June’s volunteer meeting was bittersweet. Why? Because the first volunteers had already gone back home, while others would have left soon. We always meet on the last Thursday of the month, but for some it was the very last moment to spend in our group.

The weather was really hot, so we met at Park Jordana. We found a shadowy place and we sat on blankets. We had a conclusive activity. It was almost a test! We were in pairs, and we had to write five sentences about the other person. Not simple things, such as the country of origin, but true facts we had learnt. Then, the other person had to confirm if those facts about him or her were true. It was challenging. We discovered we had a champion in this game! Eugenia knew a lot of things about everybody. For each person, she had something to add. Her secret? Listening! She told us that, whenever she talked to someone, she was paying attention and she just remembered what she was told.

Most of the current volunteers are part of a project whose focus is well being. Our meeting gave us the chance to exchange ideas on the topic. After a brainstorming stage, in which we all thought of what we actually associated with this concept, we started a group conversation. What were our ideas? Good sleeping and  good food were mentioned, and we all agreed that these basic needs are essential. Hobbies, such as drawing or playing instruments were also considered very important for our mental health. Then our talk took a turn, and we compared the situation in our countries. Is well being considered important? Are there any instruments for citizens, if they need psychological help? Is well being seen as an important issue? What more would we need? What would we want to be different? It turned out that different countries have different mindsets. Some consider it as an important aspect to take care of, some have a longer path to take.

After the morning together, we ate an ice-cream, and it was time to say goodbye to the volunteers leaving soon. It was nice to spend the last day together!