In Villanueva, we experienced a special gathering.
Not only because community health volunteers came together to celebrate the Day of Love and Friendship, but because for the first time, we had a space to talk about mental health.
This is not a topic we have traditionally addressed. But as we listened to community leaders share what they are seeing — rising sadness, emotional exhaustion, even suicide in the region — we knew we needed to respond.
In places where silence often surrounds mental health, simply beginning the conversation matters.
Maria Nayelis, 23 years old, attended her first AMOS gathering that day. She lives in El Puma rural community and is studying nursing, motivated by a deep desire to serve her community.
When she spoke, she shared about her family situation; how it sometimes overwhelms her, how she does not always have someone who truly listens.
It was her first meeting. And already, she had found a space to speak.
Later, as Flor de María paused from cutting the Valentine’s day cake, she expressed her gratitude for addressing such an important issue.
Recently, both of her parents have become bedridden. The weight of responsibility has been heavy. She admitted she does not always have the strength to keep helping others.
“Today I understood things I had never thought about,” she said.
During the session, Miguel, one of our AMOS project technicians, gently compared mental health care to treating a physical illness. If we seek a specialist for a headache or a wound, why not for emotional pain?
The room grew quiet. Faces thoughtful. Eyes reflective.
Men and women began to understand something deeply important:
Their emotions matter.
Their mental health matters.
Caring for the mind and heart is essential if they are to continue caring for others.
In Villanueva, something shifted that day.
And that shift happened because, together, we choose to listen and to respond with love in action.
This story was very touching to me. I want to thank the many health volunteers working in Nicaragua for all their hard work and commitment to the cause of rural health. The stories in the newsletter are inspirational and timely. God bless you all. Adrian