When the EPLA drove the Sudanese refugees into the Gilo, Benjamin dove in as well and miraculously survived. He wandered around in swamps and from village to village for days afterward. His leg got worse, and when he was denied medicine at the hospital in Pochala, he stole some and fled.

On the way to Athieng’s house, Benson ran into Benjamin. Benson was overjoyed but learned that Benjamin was being flown to Lokichokio in Kenya for special treatment for his leg. Benson wished him well and hoped that they would meet again.

Athieng’s name came up on a list of women and families to be flown to Kapoeta in the south of Sudan. Just before they were due to leave, Benson finally found Lino, who had survived the Gilo. However, Lino refused to leave with Athieng, claiming that the SPLA needed his help.

After some delays, Benson, Athieng, and her children finally managed to board a plane. Their permits were checked upon arrival, and they were put on trucks to Kapoeta. Athieng discovered Yier in Kapoeta and entrusted Benson to his care. Benson was overjoyed to be staying with a family member again and hopeful that he would find the others eventually.