PROGRAMS

---

Students experiencing a recent Living Library  heard stories about Chile, Vietnam, Venezuela, India, Ukraine (USSR), Poland, China, Colombia, Latvia, Brazil, Mexico and Cuba. Speakers discussed everything from why they moved to the U.S. for career opportunities to what it’s like to live under communism. 

Students were fascinated with the stories from around the world:

• “I got to travel to three countries in one night.” 
• “Cuba is super different from the U.S.” 
• “I learned about Latvia being a country.” 
• “I learned that Venezuela turned into a dictatorship from a democracy in one generation”
• “It is so cool that 25 million people are born every year in India.”

They also seemed to gain a new appreciation of the United States.

• “It's eye-opening to see how lucky I am to grow up in the U.S.”
• "I love learning about the trials immigrants have to go through, yet they are so grateful."
• “Many people don't have freedom--we should be grateful that we do.” 
• “Women's education in the U.S. is a huge blessing.”
• “People try to escape socialism and communism; fences try to keep them in.”

Adults got to experience our Living Library at the Fundraiser Party on April 14. Speakers from Albania, Vietnam, Poland, China, Colombia, Italy, Latvia, Moldova, Venezuela, and the former Yugoslavia and East Germany all told their stories. Here's a few reviews.

"The event my wife and I attended on Friday the 14th of April was my first exposure to One Southlake. The process of listening to and talking with the speakers regarding their experiences from the various countries was surprisingly enlightening. While attending public schools in Fort Worth during the 1950's and '60's we learned about the governments of communist, socialist, and dictatorship controlled countries. As an adult I consider myself a news junkie. I read the Wall Street Journal and watch various news channels every day. But listening to the first hand experiences of people who, some as children and some as adults, had managed to leave countries that were part of the former USSR, and China, and South American socialist regimes tell their families' stories gave a whole level of insight to why the opportunities that come from true democracy are so vital. Their gratitude for the opportunities they've enjoyed in the United States compelled each of these speakers to share their stories. Parents and teachers always told us we were blessed to have been born in the U.S., but I never felt it as deeply as I do after listening to those who struggled and endured hardship to get here." 

-- Chris Hawkins

"We thoroughly enjoyed the living library presentations last week.  It is almost profound to hear that the most ardent supporters of liberty and freedom come from those who were denied of this human right through much of their childhood.  If only all Americans would realize the tremendous blessing we have, simply having the privilege of living in this great country.  Thank you, OneSouthlake, for arranging and bringing such a positive message to our community."

--David and Karen

"Let me tell you, it was amazing! We heard personal testimonies from East Germany, Venezuela, Colombia, Italy, Vietnam, Lebanon and China--deeply touching stories each ending in the United States and appreciating their newfound freedom all the more. ... These stories need to be told and I'm thankful for the opportunity to see this group in action."

--Hilary