I have a somewhat unique life story since I have spent a good deal of my life as a refugee, figuring out how to escape danger, capture and certain death. I realized early on that I had to be industrious and plan carefully if I was to succeed in living. My story began when I was 16 years old and my village in west Sudan was attacked by Arab tribes called the Janjaweed. My village was destroyed. Two of my brothers and two sisters died when our hut was set on fire by the troops. My parents and five other siblings survived, but I have not seen any of my family for eighteen years. I knew that boys were in greatest danger of being captured or killed, so I had to run for my life. That took me on a very long journey that took many years and demanded a lot of planning and perseverance. First, I fled to the north, to Khartoum where I worked for two years and earned $1300. With the help of a man, I met I obtained a passport and bought an airline ticket to Libya to escape Sudan. Those years in Khartoum taught me some important survival skills including how to survive on my own, without the help and support of my large family and community. Libya was also very unsafe for me to live. Again, I had to stay there to decide and to earn money to buy passage out of the country. I worked for two years and made $1000 to pay a smuggler to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe. However, I learned that the smuggler’s price was $1200. I told two men I was going with to go ahead of me, and I would join them when I earned the remaining $200. The day after they left, I could not believe when I heard that the boat they were on capsized and everyone on board drowned. That’s when I learned that all the planning in the world must be accompanied by good luck. Finally, I left Libya for Egypt instead of Europe where once again my life was in danger because if I was caught, I would be deported to Sudan. However, I could not exit Egypt legally. I needed an illegal option that would not get me killed. I learned about a $400 smuggler fee to cross the Sinai Desert to Israel. The crossing at night was scary, but happily, the soldiers did not shoot at us. Rather they welcomed us, and I entered Israel where I was finally safe. After ten productive and happy years in Israel, my visa was expiring, and a friend encouraged me to apply for the lottery to the United States. 500 people applied when I did I was the only winner! As a boy running for my life, I never could have dreamed that such good fortune could come to me. I had finished high school in Sudan, but I didn’t know a word of English when I arrived. Hard study at Metropolitan Community College and studying with a tutor for several years led me to my goal of entering Iowa Western’s associate degree program. Being able to complete this degree with be the culmination of a very long journey.

I have a somewhat unique life story since I have spent a good deal of my life as a refugee, figuring out how to escape danger, capture and certain death. I realized early on that I had to be industrious and plan carefully if I was to succeed in living. My story began when I was 16 years old and my village in west Sudan was attacked by Arab tribes called the Janjaweed. My village was destroyed. Two of my brothers and two sisters died when our hut was set on fire by the troops. My parents and five other siblings survived, but I have not seen any of my family for eighteen years. I knew that boys were in greatest danger of being captured or killed, so I had to run for my life. That took me on a very long journey that took many years and demanded a lot of planning and perseverance. First, I fled to the north, to Khartoum where I worked for two years and earned $1300. With the help of a man, I met I obtained a passport and bought an airline ticket to Libya to escape Sudan.Those years in Khartoum taught me some important survival skills including how to survive on my own, without the help and support of my large family and community. Libya was also a very unsafe for me to live. Again, I had to stay there to decide and to earn money to buy passage out of the country. I worked for two years and made $1000 to pay a smuggler to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe. However, I learned that the smuggler’s price was $1200. I told two men I was going with to go ahead of me, and I would join them when I earned the remaining $200. The day after they left, I could not believe when I heard that the boat they were on capsized and everyone on board drowned.That’s when I learned that all the planning in the world must be accompanied by good luck. Finally, I left Libya for Egypt instead of Europe where once again my life was in danger because if I was caught, I would be deported to Sudan. However, I could not exit Egypt legally. I needed an illegal option that would not get me killed. I learned about a $400 smuggler fee to cross the Sinai Desert to Israel.The crossing at night was scary, but happily the soldiers did not shoot at us. Rather they welcomed us, and I entered Israel where I was finally safe. After ten productive and happy years in Israel, my visa was expiring, and a friend encouraged me to apply for the lottery to the United States.There were 500 people who applied when I did---and I was the only winner! As a boy running for my life, I never could have dreamed that such good fortune could come to me. I had finished high school in Sudan, but I didn’t know a word of English when I arrived. Hard study at Metropolitan Community College and study with a tutor for several years led me to my goal of entering Iowa Western’s associate degree program. Being able to complete this degree with be the culmination of a very long journey.

I have a somewhat unique life story since I have spent a good deal of my life as a refugee, figuring out how to escape danger, capture and certain death. I realized early on that I had to be industrious and plan carefully if I was to succeed in living. My story began when I was 16 years old and my village in west Sudan was attacked by Arab tribes called the Janjaweed. My village was destroyed. Two of my brothers and two sisters died when our hut was set on fire by the troops. My parents and five other siblings survived, but I have not seen any of my family for eighteen years. I knew that boys were in greatest danger of being captured or killed, so I had to run for my life. That took me on a very long journey that took many years and demanded a lot of planning and perseverance. First, I fled to the north, to Khartoum where I worked for two years and earned $1300. With the help of a man, I met I obtained a passport and bought an airline ticket to Libya to escape Sudan. Those years in Khartoum taught me some important survival skills including how to survive on my own, without the help and support of my large family and community. Libya was also very unsafe for me to live. Again, I had to stay there to decide and to earn money to buy passage out of the country. I worked for two years and made $1000 to pay a smuggler to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe. However, I learned that the smuggler’s price was $1200. I told two men I was going with to go ahead of me, and I would join them when I earned the remaining $200. The day after they left, I could not believe when I heard that the boat they were on capsized and everyone on board drowned. That’s when I learned that all the planning in the world must be accompanied by good luck. Finally, I left Libya for Egypt instead of Europe where once again my life was in danger because if I was caught, I would be deported to Sudan. However, I could not exit Egypt legally. I needed an illegal option that would not get me killed. I learned about a $400 smuggler fee to cross the Sinai Desert to Israel. The crossing at night was scary, but happily, the soldiers did not shoot at us. Rather they welcomed us, and I entered Israel where I was finally safe. After ten productive and happy years in Israel, my visa was expiring, and a friend encouraged me to apply for the lottery to the United States. 500 people applied when I did I was the only winner! As a boy running for my life, I never could have dreamed that such good fortune could come to me. I had finished high school in Sudan, but I didn’t know a word of English when I arrived. Hard study at Metropolitan Community College and studying with a tutor for several years led me to my goal of entering Iowa Western’s associate degree program. Being able to complete this degree with be the culmination of a very long journey.

Ismail Abdelrahman SURVIVAL I have a somewhat unique life story since I have spent a good deal of my life as a refugee, figuring out how to escape danger, capture, and certain death. I realized early on that I had to be industrious and plan carefully if I was to succeed in living. My story began when I was 16 years old and my village in west Sudan was attacked by Arab tribes called the Janjaweed. My village was destroyed. Two of my brothers and two sisters died when our hut was set on fire by the troops. My parents and five other siblings survived, but I have not seen any of my family for eighteen years. I knew that boys were in the greatest danger of being captured or killed, so I had to run for my life. That took me on a very long journey that took many years and demanded a lot of planning and perseverance. First, I fled to the north, to Khartoum where I worked for two years and earned $1300. With the help of a man, I met, I obtained a passport and bought an airline ticket to Libya to escape Sudan. Those years in Khartoum taught me some important survival skills including how to survive on my own, without the help and support of my large family and community. Libya was also very unsafe for me to live in. Again, I had to stay there to decide and to earn money to buy the passage out of the country. I worked for two years and made $1000 to pay a smuggler to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe. However, I learned that the smuggler’s price was $1200. I told two men I was going with to go ahead of me, and I would join them when I earned the remaining $200. The day after they left, I could not believe it when I heard that the boat they were on capsized and everyone on board drowned. That’s when I learned that all the planning in the world must be accompanied by good luck. Finally, I left Libya for Egypt instead of Europe where once again, my life was in danger because if I was caught, I would be deported to Sudan. However, I cannot legally leave Egypt. I needed an illegal option that would not get me killed. I learned about a $400 smuggler fee to cross the Sinai Desert to Israel. The crossing at night was scary, but happily, the soldiers did not shoot at us. Rather, Instead, they welcomed us, and I entered Israel, where I was finally safe. After ten productive and happy years in Israel, my visa was expiring, and a friend encouraged me to apply for the lottery to the United States. 500 people applied when I did---and I was the only winner! As a boy running for my life, I never could have dreamed that such good fortune could come to me. I had finished high school in Sudan, but I didn’t know a word of English when I arrived. Hard study at Metropolitan Community College and studying with a tutor for several years led me to my goal of entering Iowa Western’s associate his, her, their, etc. somewhat program. Being able to complete this a certain with is the culmination of a very long journey.

I have a somewhat unique life story since I have spent a good deal of my life as a refugee, figuring out how to escape danger, capture and certain death. I realized early on that I had to be industrious and plan carefully if I was to succeed in living. My story began when I was 16 years old and my village in west Sudan was attacked by Arab tribes called the Janjaweed. My village was destroyed. Two of my brothers and two sisters died when our hut was set on fire by the troops. My parents and five other siblings survived, but I have not seen any of my family for eighteen years. I knew that boys were in greatest danger of being captured or killed, so I had to run for my life. That took me on a very long journey that took many years and demanded a lot of planning and perseverance. First, I fled to the north, to Khartoum where I worked for two years and earned $1300. With the help of a man, I met I obtained a passport and bought an airline ticket to Libya to escape Sudan.Those years in Khartoum taught me some important survival skills including how to survive on my own, without the help and support of my large family and community. Libya was also a very unsafe for me to live. Again, I had to stay there to decide and to earn money to buy passage out of the country. I worked for two years and made $1000 to pay a smuggler to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe. However, I learned that the smuggler’s price was $1200. I told two men I was going with to go ahead of me, and I would join them when I earned the remaining $200. The day after they left, I could not believe when I heard that the boat they were on capsized and everyone on board drowned.That’s when I learned that all the planning in the world must be accompanied by good luck. Finally, I left Libya for Egypt instead of Europe where once again my life was in danger because if I was caught, I would be deported to Sudan. However, I could not exit Egypt legally. I needed an illegal option that would not get me killed. I learned about a $400 smuggler fee to cross the Sinai Desert to Israel.The crossing at night was scary, but happily the soldiers did not shoot at us. Rather they welcomed us, and I entered Israel where I was finally safe. After ten productive and happy years in Israel, my visa was expiring, and a friend encouraged me to apply for the lottery to the United States.There were 500 people who applied when I did---and I was the only winner! As a boy running for my life, I never could have dreamed that such good fortune could come to me. I had finished high school in Sudan, but I didn’t know a word of English when I arrived. Hard study at Metropolitan Community College and study with a tutor for several years led me to my goal of entering Iowa Western’s associate degree program. Being able to complete this degree with be the culmination of a very long journey.

Ismail Abdelrahman I have a somewhat unique life story since I have spent a good deal of my life as a refugee, figuring out how to escape danger, capture and certain death. I realized early on that I had to be industrious and plan carefully if I was to succeed in living. My story began when I was 16 years old and my village in west Sudan was attacked by Arab tribes called the Janjaweed. My village was destroyed. Two of my brothers and two sisters died when our hut was set on fire by the troops. My parents and five other siblings survived, but I have not seen any of my family for eighteen years. I knew that boys were in the greatest danger of being captured or killed, so I had to run for my life. That took me on a very long journey that took many years and demanded a lot of planning and perseverance. First, I fled to the north, to Khartoum where I worked for two years and earned $1300. With the help of a man, I met, I obtained a passport and bought an airline ticket to Libya to escape Sudan. Those years in Khartoum taught me some important survival skills including how to survive on my own, without the help and support of my large family and community. Libya was also a very unsafe for me to live. Again, I had to stay there to decide and to earn money to buy the passage out of the country. I worked for two years and made $1000 to pay a smuggler to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe. However, I learned that the smuggler’s price was $1200. I told two men I was going with to go ahead of me, and I would join them when I earned the remaining $200. The day after they left, I could not believe when I heard that the boat they were on capsized and everyone on board drowned. That’s when I learned that all the planning in the world must be accompanied by good luck. Finally, I left Libya for Egypt instead of Europe where once again, my life was in danger because if I was caught, I would be deported to Sudan. However, I cannot legally leave Egypt. I needed an illegal option that would not get me killed. I learned about a $400 smuggler fee to cross the Sinai Desert to Israel. The crossing at night was scary, but happily the soldiers did not shoot at us. Rather,Instead, they welcomed us, and I entered Israel, where I was finally safe. After ten productive and happy years in Israel, my visa was expiring, and a friend encouraged me to apply for the lottery to the United States. There were 500 people who applied when I did---and I was the only winner! As a boy running for my life, I never could have dreamed that such good fortune could come to me. I had finished high school in Sudan, but I didn’t know a word of English when I arrived. Hard study at Metropolitan Community College and study with a tutor for several years led me to my goal of entering Iowa Western’s associate his, her, their, etc. degree program. Being able to complete this a certain with be the culmination of a very long journey.

Ismayl, Abdalla SURVIVAL I have a somewhat unique life story since I have spent a good deal of my life as a refugee, figuring out how to escape danger, capture, and certain death. I realized early on that I had to be industrious and plan carefully if I was to succeed in living. My story began when I was 16 years old and my village in west Sudan was attacked by Arab tribes called the Janjaweed. My village was destroyed. Two of my brothers and two sisters died when our hut was set on fire by the troops. My parents and five other siblings survived, but I have not seen any of my family for eighteen years. I knew that boys were in the greatest danger of being captured or killed, so I had to run for my life. That took me on a very long journey that took many years and demanded a lot of planning and perseverance. First, I fled to the north, to Khartoum where I worked for two years and earned $1300. With the help of a man, I met, I obtained a passport and bought an airline ticket to Libya to escape Sudan. Those years in Khartoum taught me some important survival skills including how to survive on my own, without the help and support of my large family and community. Libya was also very unsafe for me to live in. Again, I had to stay there to decide and to earn money to buy the passage out of the country. I worked for two years and made $1000 to pay a smuggler to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe. However, I learned that the smuggler’s price was $1200. I told two men I was going with to go ahead of me, and I would join them when I earned the remaining $200. The day after they left, I could not believe it when I heard that the boat they were on capsized and everyone on board drowned. That’s when I learned that all the planning in the world must be accompanied by good luck. Finally, I left Libya for Egypt instead of Europe where once again, my life was in danger because if I was caught, I would be deported to Sudan. However, I cannot legally leave Egypt. I needed an illegal option that would not get me killed. I learned about a $400 smuggler fee to cross the Sinai Desert to Israel. The crossing at night was scary, but happily, the soldiers did not shoot at us. Rather, Instead, they welcomed us, and I entered Israel, where I was finally safe. After ten productive and happy years in Israel, my visa was expiring, and a friend encouraged me to apply for the lottery to the United States. 500 people applied when I did---and I was the only winner! As a boy running for my life, I never could have dreamed that such good fortune could come to me. I had finished high school in Sudan, but I didn’t know a word of English when I arrived. Hard study at Metropolitan Community College and studying with a tutor for several years led me to my goal of entering Iowa Western’s associate his, her, their, etc. somewhat program. Being able to complete this a certain with is the culmination of a very long journey.

There is no part of your life that Recovery will not touch. You're Recovery is a daily reminder to appreciate what you have. You may find that sharing time with others in Recovery and talking to them about their experiences can soothe you and ignite empathy that you can also give to yourself. It’s important to treat yourself kindly and generously while you are in Recovery, for as long as it may last. Being in Recovery is a challenge every day. You must make choices that uphold your sobriety, which takes concentration and determination. Holding onto that, each day can feel like a daunting challenge. But Recovery also means taking one day at a time. Early in Recovery, it may mean taking an hour or a minute at a time. Recovery is a process, and you must go through it deeply to appreciate its meaning.

I have a somewhat unique life story since I have spent a good deal of my life as a refugee, figuring out how to escape danger, capture and certain death. I realized early on that I had to be industrious and plan carefully if I was to succeed in living. My story began when I was 16 years old and my village in west Sudan was attacked by Arab tribes called the Janjaweed. My village was destroyed. Two of my brothers and two sisters died when our hut was set on fire by the troops. My parents and five other siblings survived, but I have not seen any of my family for eighteen years. I knew that boys were in the greatest danger of being captured or killed, so I had to run for my life. That took me on a very long journey that took many years and demanded a lot of planning and perseverance. First, I fled to the north, to Khartoum where I worked for two years and earned $1300. With the help of a man, I met, I obtained a passport and bought an airline ticket to Libya to escape Sudan. Those years in Khartoum taught me some important survival skills including how to survive on my own, without the help and support of my large family and community. Libya was also a very unsafe for me to live. Again, I had to stay there to decide and to earn money to buy the passage out of the country. I worked for two years and made $1000 to pay a smuggler to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe. However, I learned that the smuggler’s price was $1200. I told two men I was going with to go ahead of me, and I would join them when I earned the remaining $200. The day after they left, I could not believe when I heard that the boat they were on capsized and everyone on board drowned. That’s when I learned that all the planning in the world must be accompanied by good luck. Finally, I left Libya for Egypt instead of Europe where once again, my life was in danger because if I was caught, I would be deported to Sudan. However, I cannot legally leave Egypt. I needed an illegal option that would not get me killed. I learned about a $400 smuggler fee to cross the Sinai Desert to Israel. The crossing at night was scary, but happily the soldiers did not shoot at us. Rather,Instead, they welcomed us, and I entered Israel, where I was finally safe. After ten productive and happy years in Israel, my visa was expiring, and a friend encouraged me to apply for the lottery to the United States. There were 500 people who applied when I did---and I was the only winner! As a boy running for my life, I never could have dreamed that such good fortune could come to me. I had finished high school in Sudan, but I didn’t know a word of English when I arrived. Hard study at Metropolitan Community College and study with a tutor for several years led me to my goal of entering Iowa Western’s associate his, her, their, etc. degree program. Being able to complete this a certain with be the culmination of a very long journey.

I have a somewhat unique life story since I have spent a good deal of my life as a refugee, figuring out how to escape danger, capture and certain death. I realized early on that I had to be industrious and plan carefully if I was to succeed in living. My story began when I was 16 years old and my village in west Sudan was attacked by Arab tribes called the Janjaweed. My village was destroyed. Two of my brothers and two sisters died when our hut was set on fire by the troops. My parents and five other siblings survived, but I have not seen any of my family for eighteen years. I knew that boys were in the greatest danger of being captured or killed, so I had to run for my life. That took me on a very long journey that took many years and demanded a lot of planning and perseverance. First, I fled to the north, to Khartoum where I worked for two years and earned $1300. With the help of a man, I met, I obtained a passport and bought an airline ticket to Libya to escape Sudan. Those years in Khartoum taught me some important survival skills including how to survive on my own, without the help and support of my large family and community. Libya was also a very unsafe for me to live. Again, I had to stay there to decide and to earn money to buy the passage out of the country. I worked for two years and made $1000 to pay a smuggler to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe. However, I learned that the smuggler’s price was $1200. I told two men I was going with to go ahead of me, and I would join them when I earned the remaining $200. The day after they left, I could not believe when I heard that the boat they were on capsized and everyone on board drowned. That’s when I learned that all the planning in the world must be accompanied by good luck. Finally, I left Libya for Egypt instead of Europe where once again, my life was in danger because if I was caught, I would be deported to Sudan. However, I cannot legally leave Egypt. I needed an illegal option that would not get me killed. I learned about a $400 smuggler fee to cross the Sinai Desert to Israel. The crossing at night was scary, but happily the soldiers did not shoot at us. Rather,Instead, they welcomed us, and I entered Israel, where I was finally safe. After ten productive and happy years in Israel, my visa was expiring, and a friend encouraged me to apply for the lottery to the United States. There were 500 people who applied when I did---and I was the only winner! As a boy running for my life, I never could have dreamed that such good fortune could come to me. I had finished high school in Sudan, but I didn’t know a word of English when I arrived. Hard study at Metropolitan Community College and study with a tutor for several years led me to my goal of entering Iowa Western’s associate his, her, their, etc. degree program. Being able to complete this a certain with be the culmination of a very long journey.

I have a somewhat unique life story since I have spent a good deal of my life as a refugee, figuring out how to escape danger, capture and certain death. I realized early on that I had to be industrious and plan carefully if I was to succeed in living. My story began when I was 16 years old and my village in west Sudan was attacked by Arab tribes called the Janjaweed. My village was destroyed. Two of my brothers and two sisters died when our hut was set on fire by the troops. My parents and five other siblings survived, but I have not seen any of my family for eighteen years. I knew that boys were in the greatest danger of being captured or killed, so I had to run for my life.That took me on a very long journey that took many years and demanded a lot of planning and perseverance. First, I fled to the north, to Khartoum where I worked for two years and earned $1300. With the help of a man, I met, I obtained a passport and bought an airline ticket to Libya to escape Sudan. Those years in Khartoum taught me some important survival skills including how to survive on my own, without the help and support of my large family and community. Libya was also a very unsafe for me to live. Again, I had to stay there to decide and to earn money to buy the passage out of the country. I worked for two years and made $1000 to pay a smuggler to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe. However, I learned that the smuggler’s price was $1200. I told two men I was going with to go ahead of me, and I would join them when I earned the remaining $200. The day after they left, I could not believe when I heard that the boat they were on capsized and everyone on board drowned. That’s when I learned that all the planning in the world must be accompanied by good luck. Finally, I left Libya for Egypt instead of Europe where once again, my life was in danger because if I was caught, I would be deported to Sudan. However, I cannot legally leave Egypt. I needed an illegal option that would not get me killed. I learned about a $400 smuggler fee to cross the Sinai Desert to Israel. The crossing at night was scary, but happily the soldiers did not shoot at us. Rather,Instead, they welcomed us, and I entered Israel, where I was finally safe. After ten productive and happy years in Israel, my visa was expiring, and a friend encouraged me to apply for the lottery to the United States. There were 500 people who applied when I did---and I was the only winner! As a boy running for my life, I never could have dreamed that such good fortune could come to me. I had finished high school in Sudan, but I didn’t know a word of English when I arrived. Hard study at Metropolitan Community College and study with a tutor for several years led me to my goal of entering Iowa Western’s associate his, her, their, etc. degree program. Being able to complete this a certain with be the culmination of a very long journey.

I have a somewhat unique life story since I have spent a good deal of my life as a refugee, figuring out how to escape danger, capture and certain death. I realized early on that I had to be industrious and plan carefully if I was to succeed in living. My story began when I was 16 years old and my village in west Sudan was attacked by Arab tribes called the Janjaweed. My village was destroyed. Two of my brothers and two sisters died when our hut was set on fire by the troops. My parents and five other siblings survived, but I have not seen any of my family for eighteen years. I knew that boys were in greatest danger of being captured or killed, so I had to run for my life. That took me on a very long journey that took many years and demanded a lot of planning and perseverance. First, I fled to the north, to Khartoum where I worked for two years and earned $1300. With the help of a man, I met I obtained a passport and bought an airline ticket to Libya to escape Sudan.Those years in Khartoum taught me some important survival skills including how to survive on my own, without the help and support of my large family and community. Libya was also a very unsafe for me to live. Again, I had to stay there to decide and to earn money to buy passage out of the country. I worked for two years and made $1000 to pay a smuggler to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe. However, I learned that the smuggler’s price was $1200. I told two men I was going with to go ahead of me, and I would join them when I earned the remaining $200. The day after they left, I could not believe when I heard that the boat they were on capsized and everyone on board drowned.That’s when I learned that all the planning in the world must be accompanied by good luck. Finally, I left Libya for Egypt instead of Europe where once again my life was in danger because if I was caught, I would be deported to Sudan. However, I could not exit Egypt legally. I needed an illegal option that would not get me killed. I learned about a $400 smuggler fee to cross the Sinai Desert to Israel.The crossing at night was scary, but happily the soldiers did not shoot at us. Rather they welcomed us, and I entered Israel where I was finally safe. After ten productive and happy years in Israel, my visa was expiring, and a friend encouraged me to apply for the lottery to the United States.There were 500 people who applied when I did---and I was the only winner! As a boy running for my life, I never could have dreamed that such good fortune could come to me. I had finished high school in Sudan, but I didn’t know a word of English when I arrived. Hard study at Metropolitan Community College and study with a tutor for several years led me to my goal of entering Iowa Western’s associate degree program. Being able to complete this degree with be the culmination of a very long journey.

Ismayl Abdalla SURVIVAL At age 16, I had to run to save my life. Before I was forced to flee from my family, I lived in a small village in West Sudan, called Darfur. I was living a simple life with my extended family. We grew our own food and eked out a living. We had a small farm and orchard and sold some food in the market. We did not have running water or electricity, but we were happy with that life. In 2003, everything changed. A civil war began. The government had an agreement with Arab countries to oust the native black people of west Sudan and give the Arabs the land. The government troops and Janjaweed were burning the buildings and killing the people in my area. My village was destroyed. I had to flee for my life. There was devastation and everyone scattered and ran to safety. Two of my brothers and two sisters died when our hut was set on fire by the troops. My parents and five other siblings survived. I have not seen any of my family for 18 years. My flight took me on a very long journey that took many years. First, I fled to the east, to the capital of Sudan, called Khartoum, where I worked for two years and, earned $1300. With the help of a man I met, I obtained a passport and bought an airline ticket to Libya to escape Sudan. Thinking back, I am amazed at myself. At only 16 years old and used to village life, I had to adjust to city life and exist without the support of my family. I had to find work and people who could help me. I learned that I could figure out what I had to do to survive. I had resilience in adjusting to a new life and perseverance in working hard at meeting my goals. After leaving Sudan, I went to Libya, but it was also a very unsafe place for me to live. Again, I had to stay there to earn money to buy a passage out of the country. I worked for two years and made $1000 to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe. However, the smuggler’s cost was $1200. I told my two friends to go ahead of me and I would join them when I earned the remaining $200. The day after they left, I could not believe when I heard that the boat they were on capsized and everyone on board drowned. It's almost my destiny! That is when I learned that good luck plays a big part is what happens to us in our lives. Finally, I left Libya for Egypt where once again, my life was in danger. Because the Sudanese government and Egypt had a very good relationship, I was afraid they would deport me and send me back to Sudan if they caught me. Since I could not stay in Egypt, I had no idea where I could go to protect my life. There was no way I could exit the country legally. I needed an illegal option that would not get me killed. Luck worked for me again. Three months later, I got a phone call from my friend who had arrived ahead of me, and he told me the details about a trip crossing the Sinai Desert to Israel. I knew nothing about Israel, only the negative propaganda about Israel from Sudan, but it seemed like the only option to save my life. But now, I took a chance because I had no other choice. The layout of cash for this smuggler was $400. I paid the money and crossed the Sinai Desert at night and very happily, no one shot at me. I entered Israel where I was finally safe. My friends and I were amazed that we were given free housing in the city of Eilat along with free food. We were also given clothes and lessons in Hebrew, which is the language spoken in Israel. Teaching the language helped us because then we could be eligible for jobs. After our training, I moved to the big city of Tel Aviv where I got a job working in the kitchen at the Hilton Hotel. First, I used to work as a dishwasher in the kitchen for three years, then I became a supervisor of the kitchen for almost four years. I had a nice social life with other refugees, and I was able to send money home to my family in Sudan. After several years, I discovered that I had a serious health problem and had to have open heart surgery. My surgery, hospital stay, recovery, and rehabilitation were all paid for by the National Health Insurance program. Afterwards, I was able to return to my job and I have had good health since then. Again, I think about my good luck. I had expected to have to keep running for my life, but I never expected to have heart problems at the age of 18. After ten productive and happy years in Israel, my visa was expiring, and a friend encouraged me to apply for the lottery to the United States. There were 500 people who applied while I did, and I was the only winner! Again, I learned how luck can play a big part in shaping our lives. I came to the United States and. I felt I had arrived in the country of dreams. I still believe that America is a dream land for me and for many people who are displaced persons. I started on a new path learning yet another language and a new career. I hope both my perseverance and my good luck continue to pay off. I would not have thought at 16 years old having experienced loss and devastation that I would be able to survive at all. But with good luck and perseverance and help from others, I’m able to pursue my dreams.

Ismayl Abdalla SURVIVAL At age 16, I had to run to save my life. Before I was forced to flee from my family, I lived in a small village in West Sudan, called Darfur. I was living a simple life with my extended family. We grew our own food and eked out a living. We had a small farm and orchard and sold some food in the market. We did not have running water or electricity, but we were happy with that life. In 2003, everything changed. A civil war began. The government had an agreement with Arab countries to oust the native black people of west Sudan and give the Arabs the land. The government troops and Janjaweed were burning the buildings and killing the people in my area. My village was destroyed. I had to flee for my life. There was devastation and everyone scattered and ran to safety. Two of my brothers and two sisters died when our hut was set on fire by the troops. My parents and five other siblings survived. I have not seen any of my family for 18 years. My flight took me on a very long journey that took many years. First, I fled to the east, to the capital of Sudan, called Khartoum, where I worked for two years and, earned $1300. With the help of a man I met, I obtained a passport and bought an airline ticket to Libya to escape Sudan. Thinking back, I am amazed at myself. At only 16 years old and used to village life, I had to adjust to city life and exist without the support of my family. I had to find work and people who could help me. I learned that I could figure out what I had to do to survive. I had resilience in adjusting to a new life and perseverance in working hard at meeting my goals. After leaving Sudan, I went to Libya, but it was also a very unsafe place for me to live. Again, I had to stay there to earn money to buy a passage out of the country. I worked for two years and made $1000 to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe. However, the smuggler’s cost was $1200. I told my two friends to go ahead of me and I would join them when I earned the remaining $200. The day after they left, I could not believe when I heard that the boat they were on capsized and everyone on board drowned. It's almost my destiny! That is when I learned that good luck plays a big part is what happens to us in our lives. Finally, I left Libya for Egypt where once again, my life was in danger. Because the Sudanese government and Egypt had a very good relationship, I was afraid they would deport me and send me back to Sudan if they caught me. Since I could not stay in Egypt, I had no idea where I could go to protect my life. There was no way I could exit the country legally. I needed an illegal option that would not get me killed. Luck worked for me again. Three months later, I got a phone call from my friend who had arrived ahead of me, and he told me the details about a trip crossing the Sinai Desert to Israel. I knew nothing about Israel, only the negative propaganda about Israel from Sudan, but it seemed like the only option to save my life. But now, I took a chance because I had no other choice. The layout of cash for this smuggler was $400. I paid the money and crossed the Sinai Desert at night and very happily, no one shot at me. I entered Israel where I was finally safe. My friends and I were amazed that we were given free housing in the city of Eilat along with free food. We were also given clothes and lessons in Hebrew, which is the language spoken in Israel. Teaching the language helped us because then we could be eligible for jobs. After our training, I moved to the big city of Tel Aviv where I got a job working in the kitchen at the Hilton Hotel. First, I used to work as a dishwasher in the kitchen for three years, then I became a supervisor of the kitchen for almost four years. I had a nice social life with other refugees, and I was able to send money home to my family in Sudan. After several years, I discovered that I had a serious health problem and had to have open heart surgery. My surgery, hospital stay, recovery, and rehabilitation were all paid for by the National Health Insurance program. Afterwards, I was able to return to my job and I have had good health since then. Again, I think about my good luck. I had expected to have to keep running for my life, but I never expected to have heart problems at the age of 18. After ten productive and happy years in Israel, my visa was expiring, and a friend encouraged me to apply for the lottery to the United States. There were 500 people who applied while I did, and I was the only winner! Again, I learned how luck can play a big part in shaping our lives. I came to the United States and. I felt I had arrived in the country of dreams. I still believe that America is a dream land for me and for many people who are displaced persons. I started on a new path learning yet another language and a new career. I hope both my perseverance and my good luck continue to pay off. I would not have thought at 16 years old having experienced loss and devastation that I would be able to survive at all. But with good luck and perseverance and help from others, I’m able to pursue my dreams.