Bishok Thon
Age: 33
Region: Eastern Upper Nile
I was born in 1972. In 1984, when I was twelve years old, my brother and I had to leave our home. I
don’t know what happened to my parents.
I traveled from Malakal to Jokau to Etang with my brother. The grass cut my legs when I walked. We
walked without shoes. Later on, in the refugee camps, the UN gave me money and I bought shoes.
I was in Ethiopia from 1984 to 1997. I stayed in Etang from 1984 to 1991. When I got to Etang, I camped
in a tent with my brother. Rice was brought to the camp by the UN. In 1991, I left Etang with my friend. I
injured my knee in the war so my friend took me home to live with his family in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I
learned Amharic, the Ethiopian language, when I lived with them.
In 1993, I was taken to Dimma, a refugee camp in Ethiopia. It was similar to Etang. There was never
enough food. You could get one cup of sugar, sorghum, and salt and it all had to last you fifteen days.
You could sell your extra food in the market in town to get money and buy things you wanted, like meat.
I started school in Dimma and learned English, mathematics, biology, geography. Mathematics was my
favorite. I completed school at grade eight and then went to Mizan High School. In 1997, I finished high
school.
In 1997, I went back to Juba in Sudan. I stayed there and then wet to Khartoum. I got married in
Khartoum in Achuol. I have two kids, Nyatia, who is seven years old, and Diu, who is five years old. I am
going to Sudan and I’m excited to see them.
On July 26th, 2003 I went to Cairo, Egypt. I stayed in Cairo until I came to America on April 18, 2004.
Arizona is the only state I have lived in. Right now, I work for Pro Guard Security. Last year, I started
school at Phoenix College. I want to complete my education in criminal law and be the future lawyer of
the Sudanese.