Week 20: Saying Goodbye

As the end of my time came to an end in Belize, saying goodbye became one of the hardest things I had done in my life. I said bye to many friends, family, church members, and local businesses. During each of them I either tried to hold back my tears or broke out into a cry. I knew deep in my heart that although I was saying goodbye in the moment, it would never be a permanent goodbye.

Saying Goodbye to the San Ignacio Community Hospital

As I neared the end of my time at the San Ignacio Community Hospital, I told the Cuban doctors I had worked alongside the past few months that I was extremely grateful for welcoming me onto their team. I knew they accepted my appreciation through my help in clinic and my words of gratefulness, but I wanted to do one last gesture for them before I left. The whole time I worked alongside them, they told me the hospital had never issued them white coats despite heavy volume of patients. They told me the one desire in their hearts was to receive a white coat. The week before I left, I was able to honor the 3 doctors that mentored me the most during my time in Belize with white coats.

Saying Goodbye to Octavia Waight

During my last week, the Octavia Waight Center hosted a Christmas party as to which I was invited to as a guest. I saw all the residents and employees of the facility ready for the holidays. Coincidently, one of the residents, Alma, birthday is on Christmas. Since I met her, she invited me to her birthday party on Christmas day. Although I knew she had dementia and knew I would no longer be in Belize by then, I knew she would appreciate me showing up for her birthday during this celebration. To say she was happy was an understatement, she was beyond happy to have a celebration around her special day.

Saying Goodbye to Santa Elena Public Library

Saying goodbye to the staff and children at the library was bittersweet, but not a forever. As a parting, I contributed to some of the gifts the local children receive as part of the library’s Christmas party. Not only were the Children and staff appreciative, but so were the parents of the children.

Saying Goodbye to Mary Open Doors

Although Mary Open Doors focuses on basic needs like food and housing for the community, on the holidays, they want to make sure everyone gets the opportunity to have a true celebration. As my last time seeing the director of Mary Open Doors, I was able to help the shelter provide every child on their list with a gift. Back home in Nashville, I have made donations to Operation Christmas Child since I was a sophomore at Belmont. However, not being able to do that this year since I was abroad was hard to process, so being able to contribute into a same project in my own community in Belize was such a beautiful opportunity.

Saying Goodbye to Everyone

Saying goodbye isn’t easy, especially when you have spent so much time with them. Most of the time I parted with people I considered friends and family; I told them it wasn’t a goodbye forever because I would be coming back soon. Belize was beautiful and healing, becoming a part of a community, I never imagined living in was beyond my wildest dreams. Knowing I have a family waiting for me with open arms thousands of miles away brings me joy and sadness at the same time.