Chances are that I've told you all about the Lost Boys if I've known you for a minimum of twenty minutes...they're like family to us, and I can't even begin to express the depth of our awe and love for them. Makett's Dinka name is in honor of our Sudanese brothers. I'll go into their history below if you'd like to read it, but here's the purpose of this post:Majak, who also goes by Opetero, graduated from the University of Utah with his bachelors in Laboratory Science in 2007. He works in a lab and Primary Children's hospital and brightens the day of all he comes in contact with.
In May he agreed to help his cousin, Alual, achieve her dream of opening a Sudanese restaurant. She is an amazing cook and her food is delicious! He has put everything-- savings and time -- into helping her accomplish her dream. Their restaurant opened in May. It's delicious, cute and clean!
Here's where you come in--
PLEASE SUPPORT THEM!!!
They could really use your business, these first few months are crucial.
They're well priced and the food is fabulous.
The restaurant is clean and cute!
Kuoldit's Sudanese Restaurant
1895 S. Redwood Road
The Trib did an article about them you can read here. I won't go into detail about Alual's history, but it's just as incredible as Majak's, and the article explains it. You can also read about it on the Trib's blog here. Go to the restaurant, if he's not at the hospital Majak will be there, tell him hi for us!
Just in case you don't have the background, I'll try to be brief, but you need to understand it to appreciate just how amazing these guys are. Southern Sudan is native Sudanese, the majority of whom converted to Christianity in the early 50's when the British ruled Sudan. Southern Sudan is rich in natural resources that Northern Sudan lacks. Northern Sudan is predominately Arab and Muslim...they also had weapons and technology the rural southern villages lacked. The North began attacking the South in the early 1980's; the Southerners held fast to their faith. By 1987 conditions were brutal-- the Muslims were attacking and burning villages, killing, raping and kidnapping. Young boys were especially vulnerable-- once they turned 12 they were drafted into the SPLA (southern) army. In order to survive the boys began escaping to Ethiopia. It's estimated between 22,000 to 27,000 boys, the majority between 3-12, made the dangerous trip. Without adult supervision, food, water, or clothing sufficient for the elements, they walked. They held hands to stave off lions, hid in the bush as army trucks attempted to hunt them down, sucked mud for water, ate leaves and drank their urine. Thousands didn't make the journey. What's your three, seven, or ten year old doing right now? Can you imagine?
They lived in Ethiopia in government work camps for three years. They had to build their own shelters and worked in logging camps. Once again their lives were uprooted by war, Ethiopia broke out in civil war and the boys were chased out of the country. Thousands more died in this brutal run for survival, whether by bullets, starvation, drowning, disease, or being eaten by crocodiles. Sudan was still in civil war, so they walked through Sudan and into Kenya, where they made it to the Kakuma refugee camp in 1991. The UN set up huts there and provided education, it was still difficult to survive as the Kenyans held back food. They received rations every two weeks-- 1/2 c. cornmeal, 1/2 c. beans, and 1/4 c. of oil. They pooled food together and ate at night in order to sleep with a somewhat full stomach.
Finally, in 2000, the US, Britain, Australia and Canada agreed to take Lost Boys. They were placed in cities all over the US, over a two year period the majority of the 100 boys, now men, arrived. To say it was a major adjustment doesn't begin to explain the shock...from electricity and indoor plumbing to navigating our society and culture...they had truly entered a different world. They have a strong work ethic and maintained their hope and faith. They work extremely hard to get their educations. I'll stop there, I'd love to go on but don't want this to be too long!
Those of you in Utah are lucky-- you can support Majak and his cousin's restaurant!!!
If you have friends or family in Utah, please SPREAD THE WORD!!!
Thanks!
