General Impression
Overall Rating: / 10
I am not a writer and it seems so hard to fit into magazine article format a tale about the short but very special stay at the place which became so dear.It feels like there are no words strong enough to describe an intensity, a depth and a value of the things I acquired.
Yet I have the urge to say out loud, spread the word, pay tribute to the project, so that many more people may discover this place, come for help, contribute to and learn. I wish to avoid big talk and tell plainly about routine - simple things which matter. So I will try.
Is there a special place that makes you feel peaceful and calm, where you can be your true self, to refill emotionally, that you tend to “visit” even in your mind when in need of love, care or support?
There are so many people which the project hosts: volunteers, interns, the team, families with the very main actors for which playground is for - students. While I was there, without any agenda all of them named to me the hill of parque Metropolitano as their «refuge» - in private conversation or just through sudden display of emotions.
Word “patient” is not in daily use of “Angeles”. They believe that so called “disorder” is not a disease but rather a different way of being. The goal is to help students to adapt to “our” world so that they can be present. There is nothing more rewarding than to see how children there get comforted, cheered up, encouraged to overcome their daily difficulties and worries, how during the session they become free and brave to fight, how happy they are about every little achievement. It’s even more delight to see that their joy is sincerely shared by all the team. Every child there is loved and special.
Families treat “Angeles” like friends who care, understand and capable to remove doubts and fears.
As for volunteers and interns stories I have heard, we come to learn, to recharge the battery, to challenge if the équin therapy is the true path to follow. And “Angeles” are willing to share their knowledge and dedicate their time to us at large. And what even more important they act at our best interest, whatever we enjoy or dislike the experience, they will be happy and supportive about that as it would help us to get an answer we came for.
I have never asked directly, but I have been with “Angeles” around the clock. And I take a liberty to believe I know where their « haven » is. They discuss and live for project every moment and every morning gathered all together they smile.
Country
Ecuador is a country with reach culture and nature. So many places to see , so many things to discover! Local says Quito is not the safest place and you should pay attention to your belongings, though there are so many good people around who take care of you and guard you on all your way.
Project & Staff
I spent with “Angeles” a week during the summer 2021.
It was my first volunteer experience, my first big trip on my own cross the ocean, halfway around the world, trip in the time of COVID. I was excited, eager to learn yet with feeling in the pit of your stomach in front of the unknown.
Few days before arrival, when all project details were disclosed, I read about Ebe’s story, watched the video about the team, and all fears were gone as I felt the vibes of family spirit and so it was.
Ebe and Giancarlo cordially welcomed me into their house. I was treated with hospitality and respect, same time nothing has changed in their daily routine; they were willing to shared their habits, meals, dreams, ups and downs of the day, things they are passionate and care about, as well as they were willing to listen to, my inspirations and concerns became theirs. As simple as it is, honest, natural and intimate. It meant a lot. They opened up to me and it felt so easy to open up in return.
It was my first volunteer experience, my first big trip on my own cross the ocean, halfway around the world, trip in the time of COVID. I was excited, eager to learn yet with feeling in the pit of your stomach in front of the unknown.
Few days before arrival, when all project details were disclosed, I read about Ebe’s story, watched the video about the team, and all fears were gone as I felt the vibes of family spirit and so it was.
Ebe and Giancarlo cordially welcomed me into their house. I was treated with hospitality and respect, same time nothing has changed in their daily routine; they were willing to shared their habits, meals, dreams, ups and downs of the day, things they are passionate and care about, as well as they were willing to listen to, my inspirations and concerns became theirs. As simple as it is, honest, natural and intimate. It meant a lot. They opened up to me and it felt so easy to open up in return.
Tips
Organization and coordination of the project was just great. I would like to say special thank you Nicole ( Love Volunteers coordinator) and Jorge ( Love Volunteers local representative) who were with me all around the clock ready to answer on all my questions and to make my time in Quito confomfort, safe, eventful !
If you have chance make sure you have time not only to enjoy the project but also to travel and discover the things.
If you have chance make sure you have time not only to enjoy the project but also to travel and discover the things.