In celebration of its 85th anniversary, the James White Library hosted a “Living Library” event from March 28-30. Over the course of the three-day event, various individuals from the community were invited to share their wealth of interests, knowledge, and advice with visitors. Each presenter acted as a “book” to be read by attendees, who were invited to listen to presentations, ask questions, and learn more about diverse topics, ranging from law to anthropology, mission work, business, ornithology, and chai. The speakers included Gianluca Bacchiocchi, Kim Pichot, Judith Nelson, Stacie Hatfield, Kathy Demsky, Hyveth Williams, Lucille Sabas, Gordon Doss, Cheryl Doss, Kevin & Vicki Wiley, Brynja Davis, Kevin Wilson, and Scottie Baker.
I visited the Living Library on Thursday evening and had the pleasure of meeting three living “stories” from the community. The atmosphere was relaxed and collegial, and I appreciated that the smaller scale of the event allowed for individual connection and conversation. Upon arrival at the library’s circulation room, guests were directed to select a “book” that interested them and sit with two to three other people to learn about the presenter’s topic of choice. Each session lasted approximately 15 to 20 minutes, but participants were encouraged to roam between different sections and get to know both the hosts and one another.
The first story I engaged with came from Brynja Davis, professor of Speech-Language Pathology on campus, who gave a presentation about her love for birds. She displayed a slideshow of her own stunning photos, which she had captured over 13 years of studying and observing the diverse creatures. “It’s like going on a treasure hunt in nature,” she enthused, indicating the incredible array of shapes, sizes, colors, and habits. I was introduced to a multitude of new facts about hummingbirds, warblers, swallows, puffins—her favorites—and many more, and learned to appreciate their many complexities.
Central to her presentation was the verse Luke 12:6-7: “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.” In her eyes, the intricate variety present in the many kinds of birds gestures toward a caring and innovative creator. Although she is saddened by the ways in which some species must fight to survive, she believes in a heaven where all creatures will coexist harmoniously. With a continued appreciation for the many birds of the current world, she looks forward to future discoveries and revelations.
Next, I sat down with Kevin Wilson, digital and social media coordinator for the University. His story centered around his upcoming book, “The Way of Chai,” which will be released in October of this year. As an individual of South Asian descent, he has used chai—a traditional spiced milk tea—as a tool for building community, sharing his faith, and telling his story. Growing up, making and drinking chai was an important hallmark of hospitality and forming new relationships. “Chai became a storytelling canvas and vehicle for me,” he described. “It was a way for me to connect with my roots.”
He explains that his book is part chai history, part technique, part memoir, part biography, and part philosophy for a general audience. Readers will be taken through a landscape of the tea experience, accompanied by stories from the author’s life. One of his favorite chapters speaks to grief and sadness, and how, much like tea grounds can be recycled for new plant growth, death can foster new life. He passed on an important kernel of wisdom at the end of the conversation as he shared, “Grief is not the absence of joy, but the strongest memory of joy.”
My evening came to a close after a discussion with Kevin and Vicki Wiley, a missionary couple who now serve in the Andrews community. Together, they have lived in Ireland, Japan, and Korea, experiencing new cultures and seeking to “help people see God in a new way—in a loving way.” When asked what the best and most difficult parts of missionary work were, Vicki affirmed that the process truly “opens up your world” through learning about new cultures and meeting new people, even in the face of missing family and being challenged in personal faith. Kevin shared, “Some of the hardest things are what help you grow.”
When I asked them what life advice they might have for students setting out on their own life journeys, they emphasized the importance of centering God and letting Him lead. “God has a way of instructing us,” Vicki reassured. They also encouraged an openness toward future growth, change and development, using their lives as an example that even when life doesn’t go expected places, it can lead to more fulfillment than one might ever imagine.
The Living Library, to me, was an indication of the richness of the Andrews campus and the many hidden gems that are offered to students and community members. Without a prompting by the newspaper, this event might have passed me by completely. I appreciated the opportunity to learn from people I otherwise would not have crossed paths with, and felt like I had connected with my community in a new way. The event also reminded me of the value of sitting down with people and listening to the wisdom they have to share. You never know what stories are surrounding you right now, from your family, friends, or that person sitting next to you in class. I encourage you to take the extra time to find out—you might just be surprised.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.