Wah!
Tumultuous. Lesvos.
As our spirits begin to settle on the "Island of Light," things become more clear. This morning, I spent my time reviewing gear (Jet Ski) with Lifeguard Hellas, watching the ocean, and speaking about our current situation. As of now, their rescue boat is in the water, and waiting to begin escorting refugees safely to the coast. It is a fine line to walk, as Frontex and Coast Guard are very present in the ocean, and we must work together.
At the Hope Center, we continued to prepare rooms, organize clothes, and paint rooms. A group of Spaniards arrived with excellent news: they are donating a set of solar panels to the Hope Center and will begin setting them up tomorrow! Things are flowing in the right direction.
According to a few seasoned volunteers, the Coast Guard presence has been on and off this past year. Also, they said the smugglers in Turkey announced they will begin sending more boats come the beginning of March. Therefore, they predict the waters and the streets of Lesvos to be overwhelmed again with refugees. Meaning, all hands on deck helping.
An employee of IRC shared an interesting tidbit with me: her view of the crisis here has gone 360 degrees in the past 5 months. First, she celebrated that we are helping the refugees to safety. Later, she realized the trauma that they experience after they leave Lesvos; whether it is from PTSD or abuse in other countries. And then, she began to realize that only the lucky actually could afford to cross the ocean; millions are still stuck in Syria and Turkey.
Lesvos is certainly a focal point for this crisis; there are also two tail ends: before and after. Since many of us are receiving into our country, we have choices how to treat them. I pray that we will help the children grow into strong leaders and help them work through their trauma.
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/
Tumultuous. Lesvos.
As our spirits begin to settle on the "Island of Light," things become more clear. This morning, I spent my time reviewing gear (Jet Ski) with Lifeguard Hellas, watching the ocean, and speaking about our current situation. As of now, their rescue boat is in the water, and waiting to begin escorting refugees safely to the coast. It is a fine line to walk, as Frontex and Coast Guard are very present in the ocean, and we must work together.
At the Hope Center, we continued to prepare rooms, organize clothes, and paint rooms. A group of Spaniards arrived with excellent news: they are donating a set of solar panels to the Hope Center and will begin setting them up tomorrow! Things are flowing in the right direction.
 |
| Setting up the "Men's changing room" with tracy (Hope) |
An employee of IRC shared an interesting tidbit with me: her view of the crisis here has gone 360 degrees in the past 5 months. First, she celebrated that we are helping the refugees to safety. Later, she realized the trauma that they experience after they leave Lesvos; whether it is from PTSD or abuse in other countries. And then, she began to realize that only the lucky actually could afford to cross the ocean; millions are still stuck in Syria and Turkey.
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/
Good! I was a bit uneasy after your last posts, but this one sounds encouraging, again.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you and the puppies, and may your hearts continue flourishing in uninterested love!
https://youtu.be/SkyqRP8S93Y