Finding a Path: Stories from my Life
By Harry Strachan
This is one man’s journey, told through the stories that have shaped his life. Author Harry Strachan’s story began in Costa Rica, where he was born into a large missionary family. As an adult, he moved to the United States to pursue higher education. After studying at the schools of law and business at Harvard, he returned to his alma mater to teach. He then moved into private industry and eventually returned to his Central American home with the mission of investing both for profit and impact.
But the heart of these experiences is how he deals with challenges. He reflects on coming to terms with family expectations, finding a vocation that fits his talents, dealing with emotional setbacks and serious illness, raising a family, and learning to love well in marriage. Through it all, there is a spiritual journey that moves through the loss of the conservative, traditional faith of his childhood to the establishment of a set of values that guides his life.
Harry’s reflections are told with humor and authenticity. His story offers provocative reflections for the next generation who are seeking to both “do good and do well.”
Book Reviews
Thomas Tierney, former Managing Partner Bain & Company
Chair of Bridgespan & author of Giving Smart
“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.”
Ernesto Fernandez H., Chairman Grupo and Fundacion Uno
“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; later as a consultant and investment banker and through the Strachan Foundation. This is 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.”
David M. Howard, Former President, Latin America Mission
“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 describes 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 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.”