A "Chaleco" Adventure

Hi, my name is Matilde and I am 16 years old. Some time ago there was a topic for my Italian homework "write about an experience that has taught you something" and I’ve decided to share it with everyone, not just my teachers. The task was to retell an experience from which you had learned an important lesson.

I believe that every moment of every day teaches us something but there are moments in our life that mark us in an incredible way, for better or for worse. The experience I chose is one that took place last summer, summer 2019. I went on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem with Manos sin Fronteras. There were a hundred people from different parts of the world, and I consider many of them my friends.

Before starting I must say that Manos Sin Fronteras is an International organisation that promotes well-being and does not have religious ties.

So why did you go to Jerusalem? "Vacation" would be a wrong term but I would like

highlight that it is a place sacred to 3 religions. Does a person have to be a polytheist to visit

Greece and see Greek temples? No, in the same way that MSF is not a religious association.

Having said that, why was this trip so special? To start with, the places themselves are beautiful but I had been there a few years earlier. This experience was even more unique because I wore the "Chaleco".

"Chaleco" in Spanish means vest (or something similar), specifically we wore green

reflective vests with the association's logo (and name) on the back. During the trip, not only the garment itself is referred to as a chaleco, but the people who wear it as well.

What does wearing the cheleco mean? to help. Those who play the chaleco role are there for help and support. While walking, one will stand at a curve for example, to prevent people from taking the wrong road, keeps the group together, count the people in the bus, to be sure not to lose anyone. If someone needs help, the chalecos are there.

I experienced the journey in a different way, in a positive sense. It is difficult to explain what you feel, there is more responsibility to help others and you realize the work that goes on around the trip, you understand what others have done for you on other trips.

I have to thank La Jardinera, the founder of MSF, for this incredible opportunity, she is the one who chooses who wears the chaleco.

I can't explain myself better than that, when I think back on this trip, it makes me smile. I hope you get to experience it one day too.

See you on the next trip!