A Letter from Peace.

Maria Joy Peace is originally from Chicago, IL but has spent some time living internationally, and currently resides in Kyiv, Ukraine. While abroad, she decided to take time to volunteer with United Planet and enrolled in a Quest to Italy for 5 weeks assisting at an elderly care facility. Here is an excerpt from her final reflection on her volunteer experience.

I can easily say these 5 weeks have been the most abnormal weeks of my life. This was my 3^rd time in Italy, but first time as a volunteer. The other times I was here on vacation, which is pretty much the exact opposite of volunteer work.

First of all, I want to start with the difficulties. There were cultural, emotional, communicative and logistical problems. I have lived abroad for 10 years. I am used to being a foreigner, but this was the first time (except for M), there was not a single English speaker near me. Also, the way of eating was different. I am used to having breakfast, but here people usually have a coffee and a cracker. Not only that but the meals were much later than I am used to and that was difficult to get used to.

Secondly, I had emotional difficulties. I am 24 and used to seeing people my age. It was hard for me to see people who have lost the ability to feed themselves, walk on their own, clothe themselves, bathe themselves or speak. Often I wondered what they were like decades before. Now they are only shadows of their youth. It humbled me because I realized how fragile life is. Nothing is for certain. I have a new perspective on humanity now. A person’s worth or right to live is not based on what they produce or how much money they make or what they can contribute to society; it’s the fact that they are alive. I learned humanity.

In the beginning I was unaware of the feelings of the guests. Instead of asking if they wanted food or drink, I would simply give it to them or addressed the nurse nearby. But I realized that they understand everything; the tone of my voice, the way I treat them. It took me time to realize first and foremost that those under my care are human beings. Maybe they are different from my friends. Maybe they cannot complain, maybe they can never pay me back for anything. Despite all of this I must treat them with utmost respect and dignity because they deserve it. The fact that I am alive or anyone is alive is enough to give me proof of their entitlement to humane treatment. There is innate value in life. I believe there is meaning to life; life is a miracle.

Furthermore, it was also hard for me to see the loneliness. I saw a difference between those who had relatives constantly visiting them and those who did not. Without human interaction, humans deteriorate faster. Being surrounded by weakness and old age sobered me because I will not be young and able forever. Life is so short.

These were all the inevitable problems I encountered but now I want to share my positive experiences which far out shine the negative. My favorite memory of all, is practicing piano and doing boring rhythmic scales and then turning around to see Sg. B dancing to my music. Also when I would sing in English he would learn the melody and sing with me. Walking with him was the highlight of these past weeks. He is a very sweet man and absolutely loves music. I wish I could take him back with me and adopt him as my Grandpa. I was so glad that I could play music here. I valued the ability to be able to go and play on the piano whenever I wanted and others would come and listen. It was also very special that we were given the opportunity to throw a farewell concert. J, G and C helped so much. It was fun to bake together and I am glad that M gave us full responsibility over this event.

Another fond memory was going to a birthday party with J’s family; his children speak English very well. I went to two birthday parties here and at both parties it was a celebration for two children of the same family born on the same day (in one family even their dog was born on the same day). What a coincidence! I am also very thankful for the physical therapist N. She spoke some English and encouraged me a lot. I also got to attend 3 concerts and absolutely loved them.

I am grateful to M for taking me. She did so much for all of us volunteers and manages the animazione so well. The nurses here are very kind and hard-working. I enjoyed eating lunch and dinner with them. Obviously, the best part for me was the relationships I made. These friendships were made quickly and I might not see anyone again after I leave, but the memories and impressions will stay with me forever.

*Please note this passage has been preserved as it was written but original names have been abbreviated to initials or single letters to maintain their privacy.