just read: What is the What

I don't usually pick up books like this one. Why? First, it is fiction (though based on real accounts from a real person), and I tend toward non-fiction reading. Second, it is about civil war, violence, orphans, child soldiers, evil and struggle. Stories like this are not fiction to me, as I have met too many in my life's journey who lived this reality. Thus, reading such stories is not a leisure activity, but rather insights me to anger or elicits sadness - with no outlet it is like self-imposed torture.

On my recent trip to the book store I decided to puruse the fiction section. The cover of this book caught my attention first. Then the title peaked my curiosity. I had to look inside. The first few pages intrigued me. It is a story created following interviews with one of the Sudanese Lost Boys about his experiences living in America, and his life prior to immigrating as a refugee. The story is well written, weaving the stories of the old life with the new reality.

I remember watching stories of the Lost Boys in my younger years - orphans due to civil war, walking by the hundreds with no particular destination. Vulnerable to becoming child soldiers, starvation, and more. This story is written about Valentino, but it represents so many others. Despite my usual avoidance of books like this, I took this one home...I am glad I did.

I couldn't put it down and read the entire thing in two nights. Then I researched the author, turns out he is a world changer who overcame some of his own life challenges. I will read more of his books, or those he is promoting through his foundation and publishing house. So, what is the what? I don't really know, but I know I will be thinking about this book for a long time.

Valentino is desperately trying to make it in this world. Working. Going to school. Longing to love and be loved. A typical story of many young people. What is remarkable about this book is how it captured the immigrant experience. The way an immigrant is treated at work. The way immigrants are treated by the police, their neighbors, and others in society. This story captured the feeling of being an "outsider," a "stranger." Beaten, and no one coming to rescue. Lonely, and no one noticing. Hopeful, and having a system working against even the most ambitious of dreamers. Unsure of who to trust and what are appropriate relational boundaries. A foreigner in a foreign land. Struggling without a safety-net. Being unwelcome, but having no "home" to return to. The story is heartbreaking...and unfortunately not uncommon.

Reading this book has me looking with new eyes (and a renewed passion) at the person who cleans my office, the one bagging my groceries at the store, or doing my nails at the salon. What can I do to show them that they are not forgotten?

just Sheri, reminded of the mandate to show hospitality to strangers