A Long Journey-Mahjoub's Story

A Long Journey-Mahjoub's Story

A 12 year old boy by the name of Mahjoub would be watering his plants. He whistled a tune casually as he did, in the back of the home as the birds cawed.

Mahjoub put the watering can down, and walked back to his home.

Suddenly, a large explosion was heard. Mahjoub turned at the sight of the noise then BOOM! A bomb came down his own home.

Mahjoub was unaware of the bomb that exploded his house, reducing it to rubble and ash. Who knows what had happened to cause this? Mahjoub would find out himself.

Mahjoub was thrown away from his home, hitting his head and falling unconcious. There were cries of war and screaming as people evaded. He laid on top of the grassy floors, his eyes closed as he thought about his family.

After a day or so, Mahjoub woke up on a bed in an unknown area. Mahjoub did not know where he was, looking around. It was only then that Mahjoub checked outside.

For some reason, he found he was actually inside a tent. However, what was more weirder for him is that there was a elderly man outside that looked like he was waiting for him. After being told devastating news that his family is gone, Mahjoub cried. The old man had a solution, to take him to Kenya instead. He handed over a gourd full of water and a few treats. After hesitation, Mahjoub accepted it.

Mahjoub traveled, meeting friends along the way. He never thought he would find people in the same situation as him. They traveled all together to Kenya.

Mahjoub was now 15. And finally, they managed to travel to Kenya and a refugee camp. At last, Mahjoub could rest. However, the camp here wasn't as good as others, but enough to support Mahjoub's needs like food and water. Though, Mahjoub could not help but wonder what the old man was doing now after 3 years of traveling.

Mahjoub then traveled back to visit the old man, almost falling off of a cliff. Thankfully, a hiker saw and saved him from falling into the cliff.

Mahjoub thanked the Hiker. Then, the hiker and Mahjoub chatted. Eventually, he learned the hiker's name was Salmno. He had traveled here by accident and was trying to get back to America. Mahjoub questioned him, "What's America?" Salmno was confused, he then explained where he lives and it was a pretty large country. Salmno understood Mahjoub didn't know anything about it, telling him everything he needs to know. Mahjoub understood, learning the American life and imagined everything he could eat. He also spoke a bit of English thanks to Salmno.

Mahjoub was now 21, still living in Ethopia, visiting his old home often. He never forgot about the old man, Salmno, his friends and family. He found out the old man was alive but in healthcare because of his condition, his friends are alive and well, Salmno lived in America where he originally was, however he was unaware where his family was. As for Mahjoub, he continues to live, thriving and healthy. After years of running and sleeping this is where he was.

Author's Note: Mahjoub's story is inspired by "A Long Walk to Water." Mahjoub encounters the water happening in his area on-going, maturing through the story. My research was from, "The Lost Boys of Sudan" and, "A Long Walk to Water", and lastly interviews from real, surviving Sudanense people. I want readers to understand the importance of this book to see the experience of Sudan people struggling during the on-going war, I hope you read and understand my message, at last, farewell.