So it’s been almost a week since I’ve arrived in my home country, I feel overwelmed with emotions, but still very proud of myself. Ten months in Malaga, Spain I was confronted with new challenges which helped me grew and improve my personal development.

Communicating in Spanish while working in the care home, as well as during everyday interaction, putting in action each of the project activities to promote active aging among the elderly people. These were the tasks for which I had to discover new knowledge – on my own and with the help of my dear fellow volunteers. Through doing various cultural activities with the disabled elderly people I learned to appreciate importance of creative expression of emotions, ideas, and experiences. I got valuable experience using art and culture as a form of therapy for the elderly people. During the workshops with them such as crafting, cooking, gardening I developed the elderly’s as well as my own creativity.

I strived to enhance solidarity between people, while respecting their cultures and their traditions, and aimed to build a community of shared responsibilities and mutual support.

From this experience, I take out endless new life lessons. A wonderful opportunity to travel and discover a new culture, challenge myself by working in Spanish… I truly consider my ESC as the most complete experience in my life so far; I had ups and downs, which is a necessity in my opinion. I really recommend it to each person who wants to go out of their comfort zone, who wants to try and do something new, to know better about cultures to meet people from around the world and give their personal contribution. ESC is an experience that impacts your whole life. The joy & satisfaction derived from the knowing that you are impacting someone’s life in a way that you cannot be repaid is a rewarding feeling. This is one of the true essence of volunteering.

Remember, there is no such thing as a small act of kindness. Do what you can, where you are, with what you have.

Adios!

Galina Grkovikj