The work is done but far from over...

Belize it or not (haha ok, stupid, unoriginal pun), today was our last day working at Holy Cross School. We finished up the hearing tests with the remaining students, and were lucky enough to be outside when the van pulled up that was carrying the kids that we’d referred to the free eye clinic. They had been evaluated by professionals, and most in the group were wearing new glasses that they had gotten for free. Seeing those kids that we had helped to identify as having problems finally being able to see was very emotional, and was possibly my favorite part of the trip. We ate our final lunch at the school and then bid farewell to Ms. Grace, the principal, as well as the rest of the staff. As we were leaving, Ms. Grace stopped us and told us how much our help had meant to the school and reiterated the fact of how important this school is to the community. She told us that she hoped we would return some day and promised that we would see even more progress the next time we were there. In some sense, the women that run this establishment are the strongest mother figures that some of these students have; and while they are firm with the students, they provide a truly loving and compassionate outlet that the kids know they can turn to when all is not well in their lives. It really is a thankless job, but by some act of God the administrators and staff return willingly day after day to serve the needs of these children. Everyone knows that the children’s lives are far from perfect, and that most of them don’t want to remember most of what has transpired in their childhoods. Yet the staff’s dedication and commitment to the kids is the best chance that these students have for a brighter tomorrow.

After we returned to the hotel, we boarded a boat that took us on a great trip to Caye Caulker, where we wandered the island for a while and enjoyed the beautiful beaches and spectacular flowers. The boat that took us there looked a little “if-fy” but it turned out to get us there and back safely. Everyone loved the change of scenery, and it was fun to see a different island. The boat ride was awesome, as any chance to see this gorgeous water is a welcome one.

Everyone is still doing very well and is excited to spend our last whole day tomorrow enjoying the sun and beach before we return home on Saturday.