A visit from the Lost Boys

“Education is my mother and father.”

This saying is attributed to one young man who escaped death more than 10 years ago in the Sudan.

More than 20,000 young boys set out on foot to achieve freedom.

Only 3400 made it to the United States.

And only one dozen reside in Hampton Roads.

Their story was brought to Virginia Wesleyan Thursday, Sept. 23, 2004 in a program called, “Surviving in Sudan, Surviving in America.” The Center for the Study of Religious Freedom, Office of Community Service and the Department of English co-sponsored the program that allowed Wesleyan students and the surrounding community to catch a glimpse into the horrors these young men have faced.

Despite the hardship, Blocker Auditorium was filled with joyous singing and dancing. The presentation began with traditional drumming and dancing. The songs performed had religious and cultural connotations interwoven throughout.

“The songs praise our heritage,” said Bul Dat, who is currently a student at Tidewater Community College studying business management and religion. “Our first song talks about the blind leading the blind. We must follow the light or Jesus to be able to see.”

Even though the young men are able to feel joy about happy times in the past, there joy is generally tempered with sorrow.

Most of the conflict that has arisen in the Sudan over the past two decades are due to two major conflicts. The Sudan has a population mix of about 40% Arab and 52% Black-African. Assimilation of the races and the religious backgrounds caused a fallout and armed forces were created to defend the Southern and Northern sections of the country.

In the late 80s, the leaders of the North began to draw troops from the South.

“[Many] men were captured from the South and taken to the North to become part of the SPLA,” said Dat.

Many of the boys' families were fearful that they would be taken as well.

"Our parents told us to hide," said Dat. “That is when we began to move eastward.”

The boys began a journey that lasted for more than 2,000 miles.

They walked the whole way, barefooted with no luggage or food.

“[You] only feel you are alive, that is it,” said Dat.

Many boys lost their lives on this journey, either from starvation or drowning. Only about half who started the journey made it to Ethiopia. Life in Ethiopia was a little better, but not by much. The food in the refugee camps was not always edible. And the boys still faced the same issues as they did at home: famine, attacks and death.

After almost three months with no food, they began a second journey to Kenya. In Kenya, they were educated, but barely surviving. Food was still an issue. But the boys never gave up hope.

“Our prayer to God,” said Dat, “[was] not to be famous for our suffering but what we will do later.”

The United States government finally became involved in the rescue mission and began to bring the survivors to our country.

“I remember our welcome in the Norfolk Airport,” said Jacob Chol, who hopes one day to study engineering. “It was a special night. Wonderful.”

The boys have been overwhelmed by the support and love they have received here in Hampton Roads.

“Our place was sweet," said Chol. "Big bed with a good mattress. Wow!”

But the adjustment to their new found freedom has been bitter sweet.

"Life is like the mountains,” said Chol. “Up and down.”

They have had many obstacles to overcome, like securing adequate transportation and finding jobs.

“We began bagging food in stores,” said Chol. “But we felt ashamed because we did not know the language.”

Finally, with much help from community churches, such as Christ and Saint Luke's Episcopal Church in Norfolk, the boys were able to enroll in school.

“We were in school but we needed to be able to drive to get to school,” said Chol. “We get license and have no car. Then only one car, so we get two jobs.”

In 2003, all the boys were able to have their own cars. Most of them work two jobs to be able to pay for school, cars and other expenses. Currently, they are unable to qualify for financial aid. However, despite the struggle, they are still optimistic.

“Life in America is good,” said Chol. “In the middle-caty, caty.”

The boys attribute all their good fortune to their belief in God.

“It is God's will for us to be in America,” said Chol.

One feels as though he is called to help others understand more about God as a result of his life.

“I want to one day become a priest,” said Dat. “I will spread the Word of God and lead the country by God.”

The boys still have goals. All are or have attended Tidewater Community College and hope to transfer to others schools to pursue majors such as law, biology, economics and finance.

And that is why education is their family.

“Most of us are orphans,” said Deng Awuou.

They are seeking to educate themselves so that they can return to their home country and help others still left in the fallout.

The boys had advice for the students in the audience as well.

“Take time, thank God for being with your parents and being in school,” said Dat. “Look at us, happy, singing and dancing but not forgetting.”

The boys want to share their story with as many who will listen. They are hoping by educating others they will bring about positive change.

“Our story is not too scare,” said Dat. “Like being skinny, we have no appetite to eat still thinking about our people, so people will understand what has happened.”

The story of the Lost Boys is a story of survival and of courage. The ability of six men to grasps onto what we take for granted every day. For some, education is just an exercise. For the Lost Boys, a lifeline. The journey is far from over, but the boys know that there is hope.

“Life is how you define it,” said John Lueth, currently a biology student at TCC.

For more information on the Lost Boys or to contribute to their educational fund, contact Diane Hotaling at ext. 3216 or dhotaling@vwc.edu, Kelly Jackson at ext. 3129 or kjackson@vwc.edu, or Vivan Teter at ext. 3340 or vteter@vwc.edu/a>.