Leaving Lesvos

Leaving Lesvos January 8, 2016

Night nor storm deterred one boat of 22 souls from making the crossing.  They arrived late during the train and thunder and other than mild hypothermia and fear, all were fine.  I was not there for that landing but in the morning when the seas had calmed  boats started coming.  Just as one arrived another was coming into our vision. It was heartbreaking and exhilarating at the same time.  The joy on their faces when making landfall yet the realization their journey was not near the end.

Word had gotten out to the medical groups and other volunteers that Lighthouse had midwives, “women doctors,” and pregnant women with any concerns were brought to the clinic before Shea and I were even aware. Fortunately everyone was fine, even those with complaints. I had to leave early to get back to Mytilini to catch my ferry to Samos, but at last repot Shea was busy all day as 10 boats arrived and when not in the clinic she was staffing the women’s tent and helping them to find dry clothes.

Without a doubt our presence will make a difference and Midwife Pilgrim will do our best to keep Lighthouse staffed with our midwives.  For now Shea will be on call for any needs in addition to her scheduled shifts.  I am grateful for her service and her 3 remaining weeks there.

After the refugees arrive they are quickly triaged and those with medical needs are brought to the clinic.  Everyone else is brought to the tents to warm by the fire, have hot tea, and change into dry clothes.  As son as they are ready (and if the UNHCR is there with their smaller buses) hey are bused several miles up a steep hill to another landing where a larger bus will take them to Moria for registration and to stay until they can leave.  If they land in the night they are given blankets and a place to sleep until morning.

Now off to Samos.  I have no idea what to expect when I arrive and will spend the next three days getting the lay of the land and discussing with the main medical team there ways we can support them. I have heard they are very busy and need more help. I hope I can lessen their burden a bit while I am on the island.

Memories:
Approaching the shore of Skala as his boat arrived a man jumped up and out of the boat into the water shouting with joy.  Everyone in the overcrowded boat cheered and so did all of us on the rocky beach.

After they land the boats are taken apart and popped.  The noise is very loud bang and echoes throughout.  One woman in the queu for dry clothes started shaking and crying.  She was from Syria and showed me her scars fron a bomb that destroyed her home and killed her brother.

The cold and shaking children too tired to even cry.

The family with two young children that was finally together after getting off the boat and just held each other for a long, quiet time.