Getting ready

Just a few days ago I got word I had received a grant to do reproductive health assessments for the refugee crisis on the Greek Islands. This is a tremendous gift as the need is tremendous.  Thank you to the Peter Backman and Annie Christopher Fund for their support.

My goals for this short but important mission:

1.  Meet with the UNHCR to discuss the reproductive health needs for the population traveling through Greece and find ways to better organize the services. 

2.  Meet with the various NGOs on the ground now in Lesvos, Leros and Samos to discuss their needs and how we can serve them better.

3.  Lend a hand and work however and wherever I am needed between meetings.

In doing this assessment I hope we can have more of an impact and serve an even greater number of women and families. 

As a witness I am sure I will be humbled and cannot prepare for the sheer number of people and deep suffering I will encounter.  At the same time I know I will be humbled by the generosity of those who are called to serve, by the refugees themselves and their stories, and the common ground I will no doubt find - it is almost impossible to be with other women and not share a sense of understanding.

                                                   Photo Credit:  John Caron

I leave in a few short days and will begin assessments and planning on the island of Leros on the 2nd of January.  Keep checking for updates.