Luis Elizondo, Volunteer in Peru

Luis Elizondo, 27years old, Volunteer in 2009

Describe your volunteer work experience.

I was able to work with 23 alcoholics and drug addicts in a house is directed by a former drug addict. The 23 interns of this house stay for a period of time to detox and straighten their path. During my three weeks we had personal and group therapy sessions, focusing in building their self-esteem and building empathy and confidence in them.

My volunteering work experience was great; I believe this institution should receive more help.

What did you enjoy most about your Quest experience?

 My volunteer experience in the Narcotics & Alcoholics Anonymous home was great. The people opened the doors of their institution and hearts to me. We were able to build a very nice trustful and brotherly environment.

My host family was wonderful. It was like home; they were constantly looking out for me and just caring for me. My family definitely deserves my most sincere respects and gratitude.

Tell us how you feel overall about your experience.

During my 3 weeks in Cuzco, Peru, I was able to surround myself with the most heartwarming host family. They made me part of the family and looked out for me as a son; always watchful of anything I needed.

Volunteering was an emotional, spiritually enlightening, and maturing experience. These 23 men opened the doors of their institution to me, but most importantly they opened their hearts and gave me all the trust and confidence to their most inner emotions and secrets.