http://www.twincities.com/entertainment/ci_29140389/four-minnesota-writers-provide-inspiration-through-pithy-quotes
Minnesota writers provide inspiration through words of wisdom
By Mary Ann Grossmann
"Striking It Lucky: A Biography of Pain and Resiliency From Eritrea to St. Paul" by Frezgi Hiskias (Outskirts Press)
Frezgi Hiskias' story of his journey from a small village in Eritrea to the Twin Cities is told in simple language that should appeal to boys who arrive here from other countries.
Frezgi was herding cattle in a remote area of Eritrea when lightning struck the tree under which he was huddled. His friend was killed, and Frezgi was badly injured.
In the mid-1970s, there was no medical help available and he had a lot of pain in his legs. His left leg became deformed because a bone had stopped growing, causing more pain in his back. Frezgi finally traveled with one of his sisters in 1980 to Ethiopia, where a Russian doctor inserted a plate in his left leg and he was able to return to school.
Then, thanks to Betty and Al Johnson of Edina, who were working with the World Vision organization in Ethiopia, Frezgi made the long journey to the United States. Here he was reunited with family members and the Eritrean community. He had five more surgeries, including a shunt in his head to relieve temporary blindness. But he persevered, graduating from college and getting a nursing degree. He and his wife, Sinhi, give back to their community and to God.
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Received on Sat Nov 21 2015 - 07:11:48 EST
