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Sudanese refugee thanks community for helping him bring his family to the U.S.

Posted at 4:58 PM, Oct 10, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-10 19:19:57-04

Together again after years apart.  Last month when KMTV interviewed Kok Mayiik, a Sudanese Refugee who has been living in Omaha since 2001, he was desperate to bring his family to the U.S. 

“Yup she miss me a lot and I miss her a lot,” said Kok Mayiik, a Lost Boy of Sudan.

In 2012, Mayiik went back to the South Sudan and married his wife Ayour.  In July of 2013 they had a son.

Shortly after his son's birth, Mayiik had to come back to the U.S. without his family.  In July, his wife and son got visa approval.  But, after spending thousands to get approval, he had no money left for plane tickets.  Mayiik had until late October to bring them here, or their visas would expire and he'd have to reapply. 

“I’m trying to raise funds, but it's too hard,” said Mayiik.

Mayiik’s co-worker at Omaha Door and Window, Matt Murnan, started a GoFundMe page.  Shortly after appearing on KMTV, Mayiik had raised the money needed. 

“After the news finished the money came in like water,” said Mayiik.

Mayiik can't thank those who donated enough.

“I'm very thankful for everybody who donated money.  If it was not for you guys, they would not be here,” said Mayiik. 

On Saturday Mayiik picked his wife and son up from the airport. 

“Did he recognize you,” asked KMTV Reporter Emily Szink.
“No he calls me uncle now,” said Mayiik.

Soon enough Mayiik’s son will get used to being around his daddy.  His parents can’t wait to send him to an American school. 

“My son needs to get a good education,” said Mayiik’s wife Ayour. 

Mayiik says now that  his family is together in Omaha, he is truly living the American dream. 

“I’m very happy right now.  If I was a dog I’d be wagging my tail,” said Mayiik.