On Sunday last (9th October), I had the privilege of arranging the book launch of the book by Thao Te as narrated to me titled, "Refugee to Restaurateur: The Amazing Survival Story of Thao Te." It took a little over 3 years to finally come to publication, but it was worth it. About 70 guests crowded into the Regent Thai restaurant and were treated to Coffin Bay oysters, cold rolls, spring rolls and other delights washed down with champagne and wine.
But the real essence of the launch was the revealing story of how "Te," as he is known, survived the Khmer Rouge and the killing fields. He could have died any number of times. He experienced starvation, fear, shootings, interrogation, separation from his family in ways that we can never imagine.
Te believes that some spiritual force must have been overshadowing him; there seems to be little other explanation. A refugee to Australian in 1982, he came with nothing and over time built up his credibility and expertise to now own and run a restaurant with his wife Sanom.
It is an incredible story -- an inspiring story.
As we sit back and take for granted what we have in our society, as we moan about the minor things in life, this story helps to remind us that life is a gift and needs to be wisely lived and fully lived.
This book is available on www.amazon.com -- you can see it at:
http://www.amazon.com/Refugee-Restaurateur-Amazing-Survival-Story/dp/0980610192/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1318416562&sr=8-1
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