to be surrounded by people celebrating with me after just a few weeks together at the center.

Second month
Services were going great; I knew all the regulars, and as a small organization, it was just like one big family. I felt confident and part of the Caritas centre.

The big highlight of this month was this realization at the volunteers dinner, I helped in the kitchen and then to plate up.
It sure was such a great night going around serving and joking with everybody.

Every morning it’s such a great start of the day to walk around saluting everyone I encounter.

I have not traveled as much as i imagined before starting, not because I can’t, it’s just that i love Jesi.

But instead of exploring Italy I do go around the region (Ancona, Fano, Falconara, Loreto, etc.)

it’s so convenient to have free weekends.

Third month

I'm giving my best learning Italian and trying to help as much as I can.

I feel that this proactivity is the main reason why I've been included in more activities.

I enjoy my regular services, but helping in new areas of Caritas has taught me interesting things that boost my experience.

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