God Grew Tired of Us

I’m loving Netflix. I signed up a few weeks ago and really enjoy the opportunity to watch films that are not readily available at BlockBuster or the public library. Last week we watched God Grew Tired Of Us, a documentary that won both the Grand Jury Prize Award and also the Audience Award at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival.

The story documents the atrocities of the bloody civil war in Sudan and the subsequent escape of over 20,000 boys (most under the age of 15), dubbed “The Lost Boys” to a refugee camp in Africa. Their barefoot journey across desert land into Kenya is nothing short of miraculous and to witness the camaraderie among survivors, inspirational.  

The story follows a few of the Lost Boys who are welcomed into America to re-settle; some seek a college education and others work various jobs to send money back to the camps to help their struggling friends. Observing America from ones who are new to electricity, running water and supermarkets, let alone airplanes, cell phones, t.v. and all the glitz of the USA, was endearing ..and, at times, insightful into our own cultural failings.

I watched this with my husband and our son and we all gained something from it. With the spotlight on what has happened in Sudan, and the themes of perseverance, love and resiliency, this is a documentary to watch more than once. It’s rated PG for thematic elements and some disturbing images although I would recommend it especially for young people who, if anything like our own children, would benefit greatly by learning of realities outside their comfortable lives.