Smile!
Kuot Mabior has learned much in a variety of jobs since he arrived in the U.S. He even explored an opportunity working in the fishing industry in Alaska, working 16 hours a day, but his health collapsed in the process. He has since recovered well from surgery. Kuot expressed gratitude for Julianna Newell who found a math tutor and a dentist for him. Dr. Karson Kupiec, an excellent dentist in Encinitas, donated his services to transform Kuot’s smile and his dental health. Terri Franklin, who has served the Sudanese refugees for many years, shares a house in Carlsbad with Kuot and four other Lost Boys, Yol, Akech, Solomon and Robert who are working and studying. Kuot helps Terri collect donations of furniture, clothing, household items and computers which they organize and store in their garage. They deliver donations to the Lost Boys and Sudanese refugees in San Diego as needed.
Orphans, Blisters & Devil on Horseback
James Ariath returned from Sudan on May 14, 2010 after helping the people in his home region for two months. One of his goals was to move the 15 orphans he has been supporting to various families where they would be safe. “The people are su ering,” he said sadly. They need the basic necessities of life: clean water, shelter, food and education. His blistered hands were evidence of his hard work clearing many acres of land to grow vegetables and of his deep conviction to help his people. The Janjaweed, translated from Arabic “Devil on Horseback”, are notorious for massacre, rape, pillage, torture, and forced displacement in Darfur. While James was in Sudan, they attacked the people in the Aweil area, killing men, women and children. It was heartbreaking. However, there is one piece of good news: James was married to Awent Kurol while he was in Sudan. When he has the funds and proper documentation for her, he plans to bring her to the U.S. James is very happy about this first step to building their future!
Student of the Year
Anger (pronounced Ungyair), now 12 years old, arrived in El Cajon in May 2006 without being able to speak any English. Her Uncle Lual, one of the Lost Boys, helped her family come to the U.S. from Egypt, where they were refugees since leaving Sudan. They perservered with strong faith in God and strong motivation. Now Anger is the president of her elementary school, getting straight A's, received the Student of the Year award and a certificate signed by a member of Congress for her excellent scholarship! The life of this young leader is a great example of God giving her "a hope and a future".
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