Peter Gai Achiek
Age: 27
Region: Bahr al Ghazal
I am from Yirol. Rebels invaded my city when I was six years old. I saw a lot of stuff
going on, like killing people. I just ran away with a couple of my age mates. We went
to Ethiopia in 1987.
We lived as refugees in Ethiopia. We were to leave a few years later because of war.
We went to Uganda and then, in 1992, to Kenya.
I stayed in Kenya for ten years and heard about the resettlement. Our government
had paperwork for me fill out. When done, I had to do he process. They had to check
your background. They wanted to know things like, “Where are you from?” why did
you come to Kenya? Where were you born? Why would you like to go to the U.S.?” It
was a successful process. I had to wait a couple of weeks, and then I found out I was
going to the U.S.
I haven’t seen my family for twenty-one years. It is very painful for me. When I came
to America, I found a lady named Kari, who sponsored my cousin. My cousin is John
Akujang. Kari taught me how to be a better person.
I like to learn new things. I went to an on-line high school in Atlanta, Georgia called
James Madison High School. I also went to Glendale Community College and studied
criminal Justice.
I work at Walmart as a department manager. It’s really good. I’m looking forward to
being assistant manager.