V. Ups and Downs - Lesvos, Greece

Anais and I rose early with a new pep in our step, thanks to our little portable heater! Rising in the dawn is slightly easier when you cannot see your breath and can feel your toes. We decided to beeline straight for Skala, in hopes to help receive the morning boats.

There are two roads connecting Molivos and Skala: the mud road & the mountain road. We have passed through the mountain road a couple of times, although it is a bit longer and you run the risk of icy roads. We have heard many stories of the mud road; people bottoming out, popping tires, getting stuck, while others make the journey once or twice a day with no problems other than a muddy car!

As it snowed the night previous, we decided to try the mud road. By the grace of God, our little Nissan Micra successfully crossed the grueling road in about 25 minutes, arriving just in time to help with the unloading of the morning boats over the course of a few hours. We witnessed a pace that the volunteers worked - one that received the refugees, and then guided them into vans where they are transported elsewhere.

In the heart of the winter, the arrival of boats has been the slowest, as the danger has increased with falling temperatures. Lifeguards shared stories with me about October, when the entire ocean was filled with boats, and 10s of boats would land at the same time. The beaches were absolute mayhem and the island filled fast. People are expecting the weather to get better in the next few weeks, and a flood of refugee boats to take off from shore - as there are apparently millions waiting on the coast of Turkey for their chance to cross.

My favorite part of receiving the refugees is seeing the happiness and relief in their eyes, shaking their hands, welcoming them with "Salaam Alaikum," and watching family rejoice with hot beverages in their hands and dry clothes on their bodies. On the other hand, reality began to sink in, as not all is glitter and gold.

Yesterday, a refugee spoke to me as I helped him onto land. With his hands and words, he told me that there was another boat that flipped. I spoke with the leader of Pro Activa who had radio contact with his rescue boat, and he let me know that it was in "Turkish waters" and there was nothing we could do about it. I watched the refugees of the boat that arrived safely, and could feel the pain they were experiencing for their lost family and friends.

As it turns out, the boat did sink, and at least 23 drowned. As I spoke with Nigel (a volunteer from Ireland) about the tragedy, he told me a story: A group of 30 refugees paid a smuggler a premium price to take a boat with less people, as to be safer. They also paid the smuggler to drive the boat across for them, as they had never even seen the ocean.  When the morning came for the crossing, the smuggler loaded the boat up with 52 people (22 extra), and began to drive off the coast. When he was 50 meters from the coast, he jumped off the boat, pointed to a 23 year old young man and said, "you drive." Then the smuggler swam back to the coast.

With the winds and seas in their favor, this group made it safely across. There are many unbelievable stories like this, that involve the corruption taking place while helping the Syran/Afghan/Iranian people. If they do arrive safely to Lesvos, which is their only option into Europe at this point, they are not guaranteed entry beyond this point.





For example, a 22 year old young man was sent on a boat with his 5 year old nephew. The grandparents paid their crossing, so the child could see a better life. When they arrived, the young boy died of hypothermia. The uncle, tried to register and was deported because he was a "single male." Imagine the guilt and burden this man carries.

Some volunteers are speaking with refugees as they arrive, and telling "single" males to claim anyone as their family, or they will be sent back home. For many, their perilous journey hits a brick wall of legislation and ends in heartbreak.

We are happy to be here, serving.

Love and Peace to 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/