Out of Exile and Hope Deferred 11/17

Summary: The first story is about Achol Mayuol who was born in Marial Bai, South Sudan. Her along with many other children were taken when the Murahaleen attacked Marial Bai. They were told that their parents were killed and that their village was gone. "They were selling cattle at the same location. We were the same as the cattle." She was sold to a rich old man and had four kids. When she was taken into town with her children and her owner she was recognized by some Dinka men which helped free her and she was able to return home to Marial Bai and be free. The second story is about Alweel Kol who was born in Mulmul, South Sudan. Allele was only ten years old when she lost both of her parents. She continued going to school after she escaped and she lived with a very nice family. She got married to a man named Akaich when she was still in high school. When she got married she was pretty much considered his property and he could do whatever he wanted with her. She had a child with him, and not even a year later she got pregnant again but Bkaich claimed it was not his child even though it was. She was raped while in prison and became pregnant due to the rape. The third story was about Pamela and Themba who were born in Harare, Zimbabwe. Pamela grew up in a nice house and lived a modest life. This was during the time of the "Black Market", there were shortages everywhere, even food shortages. When Pamela and Themba had children it was very difficult for them to live. They had to decide to either stay with their children and watch them starve, or leave their children in order to go work somewhere else and send them money for food and other stuff.
Comment:  These stories just like all of the others we have read are very interesting and heart felt stories. Whenever I read these stories I feel very grateful for all that I have and I think about how good I have things in my life. There are also times when I read a story and I am able to relate back to it. One thing I found sad especially in these particular stories is when Achol said "We are the same as cattle." I don't think anyone should ever have to feel like this, shouldn't have to feel any less than human. Something else that I found very touching and that got me thinking was Pamela and Themba's story about their lives and how things changed for them when they had their children. Like every parent they just wanted what was best for their children and I think in those circumstances it was hard for them to actually give their children what they deserved. If I were in that situation and I was't able to give my kids what they needed then I don't know how I would feel.