With Love From Belize
Letters From Allora
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, if not the favorite. Last year I spent the day in Scotland, having high tea. if you know me, you know I love a good song reference—much like Shinedown’s “365,” a lot can happen in a year.
I arrived at the café a bit late. The students and my colleagues were already sitting around a long ranch-style table. Everyone had their drinks, smiles, and stories readily being swapped. Some were making future plans to meet up and others were sharing the moments where they stepped out of their comfort zones daily (for some, this was their first or second time on a plane or leaving the U.S.), and laughing about all the little things you only notice in PG. I always enjoy seeing people outside of a work setting, especially the students, because their personalities really shine. It was a beautiful thing to be a part of. My heart was full.
I was surprised by how relaxed I felt. I am usually the one worried about routine—bed by a certain time, because tomorrow has a list of XYZ things to get done. Luckily the clinic’s 25th anniversary celebration the next day, meaning no work, no rush. I could sit, stay present, and really listen to the students chat. Of course, I still took photos of the food and the table—you know for the ‘gram. I credit my meditation practice (albeit not always consistent) and prayer for helping me stay grounded and in the moment. This evening has been a highlight of my first month here with my first round of students!
The truth is, I keep to myself a lot, sometimes to a fault. That’s why it meant the world to be surrounded by this group. These were people I had only recently met in the last few weeks, yet they were so willing and open to join myself and the rehab director for Thanksgiving dinner.
For many years, I’ve felt like something was missing during the holidays. And before anyone says, “But you have friends and family who love you!”, only someone who has been through significant loss(es) will truly understand that statement. The ache isn’t erased – it lingers. Don’t mistake this: my friends and family in the US mean the world to me. However, holidays have been on-and-off pain points for over a decade.
However, I am happy to say that over the last few years, and more so recently, I have longed to be with my loved ones during this time of year. This dinner was one of those moments—missing my family and friends back home. Yet at the same time, I am discovering a chance to create my own little family, here in Belize
For that, I’m grateful—grateful to be surrounded by such unique, vibrant humans and future healthcare providers. Happy Thanksgiving (and almost Christmas), beautiful people. I love and miss each of you!
I quickly came to realize just how blessed we Americans are. We say “first world problems” jokingly. Being in a third-world setting such as here, that saying seems so trivial. You will get to see what I do in the community with Hillside, how I try to embrace living as a Belizean in Punta Gorda (not what Insta-book-chat posts may show) and what I do to keep my mental health in check with everything.
I look forward to sharing this experience with everyone. I hope it inspires you to take risks, even when the world around you encourages you to stay in comfort.
With Love From Belize,
Allora Mariesa
