IV. Determination & Celebration

Anais and I woke up with the rising sun, moved our bodies to create warmth, and hit the road. Our first stop: lighthouse #1, the home of Lifeguard Hellas. As we drove down the dirt hill, we saw a half sunken fisherman boat and a few local gipsy scoping out the scene, seeing which parts might be valuable.

Approaching the coast, I met with a lifeguard from California (part of the International lifeguard team working with Hellas Lifeguards). He was bundled up in his car, scanning the coast and trying to stay warm. He explained that a boat arrived around midnight. Luckily, everyone was safe and the lifeguards enjoying a bonfire present to receive them.

As the morning rolled on, the Lifeguard Hellas walkie talkie began to light up with communication from boaters. They spotted 8 boats approaching full of refugees. Most were heading towards Skala, while a boat in distress was being towed by the Coast Guard towards Molyvos. In these quick minutes, the lifeguard team arrived on site. Lighthouse 1 was covered.

I decided to make a move and jump in the car towards Skala. With Anais we drove through the mountain roads to the other side of the coast, parked in an empty lot, and jumped out in a light jog towards to beach. A boat was about 100 meters from the beach as we arrived. I made eye contact with a guard from Proactiva, and he motioned me to the other side of the boat. For a moment, I felt a deep sense of camaraderie, a sense of unity. 

Together, with the help of others, we guided 3 boats full of refugees in to the shore over the next hour and a half. It is so beautiful to see the refugees land safely - smiles plastered on their faces, hugging one another, and celebrating their safe passage! Many arrive soaking wet, some without shoes, some with bags, and some with lifejackets (many fakes). There are many babies and young children squished into the mob of people.

Boats jam packed - Chilly waters

On a couple of the boats received today, we had to help people off that were totally wet from the leaking boat and blue in the lips. Medics take over as these are obvious cases of hypothermia and need immediate attention. Others are guided towards camps where they dry off, receive warm liquids, a new set of clothes, and a ride to register on the island.

No shoes!

As I was unloading the 3rd boat, I saw a man on shore without shoes on. He was trembling, trying to send a text message on his cracked smartphone. Gently kneeling next to him, I asked, "Would you like some shoes." With clear eyes, he replied, "I am trying to text my mother and let her know I am alright." Laughing deep in my belly, I looked at him with serious eyes and replied, "Bro, your mom can wait a few more minutes - take care of your feet." I put my arm around him and walked him to the nearest camp.

It turns out he was the "captain" of his boat, which he boasted proudly, as it was the first time he had ever driven a boat! Many of the refugees have never even seen the ocean, let alone driven a boat. They pay smugglers upwards of 2,000 Euro, per person, to board one of these makeshift boats (many homemade), upwards of 400 Euro for a fake lifejacket, and take off into unknown territory. It is obvious that they are desperate. 

Anais kept busy this morning, helping prepare warming tents and clothing for the refugees. As they arrived, she greeted them with warm tea (her dream!) and helped them get their bearings. She shared how certain systems can be improved by increasing communication and using eco-friendly material (rather than using styrofoam cups). Hopefully, we will be able to improve the system as we spend more time here (following the lead of Solstice/Sat Nam Fest Yogi tea!). 

Lunch approached and the sky began to open, bringing a mix of rain and snow. We left towards Molyvos immediately, knowing the mountain road would quickly become icy and too slick to drive. Singing mantras through the snow, we began to defrost our bones in the warm car!

We spent the afternoon between the Hope Center - helping paint - and the Lifeguard Hellas beach, discussing the day and watching for incoming boats. It seems that most boats are arriving between 7-11 am, and towards Skala. We would like to be of much service to incoming refugees as possible, so we are going to attempt to be in Skala early.

We would like to continue to be a part of the creation of the Hope Center, and helping the incoming boats in Skala. In the beginning of February we need to move homes, as our guest house is reserved for other volunteers. Hopefully in the next couple of days we will land the perfect room to rent! Har Har Har ;) 

God Bless Cookie, as she gave us a portable heater for our room tonight! 

Sat Nam! Love and Light to you all!

Thank you to all the supporters that have helped Anais and I get out here. Sat Nam Foundation is sponsoring us to be out here, and to provide the refugees with the care they need. Please support us at: http://satnamfoundation.org/index.php/campaign/lesbos/