Thursday, October 17, 2019

What Day Is It?

Seriously, what day is it?

This shift work is messing with my head--just in being able to keep things straight. On Wednesday night, we did a second 4-12 shift and then had an 8-5 shift on Thursday. Barb continues on her 4-12 (or really 12-12) shift for the entire time we are here.

After taking part in women's tea at Oasis on Wednesday, four of us started our 4-12 shift--Perry and Kevin were doing the overnight shift again. 

For the first few hours of our shift, before it got dark, we paired up to try to deliver "transfer" tickets throughout the camp to specific people. LH and Sarah went together. Eric and I went together. There are so many people packed in this camp...and sections are not labeled. We have a map showing different zones and areas of the camp, along with structure numbers to find people, but it is so confusing to find your way around...especially on day 3.

The transfer tickets we were delivering were for people to be transferred to Athens the next day. So, we were happy to be able to be delivering this news to them. Going to Athens means going to another refugee camp, but it is progress.

Once it got dark, Eric went to be in the section for minor males, where he got to play more ball and then do guard duty for that section again. Me, Sarah and LH helped out in "new arrivals" for a bit where we were rolling up sleeping mats and prepping items that would be given to those people who just arrive at camp. Everyone is given clothing, shoes, hygiene kit, towels, and sleeping bags.


Once it reaches 8:30 at night, that is when Eurorelief provides people to guard gates before the Greek police take over for overnight. At that time, Sarah went to the section for women and children, while LH and I stayed in new arrivals. New arrivals was very busy until 10:30-11 pm. They wait in line with their police papers and are given whatever is applicable to their family size. So, LH and I were packing bags and filling orders. This made the night go quickly for us.

Thankfully, Barb was able to be relieved of debriefing with her group so she could return directly from camp with us (rather than me going to pick her up in another spot at 1 am).  The night of sleep was already going to be short enough. I was thankful we could work this out with the medical group she is serving with.

The four of us that did the 4-12 on Wednesday night, left for camp the next morning to start the 8 am shift. For day shift, at the start of each shift, they go through the many different jobs that need done and you can volunteer for specific things. This morning, LH was a brave one. She volunteered to be POINT on the Info Center!?  The funny thing was, she said to me later that she had not meant to be point...she just wanted to be on the team.  Seriously, this is most people's least favorite job. It is chaotic, stressful--basically customer service, but in languages you cannot understand and you can't answer most of their questions.  Sounds great, huh?  Well, LH did awesome! She did that all day. We didn't see her much, but heard about her day at debrief over dinner.

Eric, Sarah and I ended up working with several others in fixing tarps, putting up tarps over tents, and then tearing down and assembling tents.  It was hard work.  And hot.  The tents were being replaced for various reasons and the tarps were being moved to allow for better rain run-off and prep for the upcoming winter months.

 



The team of 6 (missing Barb) went in to Mytilene to drop off laundry and have dinner in the evening. Honestly, I was really tired and this was the last thing I wanted to do. But, once we got there and I got some food, then I realized that I was just "hangry."  I am tired, for sure. But, the time together tonight with the team was so fun! We had lots of laughter and even some tears. Everyone is really bonding and growing together. It is so cool to be a part of something like this. We really miss having Barb with us!



Tomorrow is another 8-5 shift for all 6 of us. It will be good to all be together for a shift for the next two days.  And, we are looking forward to our day off on Sunday.

Barb is trying to coordinate her days off with the medical team to have off the same days that we do. Please pray that this works out.  Please pray that I can also coordinate the best schedule for our team with the scheduler for next week. 

Please continue to pray for Barb. I haven't seen her all day (because of our shifts). I know she was not feeling well--pretty bad sore throat. Pray for her health. Pray for strength and stamina for all of us. Pray for everyone processing so many different emotions as they see and hear hard stuff. The stories and journeys of many people that we are meeting in the camp are really tough.

Pray for me as team leader to be aware of the needs on the team. Pray that I get good rest. Pray that I listen well. Pray for discernment and clarity in guiding the team. I am also doing my best in gathering information about other organizations serving in the camp.  I'm also learning more about the organizations that I knew served in the camp. Pray for wisdom for the LT in the office back in the US as we continue to discern the best fit for BIC US working among refugees here.

Thanks for your prayers!


No comments:

Post a Comment