I just finished reading When Heaven and Earth Changed Places by Le Ly Hayslip. It is the first book I read about the Vietnam War; I was not emotionally ready to read about the subject until now and wanted to read a book from different perspectives. I could not get through the prologue and the first three pages of the first chapter without breaking down in tears. Throughout the entire reading of the book, over the course of several days, my heart ached and wounds opened. I am glad I read this book. Le Ly Hayslip is an amazing and inspiring woman. In 1987, Le Ly founded East Meets West Foundation which helps to bring education, medical help, and clean water to Vietnam. She has made a huge difference.
Towards the end of her book, Le Ly writes, "I can only say what I myself have learned: that life's purpose is to grow. We have time in abundance--an eternity, in fact--to repeat our mistakes. We only need to correct them once, however,---to learn our lesson and hear the song of enlightenment--to break the chains of vengeance forever. If we can do this personally, no matter how many others follow, our own hearts will at least find peace."
East Meets West Foundation
http://www.eastmeetswest.org/Page.aspx?pid=329
Towards the end of her book, Le Ly writes, "I can only say what I myself have learned: that life's purpose is to grow. We have time in abundance--an eternity, in fact--to repeat our mistakes. We only need to correct them once, however,---to learn our lesson and hear the song of enlightenment--to break the chains of vengeance forever. If we can do this personally, no matter how many others follow, our own hearts will at least find peace."
East Meets West Foundation
http://www.eastmeetswest.org/Page.aspx?pid=329
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