"God Grew Tired of Us"

We are not normally documentary people.  However, we had a lull between new release dates in our Netflix queue and decided to check one out.  Last night we watched "God Grew Tired of Us" about the group of Sudanese refugees commonly referred to as the Lost Boys.   It chronicles what this group of young boys (mostly orphaned due to the horrible conflict in Sudan) endured in order to reach the refugee camp where they currently reside in Kenya.  It also talks about what life is like in these refugee camps.  They live in a tightly knit community.  They tell stories, sing, and play games to help them through the difficulties of each day and distract them from the horrors of what they previously endured.

After the first 30 minutes or so, the film takes a turn to follow a small group of these boys chosen to live and work in the United States.  You watch as they arrive in America and are introduced to electricity, showers, mattresses, refrigerators, toilets and so many other things for the first time.  It is amazing to watch them appreciate things that we take for granted each day.

Two things that really stuck out to me:
1.  The boys that came to America were struck at the lack of community here.  It saddened them that they couldn't go to a neighbor's house or talk to someone on the street without being given a skeptical or frightened look.  They had questions!  Who was going to answer them?  So few people reached out to them as they tried to acclimate to life here in the U.S.    We are so rich in luxuries and so poor in providing a supportive environment in which to live.  In the big picture - which truly is more valuable?

2. They were totally baffled by our Christmas traditions.  When faced with Christmas trees, lights, and Santa Claus for the first time one said, "What does this have to do with Christmas?  Is Santa Claus in the Bible?"  He wasn't saying this with a knowing sarcasm, but he truly did not understand what all of these things had to do with the real reason for Christmas - the birth of Christ.  He went on to describe how they prepare themselves to worship on Christmas Eve and focus the reason for the celebration.  He made Christmas seem so pure and simple.  Not that our additional traditions are bad, but are we missing out with all that we add to the holiday?

... All of that to say, if you are in need of a little perspective and extra gratitude for your daily life, then you should watch it!  It won't disappoint.