Belize Testimonials

Being surrounded by an amazing culture with a long history of struggle is pride.  Pride in that I went to learn, help and impact these people somehow. Coming from a different culture and religion makes me look at life differently because I have struggled. Struggles are meant to be overcome through hard work and dedication. I saw these efforts to overcome from the staff at HHM. All of these people were amazing people and there to lend a helping hand in everything. I thank them for that. Working at the HHM Outreach Center made me not think about “oh my god, does this child have HIV/AIDS, or how about that one." When I was asked where I preferred to work, I wanted to go to the Outreach Center right away. I know that the children were not guilty of what had happened to them. They do not know. I wanted to be there to show them that people care about them no matter who they are or where they come from. I especially fell in love with one little girl, who was just so willing to be held and cared for by everyone. Going out with Mr. Mike, from the clinic, who was so knowledgeable about the city and the people, was also a source of pride. Having the opportunity to go out with this gentleman and see these people and talk to them was amazing. The smiles on their faces, the welcoming hi and bye, the happiness that I felt coming from them will never be forgotten because they are grateful for what they have and not for ashamed for what they do not have.

Edina Halilic
St. Xavier University, Chicago, Illinois
May 2008

I am writing this account on my last night in Belize while the sights and sounds are fresh and not yet stored away as a memory. This is a bittersweet night. Sweet because of the joy I feel in what has been accomplished, both in physical and spiritual realm, yet bitter because saying goodbye, both to the people and to active involvement in this ministry, is quite difficult for me.

I have never experienced a week such as this. A week in which I would bond with so many people, only to say goodbye such a short time later. A week in which I would physically work harder than any other week in my life, yet feel more exhilaration than ever before. A week in which time stood still, amidst a flurry of activity. A week in which on any given day, I would see people of all ages and circumstances living in the most deplorable conditions, and later enjoy the picturesque beauty of the ocean scenery. A week in which in I would simultaneously laugh and cry. A week in which what I had done gave more satisfaction than any other task, assignment or accomplishment thus far n my life. A week I which no time was wasted on selfish gain, but was spent in an effort to help others far less fortunate than myself. A week in which my sense of reward was not based on what was obtained, but on what was given. A week in which there were no distractions luring me from living as Christ told us to live, as a servant to others. What a difference a week can make “I will never be the same".

Donna Fazio Bakhtiari