Top 10 Things I’ve Learned

By Gabriel Stauring

This blog is part of i-ACT Expedition 20. Read more about the entire trip here.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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


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