ESC volunteer Elsa Llauradó Fabregat shares what her first two weeks in Liminka, Finland, have felt like: from meaningful friendships and endless summer light to quiet moments of growth, courage and connection.
It has now been two weeks since I arrived in Liminka, a small village near Oulu, and I still find it hard to believe everything I have experienced so far. Before coming here, I was excited to start this adventure, but I never imagined that in such a short time I would feel so welcomed and build such meaningful connections with people who were complete strangers just a few days ago.
First of all, I want to say how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to be part of this project. Behind an experience like this, there is a lot of dedication, effort, and many people working hard to make it possible. Being here is a privilege that I truly appreciate.
From the very beginning, I have felt incredibly welcomed. Even though we come from different countries and cultures, we have built an atmosphere of kindness, respect, understanding, and support that is difficult to describe. We naturally take care of one another, and that makes every day here special. It amazes me that we have only known each other for such a short time because it already feels like we have created genuine and meaningful friendships.
One of the biggest lessons this experience has taught me is that communication goes far beyond words. Sometimes it is difficult to communicate with local people because we do not share the same language. In many situations, they do not speak English, and although I can communicate in English, it is not my native language, so there are moments when I cannot find the exact words I want to say.
However, when that happens, smiles, gestures, eye contact, and patience become enough. You realize that it is possible to connect with someone even if you barely understand each other's language. I think this is one of the most beautiful and human parts of this experience: discovering that genuine communication does not always depend on words. It is amazing how you can meet someone and, just a few minutes later, be working together, laughing, and enjoying the moment as if you had known each other for years.
Our work here involves taking care of children in nature, organizing activities for them, and helping remove invasive plant species to protect the environment. I really enjoy this because it combines caring for people with caring for nature, and I think those two things are deeply connected.
The Finnish nature has been one of the biggest surprises for me. Everything is incredibly green, wild, and at the same time very well protected. You can clearly see how much people respect and value the environment. Walking through the forests, seeing so many lakes, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere brings a sense of calm that is difficult to describe.
Another thing that surprised me was the sunlight. At first, it felt very strange that the sun barely sets. Having daylight almost all day long was something completely new for me. During my first days here, I often lost track of time because it never really felt like night. Eventually, I got used to it, but it is still one of the most fascinating things about Finland.
The Finnish people have also surprised me in a very positive way. Before coming here, I had a completely different idea of what they would be like. I have discovered that they can be very quiet and reserved at first, but once they feel comfortable, they can become incredibly open and talkative. I find that contrast fascinating, and I think it shows that everyone has their own way and their own time to open up to others.
If I had to choose one of the most meaningful parts of this experience, it would not be a specific activity or trip. It would be the conversations I have had with the people here. I have spent hours talking with some of them about our feelings, our fears, our dreams, and our personal stories. Those conversations have made me feel truly heard, understood, and appreciated. There was even a moment when I was not feeling very well emotionally, and I needed someone to talk to. The support and kindness I received during that moment is something I will never forget.
Another thing I am very proud of is discovering a side of myself that I had never fully recognized. I have always considered myself an optimistic and cheerful person, but this experience has shown me that I am also much braver than I thought. I have challenged myself in many situations that I never imagined I would be able to face.
One of my biggest personal achievements has been speaking English. I knew I could communicate, but I never imagined I would be able to have conversations lasting three hours about deep and personal topics. Of course, I still make mistakes, and there are words I do not know, but I have learned that perfect English is not what matters most. What truly matters is being able to express yourself honestly and understand another person. That confidence is something I will carry with me long after this experience ends.
Although I am having an amazing time, there are also things I miss about home. I miss the noise, the spontaneous way people talk to each other in Spain, the loud conversations, the energy, and the openness with which people express themselves. Here, life is much quieter, and while I really appreciate that, it has also made me value many aspects of my own culture even more.
When I think about my favorite memories, so many moments come to mind: seeing reindeer for the first time, experiencing a traditional sauna followed by a swim in a freezing cold lake, watching the endless sunsets, visiting Helsinki, and simply spending time laughing with the incredible people I have met here. But honestly, none of those experiences would have been the same without them. What makes this journey truly unforgettable is not only the places I have visited but the people I have shared them with.
I truly believe that many of the friendships I have built here will stay with me for the rest of my life. That is probably the greatest gift Finland has given me. Beyond everything I have learned, beyond the beautiful landscapes and unforgettable experiences, I am taking home relationships that have made me feel at home even while being thousands of kilometers away from my own country.
When this project comes to an end, I know I will return home as the same person, but also as a more courageous, open-minded, and grateful version of myself. I will carry with me unforgettable memories, valuable lessons, and the certainty that sometimes all it takes is the courage to step outside your comfort zone to meet people who can change a part of your life in just two weeks.
