This is our refugee team setting up the exam rooms with us. Despite the conditions here there were smiles and laughter setting up these modules without directions. They are really happy to have something to do. They are smart and restless while sitting around waiting to start a life. These folks are our French and [...]
Myself and five team members leave tomorrow for the Samos Refugee Camp. Three members are already there and more are leaving at the end of this week. As I run around doing last minute errands, trying to cram more supplies into each bag so we don't waste an ounce of weight, I am anxious like [...]
One last post from Samos - and it is a sad one. This morning I was meeting with Omar for an interview. He was just coming from the hospital. Last night a boat sank off shore and MANY refugees were in the water. Many are in bad shape, at the hospital suffering from hypothermia. Nine [...]
Our last jungle clinic. A chaotic and emotional day. A group of folks from Afghanistan came and we had a marginal translator. Our African group also came so we had a lot of people. Thankful for Georgia and Marcia coming up to help on their day off from the clinic. This camp has been difficult on [...]
Today was an easy day. Many of the refugees had to renew their cards. Our sweet nurse from Cameroon, Susie, suddenly got a call from the UN immigration office. We were on pins and needles until she returned and said she is being transferred to the mainland TOMORROW. Such short notice. She is excited and nervous. [...]
Today the sun was shining again. It makes such a difference. Mark did more ultrasounds in the tent and there were some with significant findings. They get referred to the clinic and hopefully will eventually get treatment. As I have said before, the system is so broken. But in defense of Greece, this small island [...]
The jungle medical clinic ultrasound’s battery ran out today. We were able to do about 7. Today we saw a couple from Nepal who have been here for 8 months and are the only Nepalese in the camp. They speak very little English. She is pregnant. Ohhh, so isolated - along with the horrible conditions [...]
The jungle medical camp has become a small refuge for the people. They come with their health issues but also for attention and recognition. We see predominantly Africans who are so marginalized. Over and over we hear how they feel people don’t like them, they feel they are treated like dogs. Officials have told them they [...]
Today the sun shined all day. It was warm and people gathered outside at the jungle medical camp. They sat around having our ginger tea and talking, some laughter was heard. Oh, the healing power of the sun!!!! On the way this morning Riikka and I found the truck selling oranges. We bought 25 kg of [...]
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 [...]
