In this engaging book, Ruth Vassar Burgess integrates the stories of multiple generations of kin. She seeks their insider voices, through their tapes, documents and diaries, . One feels the trauma of their losses, the steadfastness of their spirituality, social concerns and loves. Dedication to cross-cultural experiences complicates as well as enriches their stories of lives well lived. Ruth Burgess is professor emeritus, Missouri State University and has written heritage, biographical and educational materials. The Marquis Who's Who Publications Board awarded Dr. Ruth Burgess the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award (2017) for career longevity and unwavering excellence in Education