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Special Film Screening Also Affords Opportunity for Reunions

Amy Roach, Abraham Anyar, and Trish Niswander enjoy their unexpected reunion at the screening of "God Grew Tired of Us."

Photo: Carol Fouke-Mpoyo

February 23, 2007

It would have been more accurate to advertise the special screening of "God Grew Tired of Us" in Dallas as a "special screening and reunion."

For John Dau of Syracuse, New York, who is featured in the documentary and came to the screening, it was an opportunity to reconnect with other former "Lost Boys" who now live in Dallas-Fort Worth. For Amy Roach, who moved from Fort Worth to Concord, New Hampshire, in 2002, it was the first time she'd seen former client Abraham Anyar in more than four years.

Abraham was among Sudanese "Lost Boys" who resettled in Fort Worth in mid-2001, under the auspices of Church World Service and its affiliate Refugee Services of Texas (RST). Amy was director of RST's Fort Worth office at the time.

"I remember Abraham standing out as a client with drive and focus," Amy said. "He always maintained a positive spirit and always wore a smile."

At the screening, RST's Trish Niswander spotted Abraham first. Abraham's caseworker in 2001, she is now RST Director of Immigration Services. Trish called to Amy -- then the threesome grabbed the closest photographer to document their reunion.

"It was an absolute thrill for me to see Abraham again," Amy said. Abraham, 28, is pursuing a bachelor's degree in computer science, working part time, and serving as an officer for the "Lost Boys" organization of Dallas.

Amy, now Program Manager for the CWS affiliate in New Hampshire, added, "I will always have a special place in my heart for the Sudanese youth. It made such an impact on me, knowing their story and struggle, to serve a group of young men who seemed to always be positive, gentle, caring, and kind."

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