A new future in Norway – Caritas was lifesaving.

For Maria (40) from Peru, moving to Norway was a turning point. When her husband got a job in Oslo, they packed up their lives in Lima and moved to a new and unknown existence. But even though the opportunities were exciting, they also came with challenges. Today, ten months later, Maria has found a new meaning to her days – thanks to Caritas Norway. 

 

Life in Lima was hectic for Maria and her husband. With a population of 14 million, the days were marked by traffic chaos and long workdays.

“We left for work early and didn't get home until late at night. It was a daily routine based on work and surviving city life,” says Maria. 

When her husband came across a job opportunity in Norway, he applied – and got it. But the decision to move was far from easy.

– We own an apartment in Lima and have a mortgage that we are still paying off. In addition, we had an elderly dog that could not come with us. It was a big decision to leave everything behind and start over, but we decided to give it a chance. 

While her husband quickly became part of a new work environment, Maria found herself alone at home in a city where she knew few people and didn't speak the language. The seven-hour time difference with Peru made it difficult to stay in touch with family and friends, and she began to feel lonely. 

– I needed something to do, something to give me a reason to get up in the morning. I started looking for volunteer work, and that’s when I found it. Caritas , she says. 

On Caritas On her website, she discovered the women's groups and attended the English-speaking meeting. There she met a counselor in Caritas , who told her that there was a need for volunteers who spoke Spanish. Shortly after, Maria began working as a volunteer at the resource center in Oslo. 

Caritas became the rescue 

– In the beginning it was Caritas "A lifesaver for me. It gave me a routine, a purpose. Now it feels like a family," Maria says gratefully.

She not only volunteers at the resource center, but has also been involved in the Spanish women's group and volunteer ambassadors. She also plans to become a part of Caritas his legal team.

– I am a lawyer and have a master's degree in social policy with a focus on child welfare, so it feels natural to contribute with that expertise, she says. 

A new everyday life and new dreams 

Ten months after arriving in Norway, Maria sees her life in a new light. “I have made friends and a sense of belonging. I know that if I need help or advice, there is always someone here for me,” she says. 

In addition to helping others, Maria also uses Caritas ' services, including Norwegian courses. – It's a nice balance between giving and receiving. I'm learning Norwegian, while also helping others in the same situation. It makes sense, she says. 

The future is still uncertain, but Maria has clear goals. – If we stay here after the three years, I hope to get a job and master the language. Norway is a country where respect and community are strong, and I can imagine being a part of that in the long term. 

Caritas has been an important part of Maria's new everyday life. “Being able to help others gives me great joy, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have been given here,” she concludes with a smile.