Our last several weeks in Southern Belize have been marked by having way too much to do and too few hours in the day to get it done. Not necessarily the way one might want to spend the end of a Caribbean adventure, but I suppose that’s the reality of transitioning in a small organization and condensing your life from a 3-bedroom house and SUV to two carry-on suitcases and two backpacks.
The Rehab Clinic (aka Ed Center) at Hillside — Lori’s working space for the last 12 months.
A simple wooden building with big red shutters open wide during clinic hours, offering a constant reminder that the jungle was never too far away.
The outside of the Rehab Clinic/ Ed Center at Hillside clinic in Eldridge, Toledo. In addition to patients, scorpions and lizards visited daily.
On the top: the “Treehouse” — two rooms and a shared kitchen for visiting volunteer providers; On the bottom: the maintenance department.
View of Cerro Hill from the roof of the clinic.
As is customary with outgoing volunteers, the Belizean staff organized a going away part on the rooftop of the clinic with traditional Belizean fare and lovely table decor.
Lori fulfilled her last duty as Hillside’s third Director of Rehabilitation shortly after noon on August 20th. Immediately following, we said good bye to the Hillside staff, then our Forest Home home and Big Red, and headed north in John’s vehicle for Burrell Boom. We arrived about five hours later after meeting up in Belmopan with incoming volunteers James and Sarah (and their posse) who were making their way down in their own vehicle and trailer. James was finishing a road trip from New Hampshire and due to arrive into PG that night. We flew out of Belize the following day.
There’s a lot we already miss from Belize (most of all the friends we made over the past year), but are ready for the next adventure and chapter of our life. It’s been a particularly long and challenging — but ultimately fun and satisfying — year in Belize. We’re very grateful for the numerous visitors that came down to visit and for the kindness and support of our Belizean community. We will miss you! Until next time!
If you’d like to learn more about the non-profit medical clinic, or would like to learn more about how you can support their efforts in Belize or from afar, please visit: hillsidebelize.org.
I’m so proud of you both. You left that beautiful place better than you found it, I’m sure. So excited to see what’s next for you wonderful two! Lots of love from the Pacific Grove Courtneys & Headleys!
You have completed another chapter of your lives filled with new challenges and adventures. Your enthusiasm cannot be matched. Keep on making a difference in the World.
I know you are both going to be missed so much. In the short time we were there we could tell how much love, energy, time and work you have put into this clinic. On to the next adventure.