Download FREE PDF Version of Finding a Path
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
1 Praise for Finding a Path: Stories from my Life Praise for Finding a Path: Stories from my Life This shockingly authentic life story entertains, inspires and educates. The eldest son of American missionaries, Harry vividly captures the tragedies and triumphs of his life‘s unusual journey. From childhood in rural Costa Rica to Harvard Law School; from devastating earthquakes to failure at marriage, hopeful dreams collide with real world demons. By sharing wisdom through intimate stories, Harry offers us the courage to accept our own realities and imperfection—to traverse our own potholes—and discover our own unique path in life. Thomas Tierney, former Managing Partner Bain & Company Chair of Bridgespan & author of Give Smart Harry Strachan, whom I‘ve known for many years, is a man of thought, compassion and action, who has made a difference in Central America and Panama. At INCAE, a world class business school, Harry was a source of energy in its early years. During the Sandinista Revolution, he took the helm of the institution and helped it navigate a period of extreme duress. Later as a consultant and investment banker, Harry was at his best helping modernize private enterprises and governments through innovative ideas, strategy, best practices, mergers and acquisitions, and the development of management talent. His compassion has been channeled through the Strachan Foundation, supporting institutions that provide health services and education, and on a very individual level helping his many friends in times of need. You will read a very personal and honest story of his struggles. The issues that have confronted wise men of all religions throughout history—family, profession, social contribution, faith and reason—come into vivid light in the stories from Harry‘s life.‖ Ernesto Fernandez H., Chairman Grupo and Fundacion Uno My first impressions of Harry Strachan as a young boy were his wide open face and eager eyes. Half a century later these same characteristics shine through in the honesty with which he writes. Harry Strachan grew up in the shadow of his grandfather and his father, two highly respected mission leaders in the vanguard of mission thinking of their day. This book is the story of his pilgrimage both professionally and in his faith, after the untimely death of his father. Educated in two Christian schools he earned his law degree and then a doctorate at Harvard. With amazing honesty, Harry tells the story of his 2 Life Stories Praise for Finding a Path: Stories from my Life growth and success in the business world, his struggles of faith, his two marriages and the evolution of his thoughts throughout his life. This is a fascinating and well-written book, which will challenge the preconceived notions of friends and help readers to understand the growth of a remarkable and brilliant man. I highly recommend it for Christians and non-Christians alike. David M. Howard, Former President, Latin America Mission The fascinating story of a bright young "M.K." who learned basic economics from his frugal missionary parents and went on to brilliant careers in education and finance. John Stam, LAM missionary Harry Strachan is one of the most remarkable people I've ever known. He has been a life- long friend whose path through sorrow and success has been a brilliant example to me of the 'examined life.‘ Written principally for his children, these stories will resonate with anyone who is willing to live outside the box. Maestro John Nelson, Conductor 3 Life Stories For my parents, Ken and Elizabeth. They gave us life, Showed us a good way— How to love, serve, and live with integrity. Copyright 2011 by Harry Strachan 4 Life Stories Contents Praise for Finding a Path: Stories from my Life ................................................................. 2 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 8 Delivering on a Promise ................................................................................................. 8 The Summer of 1965 .................................................................................................... 11 My Job ................................................................................................................................... 11 Hidden Objectives ................................................................................................................. 13 Eroding Faith .......................................................................................................................... 14 Evidence of the Divine ........................................................................................................... 14 The Intern .............................................................................................................................. 15 The Stories I Took Away ........................................................................................................ 17 FAMILY TALES .............................................................................................................. 19 Grandparents ................................................................................................................. 19 Grandfather Harry Strachan .................................................................................................. 19 Grandfather William Walker ................................................................................................. 22 Grandmother Susan Beamish Strachan ................................................................................. 23 Grandmother Clara Bigham Walker ...................................................................................... 25 Use of Genetic Heritage ........................................................................................................ 26 My Niche in the Family Ecology ............................................................................................. 27 Childhood Snapshots .................................................................................................... 30 Back Seat Criticism ................................................................................................................ 30 El Descanso and Camp Roblealto .......................................................................................... 31 Puntarenas and Pirates ......................................................................................................... 32 Mother the Educator ............................................................................................................. 34 Money Management ............................................................................................................. 36 My Ranch ............................................................................................................................... 38 Faith of our Family ................................................................................................................. 41 LEAVING THE FAMILY COCOON .............................................................................. 44 Hampden DuBose Academy ........................................................................................ 44 John’s Sport Coat ................................................................................................................... 44 Cleaning Azaleas .................................................................................................................... 45 Bolts from the Blue ................................................................................................................ 46 Declaiming to a Tree Stump .................................................................................................. 47 Blessing Roommates ............................................................................................................. 48 On to Wheaton College ................................................................................................ 50 Courses that Fit My Mind ...................................................................................................... 50 Discovering Writing ............................................................................................................... 52 Life Packed Tight .................................................................................................................... 55 Political Ups and Downs ........................................................................................................ 56 Friendships at 339 Jefferson Ave ........................................................................................... 57 Letting Go and Letting God ................................................................................................... 59 The Baffling Answer to Prayer ............................................................................................... 60 Settling on Law School ........................................................................................................... 62 INTO THE SECULAR WORLD ..................................................................................... 65 Harvard Law School ..................................................................................................... 65 5 Life Stories Mother’s Fears....................................................................................................................... 65 Terror in the Classroom ........................................................................................................