Gabriel’s Top 10 Things Learned from i-ACT20

1. Walking next to Oumda Tarbosh is a privilege, and there’s learning at every step. We’ve walked together in Goz Amir, Djabal, Sweden, Iriba, Touloum, and Iridimi. Where’s next?

2. After tuna, nuts, granola bars, and dried fruit for almost three weeks, the image in my mind of fish tacos and a beer is like a mirage in the desert—calling me like a beautiful oasis calls the thirsty.

3. The strongest football player from one of the toughest tribes, living in an unforgiving land, can also be the sweetest and most caring guide for children.

4. Trees will not sprout out of the desert, and food will not fall from the sky just because people are told to demonstrate a romantic version of resilience in a land that just does not have enough.

5. Bring good, capable, passionate people with you, and to obstacles you can say: Bring it.

6. That said. It’s also good to remember: breeaathhhe…

8. Being born and raised in a refugee camp can make defining “home” difficult.

9. Community: right when a mother is telling me that she has no more food, a neighbor girl shows up with a bag of grain on her head for the family in need.

10. After 20 trips, there is still so much I need to learn.