John Machar
Age: 25
Region: Upper Nile
One night bombing started and everyone fled. I was 6 years old and ran with my 15years-old cousin, Koang. We hid in the bush. In the morning, people gathered
together, but my parents were not among them. My cousin and I followed others
walking to Ethiopia. We lived in a refugee camp for three years until fighting broke
out. We walked to Pochala on the border and had no food and water for several
days. Antonov bombers attacked us so we couldn’t make a fire. Over a thousand
people were hiding in the bush.
One of the hardest things was crossing the Gilo and Sobat Rivers. There were
crocodiles and large rapids. People held hands while crossing, but some let go and
drowned.
I lived at the Kakuma Refugee Camp for 12 years. We built our own shelter. Four
people lived in a small 7’x4’ space. 1994, Koang was resettled in Nebraska and had
to leave me behind.
I came to the U.S. in 2001. In Phoenix, we were taken to an apartment and briefly
instructed on how to use the phone, TV and appliances. We ere told to call 911 if we
had a problem. If we call 911 who will talk to us? Don’t worry, someone will be
there, we were told. It was hard to do things here because we have to get people to
help us, but there was nothing to do in the camp in Africa. I like more activities and
it’s good to learn different things.
I took a bus to see my cousin in Nebraska in January 2003. He wanted me to stay,
but it was too cold for me.
I’ve been working at a steel company operating machines and going to Phoenix
College. I’m studying English and physics. I would like to be a pilot, but it’s very
expensive. I wish the U.S. would improve our center to help us more.