I'm David Ruiz Pajares, a worker at the San Juan de Dios Health Center in Palencia and a longtime volunteer there. In 2015, I did my first international volunteer assignment, also in Cochabamba, Bolivia, in mental health.
Last August, I participated in international volunteering at the San Juan de Dios Specialized Hospital in Piura, Peru, in various activities related to mental health and addictions, helping to change attitudes and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.
When I arrived in Piura, I was very excited to experience a different way of working and to help in any way I could. This feeling was reciprocated, as I felt the warmth and hospitality of the Brothers of San Juan de Dios, the center's professionals, from the management to the care and administrative staff. This situation made it easier for me to adapt to a different culture.
It has been a very positive experience both professionally and personally. The trust they have placed in me has allowed me to fully develop my abilities and knowledge.
It has allowed me to participate in care at all levels, carrying out various activities: accompanying patients in the dining rooms, whether at breakfast, lunch, or dinner, taking supervised walks, receiving check-ins with the nurse and technician, recording their medications and belongings, and all the activities they suggested I do. They organized a charity market to raise funds for the center, in which I also participated. I went with the person in charge of collecting donations (his name is Julio CĂ©sar MĂĄrquez) to the market where they donated food for the center. Julio ran the kiosk where I spent a good time every day. He was the one who taught me some of what I learned there, especially their culture. In short, I am taking home a great friend for life. He was also in charge of renting the soccer fields, a good initiative to raise funds for the center's maintenance.
Finally, I would like to thank Juan Ciudad NGO for their work, for facilitating my stay and this fantastic experience.
Already in Piura (Peru), I want to thank and mention the Brothers of San Juan de Dios (Brother Luis, JesĂșs Enrique and AmĂ©rico) for opening the doors of their house to me and giving me the opportunity to live this beautiful experience, to each of the professionals at the center, the support they have given me during my stay, to the administration
tion, nurses, technicians, etc.
On another note, I have to mention the kitchen team for introducing me to Peruvian cuisine. Also important was the work of the IT staff for providing telephone connections and allowing me to contact family and friends, the cleaning and maintenance staff, and everyone who has been ensuring my safety.
And finally, to those people who made my stay more enjoyable. I have made very good friends with whom I stay in touch.
Thank you very much, Saint John of God, for making me feel fulfilled.
