Lyn Miller-Lachmann, author of Gringolandia, recently reviewed Journey of Dreams in the Times Union, in upstate New York. She recognized the nod to Rev. John Fife of Southside Presbyterian, the first Sanctuary Church as well as author, philosopher and Quaker founder of the Sanctuary Movement Jim Corbett. Other players who I imaged when writing were Marianna Neil (Hermana), Amy Shubitz (Amelia), Bernie Mueller and Ricardo Elford. But there were so many.
During filming of a documentary I heard Tom Ford tell a heart-tugging story about what it felt like for him to reach out and receive a small child passed over the fence who immediately snuggled – trusting this giant of a stranger.
The funny story of Barbara Silver’s arrest in Mexico. When Amy called to speak to her in jail, she was told Barbara wasn’t there. “Where was she?” Amy demanded. “Over at the Cantina, enjoying a cervesa.” So many stories…a few of them funny, but most speak of the heroism of people who put their comfort and security on the line to save the lives of refugees.
So thanks for catching that Lyn! Her book Gringolandia takes on oppression from Chile for high school students. It’s a book adults too will have a hard time putting down.