Smile #16

Sometimes, we just moving way too quickly.  Too automatic.  Sometimes, we need to stop and appreciate the small things.

I received a pair of free screening tickets to see an upcoming film, The Good Lies.  The plot inspired by the "Lost Boys of Sudan".  It begins with soldiers raiding a Sudanese village, children instantly lost their parents and siblings.  The survivor few includes, Theo, Mamere and Abital.  Kenya, they were told, would be their safe heaven.  During the treacherous 750 miles journey, the children experienced starvation, dehydration, death of siblings, losing Theo to the hands of rebel platoon and constant fear of murderous soldiers.  Along the way, they also met Jeremiah and Paul.  They bonded over their share of similar experiences.    Days turn into weeks, they finally arrived at the Kenya refugee camp.  

At the time, US had a sponsoring program for these refugees.  Luckily, all the siblings were selected to emigrate to the US.  Upon arriving in the US, Abital was told she must go to her host family in Boston while her brothers were sent to Kansas City.  Unwillingly, all went their separate ways.  

The employment agency sent Carrie to welcome the boys and to assist them with job search.  But Carrie has no idea how the boys will eventually change her life.  As Carrie learns more about the boys' history, she changed her 'this is my job' attitude to willingly open her home to host Abital.  

The many innocent dialogues between Carrie and the three brothers brought laughter and tears to the audience.  "Where is your husband?" "I am not married, I provide for myself." "Your survival skills are very impressive."  :)  

Perhaps, it takes someone else to let us know what we have overlooked.  Although my journey wasn't as arduous and haunting, I did experience many cultural shocks during my transition.  Exchanged my small flat of a few hundreds square feet in Hong Kong to a two-floor single family home.  From riding the communal bus to learning to drive my own vehicle.  Shopping market is no longer in walking distance.  Even smaller things, such as number of TV channels available, a ice-making machine embedded with a refrigerator, microwave and oven, hot water on demand, were novelties.  Slowly, the shock wears off and I have taken all these for granted.  

Thank you for this film.  It was touching and thought-provoking.  It brought attention to refugees in the US and also made me introspect my own experience, something I have forgotten to be grateful for.   :)