boat for the boat driver to line it up with the ladder hanging off the side of the navy ship. They were helpful, pushing us onto the ladder at the exact right moment, and after climbing one step strong navy hands pulled us up the rest of the way. I remember looking up into the young handsome men’s faces, and them offering to take my life vest off for me. Not wanting to seem like a helpless refugee that needed pity I refused, instead turning aside and fumbling with the buckles. The pitching raft boat had made me nauseous. I could feel all my color draining from my face, and tried to hide it from the ship doctor who checked us when we first arrived, worried he would separate me from my group. We sat in a lounge holding area where there were sandwiches and a small tv with the movie Grease playi...

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