Here are some answered questions. I would like to give applause to your excellent thoughts, and a thanks! to your teacher for allowing me to share some of my experiences I have encountered since my arrival on planet Earth. I have yet to answer all, but I hope to do so this morning in few words.
- Do you miss your family?
- You know, when you know and feel that you couldn't possibly imagine living or going far away from your parent, brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts; this feeling once you are far, doesn't seem so bad. Yes, I do miss my family; and my obligations of duty, love and honor bind me to achieve great for myself, family, friends and our world. This is why I have been far too long from family.
- When was the last time you saw your family?
- The last time I saw my my family was 21 years ago, 1993. This was at the height of a Civil War between the Sudan Regime (Islamic North) and Liberation army (Christians and traditionalist South). The liberation had two major bases in our Nation (the Didinga Tribe). They brought war, famine, and death to my people. I have never seen an Arab/Muslim, but I have seen the Liberation army. Army composed of majority of Dinka (Largest tribe in South Sudan) and Nuer (Second largest tribe). They brought war to my people and mined the agricultural fields with landmines, which lead to starvation of my people, and as well their own; for my people were hospitable hosts.
- How much family did you leave?
- I left seven brothers and sisters. In order of birth, Lokang, (Odeng, me), Nahidici, Natiki, Ayaa, Hollii, Pethee, & Itaa.
- Five Brothers and Sisters I have never met, after Itaa. Togunye, Etelle, twins(Ochii & Ateta), & Lotohe.
- What do you miss most about Sudan?
- I miss the closeness of our family. I miss my two grandmothers (Atii & Mucuu), they both loved me, and my brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces and nephews equally. I was hoping to see them before their time, but now too late. I will see them all gain, including my grandfathers whom I didn't know.
- I miss Nyakorot, especially “Padan”, /per done/. You may think of it as the collision of intimate parts without the actual act. The boy/man (warrior) dances vigorously by jumping up-&-down (singing at the same time), to get the attention of, “Buuhec”,/can’t be translated, the word/ a girl. The girls/women then organize themselves according to whom they will “collide” with and dash forward at the moment their held-hands let go of each other, and, “Paaah!”, the sound of a well received “padan”. The boy/man thanks the girl/woman by even higher jumps and a warrior's attack and shield moves (portrayed as a sign of prowess against an enemy warrior).
- What was life like in Sudan?
- My tribe works three times a year, cultivate the fields, weed the fields and harvest the field. After the harvest, nothing to do but party (Nyakorot competitions!) and barter trade till the next winter (rain season).
- How did you feel when you found out you were coming to the USA?
- Well, first, one must understand that in 99’ and before that, the US immigration was pretty tight. Canada and Australia were the ones accepting immigrants. The first Didinga to come to the US were three of my friends, Oyontang, Tupathia, and Hipee, Dec. 99’.
- I traveled from a rural Kenya town, Juja to the capital city, Nairobi to find my flight date and time in a Joint Voluntary Agency (JVA) flight board. When I saw my name listed, the first thought was to traveled 2 days, 752km (Google says) in the opposite direction to a camp in Northwest of Nairobi, Kakuma. My family moved to Kakuma, in 95. Because the flight was within a week, I was unable to visit my family at the camp.
- What music do you like?
- I like all music! literally all music. Music is the language of what it means to be a human. There are a few truths regardless of the language of you speak, for example; a smile, a laughter, a cry,...is universal!
- Are there are a lot of jobs in Africa?
- Yes, and no. Because of underdevelopment and illiteracy, in the sense that there is no common written communication that allows for utilization of natural resources that the developed countries are in need for their growing populations, “Vultures on the trees”, nlmk 20140212193000.
- What do you do for fun?
- What was it like walking to Kenya?
- How was the refugee camp?
- When you came to the USA were you happy?
- What dances/rituals do you remember or like the most?
- Were you ever in a dance group?
- If you dance can you show us?
- If you don't dance why?
- Are you happy here?
- Is this home for you now?
- Do you miss your old home?
- How is here different from your old home?
- What is your dream here?
- Do you like music?
- How do you feel about us asking you questions?
- Do you like your car?
- Do you like snow? Cold? Summer?
- How did you feel when you first came to America?
- How do you feel now?
The students are very excited to see you! See you in the morning.
Kate
