He, along with countless other Lost Boys, walked over one thousand miles, to a refugee camp in Ethiopia, where he lived for about 2 years. When civil war broke out there, he was forced to walk again, this time to a refugee camp in Kenya. Most of the boys who went through this ordeal did not survive. Through a UN program, David was brought to the United States, where he had to begin the process of adjusting to life in a new country.
David is a deep thinker who has embraced the opportunities that are available in the U.S. He has gone to school, and is now a practicing medical assistant, helping patients with diabetes care. He is also a gifted public speaker who shares his stories and wisdom at elementary schools, collges, high schools, churches, and other groups who want to learn more about the Sudanese crisis. This is a story of hope and achievement which inspires us to take nothing for granted.
His culture has instilled in him a deep respect for education, believing that "education is the key to unlock all doors". With no parents to raise them, children in the refugee camps were taught "Education is my mother and my father." He has come a long way since the refugee camps, and now is very fulfilled in his profession of caring for others. Still, David has a void which he longs to fill.
It is difficult to imagine your parents being taken from you at such a young age. In a family of seven boys, only three are living today. David has not seen his brothers for over twenty years. It has been about 17 years since he has seen his cousin, who pushed him to keep walking, when he thought he could walk no more. He longs to see his village, to remember where he came from, and to finally have some closure on the heartbreaking episodes during his childhood.
We are working to help David realize his dream of returning home. His village in southern Sudan is now peaceful, and his remaining family and friends look forward to his return visit. On his return trip, he will be bringing medical supplies and expertise. He will also be helping with the establishment of an orphanage. With all the turmoil this country has experienced, there are a large number of orphans who are in need.
I feel truly fortunate in knowing David, and regard this endeavour as one of the best ways that I can make a difference for David and the people in his village. It is rare that a donation can provide such direct benefit to a person/community in need. I have the utmost faith in David, and in his cause of providing much needed medical help to his village. This is an incredibly worthwhile cause, please consider making a donation of any amount and support David in his effort to return home.
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