November 28: The importance of NORMALCY
Saturday, a day off from the clinic. But still work to be done so the team split up. Cathy and Lily went to the Home For All warehouse and sorted and bagged clothes for distribution. There is an urgent need for warm clothes and coats as winter weather approaches . . , predicted for Monday. Tama, Sid and I went [...]
November 27: The really bright side are the refugee translators.
Grateful Thanksgiving week. It was wonderful to see all the posts of gratitude. It is early Saturday morning. I was planning to sleep in, but the external clock and the slightest hint of morning light have my eyes open, jumping out of bed for that first cup of coffee.The last 2 days of clinic flowed at a steady pace. No [...]
November 25: Truly heartbreaking moments.
A cold windy afternoon and evening in triage by the sea. Soon triage will be enclosed - hopefully before the next rain predicted for Monday. I love doing triage because I love meeting all the refugees who come for medical care. Many come with significant issues others come for a band aide or a paracetamol for a headache or antacid [...]
November 23: The Triage line keeps growing.
Today Tama, Lily and I went to Home Away in the morning. Lily will be doing work in their warehouse where they do food and clothing distribution as winter is coming and people need coats. We stopped at their restaurant and asked if they could include hot food delivery to the covid isolation unit and they said they will. Due [...]
November 22: Who is responsible for the needs of refugees?
Thinking of all my family and community and the covid numbers in the USA. Here on the island there were 70 new cases yesterday. That is huge and people are wearing masks. The restaurants and most businesses are closed. Are there still gatherings of friends and family? I am not sure. Working in the camp we are using PPE and [...]
November 18: Shivering in the cold.
By the sea, the beautiful sea. Triage is still outside and the weather has been very windy and cold. Wearing 4 layers and my down jacket and still chilled to the bone. I came back to the house and the team was sitting around in blankets and using hot water bottles - except for Lily who, as an Alaskan, is [...]