What is the What

This is the book I just finished reading a few weeks ago.  In my mind, an epic.  A novel which should be read, contemplated, and internalized.

It is the story of Valentino Achak Deng, one of the Lost Boys of Sudan, who came to the United States as a refugee after living in two different refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya before which he fled Sudan in order to live.

It is a story of true fear, true courage and true survival.  A story of kindness, forgiveness and reality.  A story with a message, if you so choose to listen to it.

Reading this book was actually one of the goals I listed on my required goals for job performance for the year 20010-2011.

My relationship with Sudanese refugees began 7 1/2 years ago when I started my job as patient care coordinator at the UNMC HIV clinic. 

7 1/2 years ago, I viewed taking care of this very special group as one of the most challenging, and thus frustrating, parts of my work.

7 1/2 years later, I view taking care of this very special group of people one of the most challenging, and thus amazing parts of my work...and it a privilege to do it everyday.

In the past 7 1/2 years, I have gained a great respect and adoration for the refugees of Sudan.  As United States citizens, we think we know a lot about fear, hunger, survival, and hardship.  In some ways, we do. 

I think that I can honestly say that I know alot about grief.  But, I certainly don't know what it is like to have my village burned and my family, friends, and neighbors killed at point blank before my eyes.

I can say that I know fear.  But, I certainly don't know what it is like to cross the wild open lands with a vague destination in mind in the middle of the night to avoid being killed by armies, but to risk being eaten by lions.

I can say I know uncertainty.  But, I have never wished to move to a foreign land for the sake of a better life.  A land where I don't know the language and the culture.  A land where there are things I've never experienced, but a land where I am expected to be instantly self-sufficient.  A land full of new concepts like time, technology, health care, grocery stores, money.  A land where globally, I will not be respected, though I dream of going there. 

This is the life of so many of those I serve.  And for them, I have a profound adoration.  They have changed me.  They have made me wiser.  If you're up for a good read, be challenged to learn from their story.