God Grew Tired of Us by John Bul Dau

On to Africa! This story of the lost boys of Sudan was another fascinating tale of hope and perseverance. I found this book much easier to read than Three Cups of Tea, and more in line with First They Killed My Father. John's tale is another story of survival and overcoming a horrific childhood. This is another instance of recent events that I knew so little about as they were happening. Over 4000 young boys were effected by this civil war...was my head in the sand again?!

What amazed me over and over again was John's constant faith in God. I don't know if any of you read the "Acknowledgements" but his final line is: "God, who has blessed me so many times, has outdone Himself." It amazes me that someone who has been through so much has remained so full of faith. And...once again education takes on such importance. I wish our students could read this books just to get the message that education is paramount...and to realize how lucky they are to be in a situation where education is free and available to everyone.

I was a bit disturbed at times with his reflections on America and Americans. I think he was often right on the mark and that bothered me! I was also disturbed by the role (or lack thereof) of women in his reflections of this time. I realize he explains this in a few instances...but I still felt their presence must have been more significant than he told about...maybe one of our social studies teachers could address this!

Has anyone ever heard one of these "lost boys" speak...it appears many of them have settled in western NY...I wonder if they give public appearances? It would be fascinating to hear their story in person. (Afternote: I did find John's website and he does do personal appearances, closest one is in Skaneateles.)

I keep going back to our original thoughts on memoirs: "What is the relationship between our stories and our identity? To what extent are we all witnesses of history and messengers to humanity?" Having never been a memoir reader, I have to say this blog experience has really opened my eyes to so much. Having read these courageous and inspiring stories I do feel as if I have witnessed history. I also feel that having read them I am more aware of the world around me. We live in a global society...but I don't know that I was always globally aware. These books have certainly enriched and educated me and hopefully opened my eyes to the world around me. I am so glad that I have read these stories, and will no longer be a stranger to this genre! Anxious to hear what you all thought.

Also, since we'll all be in the same building on the 27th perhaps we could get together that first day of school to wrap up the project? The meeting should take just a few minutes...maybe after the assembly? I'll email everyone for feedback.

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

I have mixed thoughts on this book. If we consider the question we posed as we began this journey: "To what extent are we all witnesses of history and messengers to humanity?" Then I think this book is a huge success. I feel that I learned more from this book about the Middle East, its history and politics, and the US involvement in these areas, than I ever did from school or the media. Reading about all that Greg has done makes me believe that there is humanity and hope out there. By reading his words I felt I was a witness to this hopefulness. I was inspired by what he has accomplished and this makes me want to know more about what I could do.

I think I was most impressed with Mortenson's revelations that he could learn from the supposed "simple" people with which he worked. Each time he had to take a step back and realize that his way wasn't always the best way, I marveled. What a humbling experience. How often do I plow through my days assuming I know best?! Hmmm?

The ultimate "message" I got from this book was that "the enemy is ignorance." I was impressed with the effective way Mortenson explains how his efforts in Pakistan and Afghanistan would combat the negative stereotypes of Americans and fight terrorism. How obvious it seems to me now- giving the children an education, and an alternative to the "radicalized madrassas from where the Taliban sprung forth..." is the key to fighting terrorism. I wonder if any "powers that be" have read this book?!

Having said all this, I do feel that the writing of this book was somewhat uneven. There were many times I had to go back and reread passages because it was difficult to follow the threads of the story. It seemed to me that the author drifted back and forth between story lines. Did anyone else find this an issue?

I don't know that many high school students would have the patience to read this book. I definitely think they would benefit from the story, and it should be told to them...maybe via excerpts? I'm not sure. I would hope it would inspire them to be "messengers of humanity." Perhaps the CAI's cause could be taken up by groups such as Amnesty International in the HS...or maybe the penny program in the elementary grades. I think education works both ways- Americans need to learn more about this region of the world. Ignorance is the Enemy.

Lastly, there was mention in the book by several of Mortenson's admirers about his being a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize...I just have to say, he has my vote...and so does his wife!

"First They Killed My Father"

Our essential questions keep us thinking about relationships between our stories and ourselves. We are to consider to what extent are we witnesses of history and messengers to humanity; yet in “First They Killed My Father”, we struggle to find the humanity. The Khmer Rouge army takes over Cambodia in 1975 and begins five years of terror; we meet a five year old Loung Ung. Can we make connections between Loung Ung and who we are? Ung tells of the many horrors she and her family dealt with as they were forced from Phnom Penh. Being moved from the only home she knew, forced to walk for days to an unknown destination all the while concealing their identity in order to survive. As Loung shares her experiences of being separated from her family and forced to live in a camp with other children who practice strategies to kill the Youns, the Khmer Rouge enemy. Loung must pretend to agree with the propaganda of the Khmer Rouge, when she is actually aware that the Khmer are the true enemies. Loung must struggle to maintain composure as she learns that her father, mother and sisters have died in order to survive herself. Loung has fought unsanitary living conditions, starvation and fear daily for five years without losing hope for an end to this insanity. I find this story difficult to comprehend, how such a young child could survive this horrific treatment. I am interested to find out why in 1975, a child myself I was not aware of the atrocities that were happening to other children in Cambodia.

"Night"

The author makes the horrors of the Holocaust come to life. I will never get the image of babies being dumped into the fire out of my mind. How anyone can experience such evil and remain sane is beyond belief. As the survivors of the Holocaust dwindle, books such as "Night" remind us that human beings are capable of extreme atrocities against each other. It is up to the next generation to keep a vigilant watch for repetition of genocide in the world and speak out for the helpless victims.

Our Travel Itinerary

Our first stop is western Europe as we read Elie Wiesel's story of surviving the holocaust. Blogging for this book will begin on July 9th. On July 23rd we will be heading to Asia where we will blog about Loung Ung's story of the brutalities of war in Cambodia and her struggle to survive. On August 6th we will move on to the Middle East as we read and blog about Greg Mortenson's inspirational fight against poverty and terrorism in Pakistan, one school at a time. Lastly, on August 20th we will head to Africa as we discuss John Bul Dau's recounting of his life as one of the lost boys of Sudan. Remember, as you read these truly inspirational memoirs..."To what extent are we all witnesses of history and messengers to humanity?"

Please stop by the library sometime after Tuesday for your books and directions. We are waiting for a few more late arrivals! For those of you outside the building we will drop the books/directions off to you.