I came to work as a volunteer nurse in the psychiatric services that the Brothers of Saint John of God run at Laclubar in East Timor. I arrived wondering what I would be able to do in a remote place in such a remote country. I was welcomed warmly and I never felt any loneliness. My initial resolution was to do whatever I could as a nurse, realising that I would not have the resources that I was used to home in Portugal. I must say that, at the beginning, it was new and strange to me to have God constantly present in day-to-day conversations.  Of course, this must be expected where there are people who have dedicated their lives to God. At the personal level, I was inspired by Mother Teresa who said: "To all who suffer and are lonely, give always a happy smile - give them not only your care, but also your heart”. I tried to adopt this as my moto. As a nurse I found great satisfaction in the trust that people placed in me when they told me their story, gave me a hug, offer me a smile and showed progress in their recovery from a mental illness. Being a nurse in this context is absolutely wonderful and rewarding. I get the feeling that I am really making a difference; and that people are grateful. Obviously there are many difficulties but I try to ensure that I give of my best as a nurse.