Disturbed in Their Nests
Page 34
The staff at the San Diego Office of the International Rescue Committee works tirelessly to assist refugees in adapting to their new country. Thank you, Bob Montgomery, Sharon Kennedy, and Joseph Jok for assisting me as well.
None of this would have been possible without my wonderful husband, Paul. He has dedicated his life to helping others and supported my work and my writing. He’s a surgeon, an author, an innovator, a great husband and father, and a beacon who is familiar with the sacrifices and rewards of hard work.
In the beginning, Cliff was the motivation for the whole endeavor that led to meeting the amazing young men from South Sudan. Cliff’s excitement and enthusiasm inspired me to do more. Cliff, and his lovely wife, Kristy, still inspire me. They both work to make this world a better place.
Everything pales beside what my dear friend and writing partner, Alephonsion Deng, has contributed to this project. He walked the walk no child should ever experience. Since those years of suffering, when it would have been so easy to hide away with the pain, he instead made the courageous choice to do what he can to prevent others from suffering similarly. It can’t be easy to write or speak about the most painful aspects of one’s life, yet he does it over and over, sharing his story with thousands. Alepho, your message enriches us all.