Feb 28: Another day in the jungle – thank you for your donations.
Another day in the jungle. Today Georgia and Marcia joined the jungle team. It was a women’s day and we also saw many minors. These young boys really break my heart. Their faces are so pained. Many are vot [victlms of torture] and have endured beatings. They are alone. None are with family. Many have witnessed the murder of [...]
Feb 27: Medicine and supplies are running low – please help & DONATE today!
Especially challenging day today. We saw about 7 young men, all minors aged 16 and 17. They are here alone, escaping bad situations in their country, most of them VOT (victims of torture). They are supposed to be protected and sheltered away from the general population but these boys are camped in the jungle in tents fending for themselves. [...]
Feb 26: “They are dedicated to helping themselves and their fellow refugees.”
Our jungle medical camp today: The sun was shining but the cold wind was blowing. We saw 70 people today. Many, many VOT. Victims of Torture. Many just sick from the conditions and untreated chronic illnesses. Saw 3 women today with history of sexual violence. Raped in Turkey on the journey to freedom. The van is working really well. [...]
Feb 26: “Here there is a feeling of depressed desperation.”
Another cold and rainy day but the jungle clinic saw over 60 patients. One woman who had pneumonia was in the camp for 2 months and had NO COAT. She came in with a fever coughing and shivering so badly she couldn’t use her hands. We got her inside our van and Riikka made a mad dash to Omar’s [...]
Feb 25: “It is an emotional roller coaster here.”
Yesterday was such a busy day. I came back to the Airbnb and planned on an hour rest . . . I slept in my clothes until 2 am. It is an emotional roller coaster here. The refugees we are seeing are all from Africa. They are so grateful. They are treated terribly in every way. There were so many [...]
Feb 24: Thank all of you for ”loving him without knowing him.”
Spent yesterday organizing, preparing meds, wound care. Alex, our refugee coordinator, organized a meeting with some camp leaders. These folks are refugees. They are eager to help us and figured out a system that they will manage to keep crowds under control and ensure our safety. They shared their stories and their frustrations at being trapped on this island [...]