Intercultural Experiences
Stories of understanding and appreciating intercultural experiences
Pray For Ukraine
By Verlie Edwards As I write this, the news swirls with sickening reports of the horror that Russia is imparting on Ukraine. My heart aches for the citizens of Ukraine. These stories bring back two experiences I have had. The first is the journey my late sister-in-law...
Alfa and Beto the Biblioburros
Luis Soriano, a teacher in the small town of La Gloria, Colombia, has spent over twenty years bringing books to children of the rural communities on the back of his donkeys. Instead of carrying water, the donkeys learned how to carry books to share the love of reading...
Pen Pals for Life
By Betsy Ruffin They met through an ad and had a long-distance relationship for over 60 years before finally meeting. No, it is not a romance story. It is a friendship story and involves my mother and me. In 1934, my mother, Lona, then 12-years-old, noticed an ad for...
Born An Iron Butterfly: The Trevor Noah Experience
By Shelley Friend Trevor Noah, host of Comedy Central’s The Daily Show (TDS), was, literally, born a crime. His existence was illegal in South Africa in 1984 because of apartheid. His mother is South African and his father is German. When you read his book...
My Road Less Traveled
My Road Less Traveled by Nikki Abramson I have always felt like an ‘outcast.’ Different. Perhaps it was because I was a Korean adoptee or maybe it was because I have a disability. I was six months old when I was adopted from Seoul, South Korea. As infants we learn...
Happy Mother’s Day
By Rose Horng Standing under the spotlight on stage, I felt embraced by the audience when they gave me a warm applause. I couldn’t believe I finally did it – delivering a public speech in English. I have been very shy since childhood, so I always feel nervous whenever...
From Colombia to the U.S: Our Road Less Traveled
By Kathy Strain, Judy and Alfonso OrtizEdited by Verlie Edwards Leaving one’s comfort zone is never easy. Trying something new and different forces us to be stronger and to see the world through new eyes. This was something that Alfonso and Judy Ortiz learned early in...
I Am One of Us
By J. L. Egremy I grew up in a place full of colors, smells and sounds from childhood birthday parties to holidays. My aunt was often called upon to make party costumes for my siblings and myself which were always a great hit. We truly enjoyed the attention and felt...
My Unexpected Life with Aunt Lillie and Mom
By Deb Hernandez I never imagined that at age 63, I’d be living with my Mom, but I’m amazed at how happy it makes me. Then again, I never imagined we’d both be caring for a 99-year-old Mexican woman either. This Golden Girls kind of life has been an adjustment for me...
It’s Possible: My Journey from Obesity and Poor Health to Weight Release and Fitness
By Nalida Lacet Besson I've lost over 100 pounds by going from being a junk food vegetarian to eating a clean, whole foods, plant-based diet. Following the guidelines of Dr. Joel Fuhrman's "Eat To Live" book, changing my lifestyle, incorporating information and...