While in Belize I made some amazing friends and Lyndsey aka Slimsey is one of them.
She arrived as a volunteer about a month after me and her first few weeks were fairly hard. Not only did she have to deal with the usual settling in stuff but she also had a rather uncomfortable home situation.
I know from past experience how being unhappy with your accommodation situation can really affect your time as a volunteer. Lyndsey handled the situation really well and was able to virtually singlehandedly find herself a new place to live. Finding accomodation is hard enough when you are familiar with your settings; trying to find a new place to live in a country that is new to you can be tough. The fact that Lyndsey was able to sort this out within less than a month of her being in Belize is proof of how strong a person she is.
Once her home life was settled her work situation became a problem. She stuck it out for as long as she could but it was evident that the situation was wearing her down. Not be deterred she set about finding herself another placement. 3 months into her 6 month placement Lyndsey, and almost a week after I had left, Lyndsey began a whole new placement at The National Council on Ageing (where I had done my placement).
While there she has done some fantastic work – and I wish she had a blog so she could let all know what she has been upto. I know for sure she completed a booklet on Older Persons and Health. The booklet and her work was well received; she even featured on Belize National News!
During my time in Belize; Lyndsey became one of my good friends. She was always there for me. She was one of the best partying buddies. We shared the same fear of dogs and the same views on short men.
We didn’t just get together to party though. We worked together on other extra volunteer activities inlcuding the Aids Week. We also began steps towards helping Ms Emily with her homework club. When I left they were just about to re-launch it and from what I have heard Lyndsey played a big part in getting the club restarted in the New Year.
She is sad to be leaving Belize. After 6 months there I can only imagine how she must be feeling. I am sure the friends she has made are also sad to see her go. I know she will be missed by all who have had the pleasure of meeting her. She will leave behind some good work though and I must admit I am kinda happy that she is coming back to the UK.
Slimsey…you have done yourself and all of us proud. Being a volunteer is not easy yet you have carried yourself through this with such courage and confidence. I am glad I got to meet you. You have been an inspiration and a great friend.
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Jose says
Lindsay…Good Job. It has been a pleasure meeting you, and will be at La Cabaña opening the door to let u into DISCOLATINA. BTW Kui, the Disco area is now fully A/C and I am the Bouncer inside the Disco. One thing I regret though, because of my working at La Cabaña I havent really had the priveledge to spend time with you, Lindsay as much as I would like to. Please note dat Lindsay. I really look forward to spending some time with you before you leave. You are leaving you mark in Belize. Best wishes!
Mama JunkYard Says: Jose, don’t worry you know I am coming back…then we can hang out.
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David Gonzalez says
Ok…first of all..I am officially boycotting Cabanas for catering to girls who discriminate against us short men. I resent that and I wanna get to the bottom of this. Please elaborate Kui, cause you there’s no way on earth I can get slimsy (LOL) to elaborate on that. Both Jose and I wanna know whazzup with that. ..well maybe I am speaking for myself…but I need your help Jose…so who’s gonna start? Kui..let’s have it..why you be hatin ma??…LOL…on a serious note, yes I am gonna be sad to see Lynny leave, and she has done a great job at the task she was handed. Keep it up Lyndsey…
Mama JunkYard Says It’s not that we don’t like short men…we just don’t like men who are shorter than us. Does that make it better?
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KymmBr says
whew! i feel like i have met slimsey and been with her all my life. now now…am not implying anything, lakini MJY yu two are upto some good work. keep keeping on keeping.
and whew! si there is much upendo going on in these comments. but seriously…good job lindsay..lol and stay with em memories.
Mama JunkYard Says: Thanks Kymmbr.
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Memoire says
Well done Slimsey, well done MJ, and well done to all you people who take the time to volunteer, and who go out of their way to share their skills with communities. I think that travel really changes ones outlook on life – being abroad for that many months wow salutes.
Mama JunkYard Says: You are so right about travel. I know I came back from Belize a different person
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Slimsey says
Thank you so much for you kind comments. It means to so much especially coming from a person who I think is truly amazing and was a real inspiration and strengh during my first few months in Belize. You really helped me get through the = and I really hate to use this word = challenges that were thrusy my way and for that I am truly greatful. I would also like to thank all the wonderful people I have met during my time in Belize and I look forward to coming back in May to say what I know will be some very tearful goodbyes!
p.s David = your reaction to the short man comment just throws the words short mans complex to mind = jokes!!