Beyond The Sand And Sea

Adult nonfiction 

     "So many futures were more likely than making it to a university of any kind: recruitment into an extremist group, a dangerous sea crossing in search of work, death at the hands of Kenyan security forces who have killed and disappeared thousands of Somalis.  These were paths followed by many of Asad's classmates and friends.  He is the only person born in Dadaab ever to be admitted to Princeton University."

     Asad Hussein was born in Dadaab, a huge refugee camp in Kenya.  His parents and older siblings, including a newborn sister who died of measles and acute malnutrition en route, had to flee war torn Somalia.  They were sure they would return when the fighting was over.  Dadaab was temporary.

     Temporary would turn out to be decades.

     Housing was makeshift and crowded.  Can you imagine a large family doing everything in a shack made of twigs and plastic scraps smaller than the smallest bedroom in your house?  Food was grossly insufficient, education and medical care rudimentary.

     "Perhaps nowhere else on earth have so many people placed so much faith in a country they have never visited and are unlikely ever to reach."

     Forced to exist under abysmal conditions, it's no wonder the refugees stuck in Dadaab were desperate to immigrate to America.  Rules for resettlement were complex and had to be followed to the letter.  Low level bureaucrats could expedite people who bribed them with money or sex.

     Complicating matters, America elected Donald Trump.

     "And perhaps nowhere else on earth have the results of a distant presidential election proved so utterly devastating."

     Although Asad's older sister was relocated, the rest of his family, including his medically frail father, remained in limbo with no explanation for the delay.

     How could he get them out of Dadaab in the context of a system that has made millions into permanent exiles, people without a country?

On a purrrsonal note, I know that I am incredibly privileged to have this problem, but Tobago has put on a little too much weight.  Tanna told me this at Tobago's last week check up.  Nobody mentioned it in 2021.  Dr. Keene agreed that cutting down on her food from 2 to 1 1/2 cans a day might be a good start.  Ultimately I may have to switch her to diet cat food.  Cats who pack on too many pounds are at risk for diabetes.  I can't let that happen.  (Jules)

Not my fault.  You keep a cat inside without all the exercise of catching prey while avoiding becoming prey or roadkill.  What do you expect?  Tubby tabbies. (Tobago)

But indoor cats live longer, healthier lives. (Jules)

True that. ( Tobago)

A great big shout out goes out to Tanna.

Tobago and Jules Hathaway 

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