SUDAN FACES
Sometimes we look through a single window at one of the world’s many tragedies and are touched so deeply we are forever changed. That happened to me when I met several of the Lost Boys of Sudan—as they were called—and heard their incredible story. I became a mentor to three of them who came as refugees in 2001 to Kansas City, Missouri.
I knew Sudan was in Africa, but I had not been aware of the civil war between the North and the South in which more than two million Sudanese had died and even more displaced. The war was still raging at that time. Since I never miss a news cycle and am especially interested in global situations, I was shocked to learn that thousands of displaced children had walked for months across Sudan’s barren land, menaced by starvation, disease, wild animals, and shrapnel from their own government’s helicopter fire. The world community made little effort to relieve their suffering. Though the peace accord was signed in 2005, a similar crisis has now erupted in Darfur. Fortunately, this situation is receiving media coverage.
I have written a book in collaboration with Ayuel Leek and Beny Negor Chol called COURAGEOUS JOURNEY. It will be out in September 2008. From time to time I will post an excerpt from it. The purpose of the book as well as this BLOG is to spread the word about the crisis in Sudan, thus heightening awareness and concern of the plight of those caught in it.
My goal is to provide a place where displaced Sudanese may post their stories and concerns. Also, anyone interested in this topic may send in questions or share activities that are helping Sudan and its citizens.
SO LET ME HEAR FROM YOU.
Write to me in the COMMENTS box or email me at barbara.youree@gmail.com
Writing may be edited for clarity or not posted if inappropriate.
