12.31.17 A refugee update

A report from RNZ Pacific informs us that four of our refugees who landed in Yap in 2014 are now in Sweden.

Here is the report as found on the Yap State Government online newsletter:

"New Life In Sweden For Refugees Stuck In FSM
RNZ Pacific // December 29, 2017
 
POHNPEI, FSM — Four Nepalese refugees who were stuck on Micronesian islands for nearly three years have found a new life in Sweden.
 
The men left the Federated States of Micronesia in September after being detained at wharves on Yap and Pohnpei as authorities determined their status and tried to find them a home.
 
The men were among a boatload of Indian and Nepalese men who arrived near starving on Yap in November 2014 and were the only ones given refugee status in 2016.
 
The group of four spent another year on a ramshackle boat at the wharf in neighboring Pohnpei in conditions which raised the concern of locals.

"Whatever it was, got it triggered and they got status and the ability to transfer to Sweden. They were excited, they were well-dressed. Yes they looked excited and happy and somewhat relieved for sure," he said." 

The men are learning Swedish and receiving training in their new home."

From time to time hear I also hear from some of the refugees that live in India and Nepal. One now has a beautiful little daughter and has also met a friend of mine that travelled to his country. Some are still looking for better opportunities outside of their homelands. I hope that they all are safe and have found new meaning in their lives. It was an incredible opportunity for me to meet so many men determined to make a better life for themselves and their families. These are men who were willing to risk everything on the chance that they might land in a country that would offer them an opportunity to have a safe and productive life. I often think about them and their plight and their stay in Yap. And in particular I send them wholehearted wishes for their safety and happiness and good health. I was told others were going to the Middle East and have heard nothing more. If anyone has any information, I would appreciate learning about their status and well-being.

 

06.25.16 update on green boat men

Returned to Yap to visit the refugees. Seven Nepalese returned to Nepal on tonight's flight (if there were no clitches). IOM helped them with papers and documents so  they could return. Three other Nepalese men have been provide asylum/refugee status, however they are still on the dock. No man from India has been offered refugee status and to date, none are returning to India.

The men receive food and basic supplies, some from the national office, IOM, local generosity and donations from a group in Guam. There have been no more nursing visits, although the men said they were all well. I suspect they need counseling and emotional support which they had once from Behavioral Health and Wellness, but they are not visiting there anymore. I visited almost every day, save for days with very heavy and frequent rains. The men spend most of the time doing idle things, they are not allowed off the dock and visitors are still banned. Father John is off island but they are hopeful that when he returns he will resume visits. They were brought some supplies and food to supplement their diet with some fresh vegetables.

Here is a picture of the men.

This is Hope. Son of their other dog Ali. The first Hope died.

As soon as I get a chance I will post more about the trip. It was Homecoming in Yap, a celebration of 50 years of the Peace Corps in Micronesia. It was a great trip visiting friends and colleagues. Lots of pictures, there were men's and women's dances and lots of time with Shorty and Buddy, too!

 

We walked along the stone pathway  a few times. Always a beautiful walk.

 

Shorty is resting - it is hot, hot, hot.

02.2016 Lunch

We had a great lunch with the men. The green boat itself is almost completely gone - used for firewood. Here are a few pictures of the living quarters as well.

 

Waving good - bye - not knowing when we will meet again.

The men like Shorty and asked if he could stay with them. Shorty wanders around Colonia a lot, hard to imagine him staying in one place. Sadly, their dog Hope was poisoned and died. Unfortunately the men were witness to his demise.

Last pieces of the "green boat" - the vessel on which the men were sailed to Yap by mistake.

 

12.19.15 birthday week celebrations

Another year and a birthday to reflect on the past, present and future. Decided that I would make some time to contemplate and enjoy things around me. So the twins (Fionnegan and Gunnarr) and I got up early  for our morning walk, "puppy classes" and treats and then after a rendition of Happy Birthday with the dogs wagging their tails to the beat of  the song, we had birthday cake for breakfast, then I went to work.

Usually it snows on my birthday but today we  had rain. Still did not dampen my spirits. The office staff even sung me happy birthday, then I decided to go to Back Bay in Boston. I haven't walked around there in a long time. I expected more lights and festive feelings but made due with what I found in Copley Square and along Newbury Street and Boylston Street all the way to the Pubic Garden. Still, Mr Mayor, a few more lighted trees would be nice. I also went to the top of the Prudential building for the view. Even though it was raining, the cloud cover allowed  for intermittent peeks of the landscape and cityscape. A glass of champagne and black forest cake for dessert made for a nice celebration. The walk was good for  the spirit and soul. While I had no agenda or deep issues to consider, it was the first time  in a while that I had  unstructured time to myself. So many thoughts came to mind, thoughts of the year in Yap and new friends there and the situation of the men on the green boat from India and Nepal, and of course wondering about Shorty. It was a good year in Yap and I hope that at least some of the work I did will make a lasting and positive difference. You never know. Interesting I had an exchange of several texts/emails with one of the PH staff. while having dinner. The connection remains. Also I was wondering what I should do moving forward. No answers, just the luxury of letting thoughts and ideas flow. The right answer will come to  me, with time.

Then I headed for the Boston Symphony where the Boston Pops are playing the Christmas special all month. There was a sing along for the audience with the orchestra and choir with everyone belting out some old favorites for the season. Does this mean I can add "sang with the Boston Pops" to my resume? A very special treat was listening to the beautiful voice of Justin Hopkins, a bass/baritone opera singer. He has such a gift - his voice was a smooth as silk. I could have listened to him all night. And Santa made an appearance and all is right with the world!

The next day it was lunch with a colleague with the same birthday then dinner and a movie with my friend Sylvia. We saw Star Wars - the Force Awakens. It was fantastic. Thoroughly enjoyed the movie. And the evening. If you like action, Harrison Ford, or just a good movie, do see Star Wars. Will not spoil it for you by giving any more comments or any details.

A lot of celebrating, a lot of reflecting, and reconnecting with friends and family. A good birthday indeed.

Here are a few pictures of Boston on a rainy night to share with my friends in Yap (and those who are still  following from India and Nepal):

Boston Public Library. An impressive building inside and out.

Trinity Church and tree. Copley Square, Boston.

Later went  to the top of the hub in the Prudential building and took the next few pictures of the city.

 

Clouds moving  in fast. Windy and raining. But still unseasonably warm.

John Hancock tower taken from the Prudential Building. Two of the tallest buildings in Boston.

 

Home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Warming up for the show. I was in the third row.

Keith Lockhart, maestro of the Boston Pops.

A very handsome Santa makes hiw way down the aisle through the audience.

The maestro and Santa share a laugh.

Justin Hopkins. A voice like none other. IMHO. Keep an eye on the progress of his career. He is a star.

From their "Auntie Paula" a basket of flowers to look like Fionngen and Gunnarr.

 

09.2015 A week of farewells and ........................

...................... visits to favorite places.

When I returned from PNG I  had a week planned to finish up a few outstanding projects - plus pack. As it turned out there was very little time to finish the work and it travels with me to complete.

We had a great week and it turns out Shorty is somewhat of a celebrity in Colonia. One day we were walking in town and I said hello to a man I had met a few times. He said do you remember me and I said yes. Then he said - I'm not talking to you I am asking Shorty! Apparently he fed Shorty while I was in PNG. One evening Shorty and I were to meet a friend Betsy for dinner at the Marina, but she could not make it, so Shorty and I  went alone. I like the restaurant - they have good food, prices are just a little high, but they allow Shorty to come inside or I can take a table outside. The waitress greeted Shorty - she remembered his name but not mine!

We visited a few places where we could sip ice tea and water. I especially like Goma Bar - part of the Marina - have my favorite seat in the corner right by the lagoon. The other favorite is the Waterfront Inn, where we have a drink on Saturday nights and watch the stars and the sea.

Had a wonderful dinner with Heidi and Amos and the kids. I am going to miss them terribly. I love the kids and Heidi. They made the year in Yap go fast. Also had a very special lunch with Agnes, who made chicken and pumpkin and brought a picnic basket to the apartment. Dinner with Jennifer of Oceania Hotel was also very special. She is part owner of this lovely hotel (formerly The Pathways) and her cook is excellent. Once the restaurant is open I suspect she will always be very busy. The place also has a great view of the lagoon and the private rooms look like local village houses. And she now has a white puppy named Sid to keep her company. I will also miss her and wish we had more time to become friends. The new PCRV also met with me for drinks and dinner at Trader's Ridge (now called Yap Divers Resort). So a lot of eating before I left. And I will always remember that very special dinner made by the men from the green boat. People are supposed to keep me posted of their progress. We raised a bit of money that will be used for food as well as essential items. Betsy, a PCRV working with the Department of Education, was particulary kind. She kept me company in the evening as I waited for a 1 AM pick-up by Alex (Seabee) to go to the airport for a 3:30 flight. My question to United - really? The flights have to be at 3:30 AM? Really????

It was a great year and I do look forward to my continued work with the hospital and PH in Yap. And I will return - Shorty did not make the trip back home with me. So I will have to return!

Here are a few pictures of friends and the scenery.

Honora and Shorty. Tommy, Reina, and Honara were given a bag of treats for Shorty to feed him after I leave.

The Collins family.

Sipping a Coke at the Waterfront Inn with a view of the Mnuw.

Shorty likes it there at the Waterfront, too. Ever since we threw him in the pool he has been very careful around water. Did I mention that? He was filthy one day - caked with mud and he stunk. He had followed the drainage pipe by the community center into the lagoon where I do believe he almost got stuck. He refused to allow me to wash him with bottles of water, he refused to wash in the lagoon, so as a last resort he was thrown into a pool. He did not enjoy that, shall we say.

Entrance to O'Keefe Waterfront Inn, a really lovely place.

 New dock being built.

 

Pictures around Colonia.

Pictures from the dinner with the men from the green boat. Their application to be classified as refugees was denied by the UN. They have one month to file an appeal. Are there any good lawyers out there that can help them? How about just one good lawyer?

 

The meal was delicious. Heidi made two cakes, the rest of the food was prepared by the men.

The lagoon and park behind the hospital. Our favorite place for Shorty and me to visit.

Swim and napping - pastimes at the park!

Shorty loves playing in puddles.

Pictures taken from my favorite corner at Goma Bar facing the Marina and lagoon.

Aleric walking on the stone path with me.

My apartment is the upstairs corner unit.

Evita and Shorty having fun.

Jennifer and Sid from Oceana Hotel. We all need a puppy to keep us company. And love them we do!

Completion of the stairs at the hospital. US Navy Seabees.

Shorty in my office. He is waiting for breakfast.

I mentioned Shorty is a celebrity.

Aleric, Evita, Shorty.

The library getting a makeover by the Seabees.

 

Shorty at the Oceana Hotel.

 

Now it is time to say goodbye!