The stories that I share in this book have always been a dark secret buried so deeply that even most of my friends and family had no idea what I have endured in life. Now, having told my story, I feel that a huge burden has been lifted. My secrets are now in the open and I believe that no girl or woman in the world should have such dark secrets hiding in her heart. I want to encourage all women who are or have suffered the indignation of abuse to break free of the silence, live their lives with joy and look for ways to lift up others as well. Together, we can give voice to the voiceless, all over the world. "Lily Yoseph puts the lie to 'there's nothing we can do.' Beginning by finding sponsors for poor girls from her native Ethiopia, she has assembled a cracker-jack team, now serving 140 girls, who are dedicated not only to their learning, but their safety. She's a force of nature. The shape of compassion itself. Read this story and be prepared to be moved." -Peter Coyote filmmaker, environmentalist Note from the author: Sadly, James Redford had passed prior to this printing. He was actively encouraging me to share my story and I will forever remember his warm and thoughtful support. "Lily Yoseph's book is a powerful testament to the indomitable human spirit and the strength that lies within each of us to overcome adversity. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope. "Moreover, Lily's commitment to helping young girls in Ethiopia is nothing short of inspiring. Her selfless efforts to uplift and empower others demonstrate the profound impact that one person can make in the lives of many. Through her initiatives, she is creating real change, providing hope, and opening doors to a brighter future for these girls. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking inspiration, courage, and a reminder of the boundless possibilities that exist when we find our own way." -Lisa Kristine Zen Buddhist priest, author and actor " The Road to Tangible Hope chronicles the remarkable life of author Lily Yoseph: a moving tale of one woman's indomitable determination to survive amidst some of the darkest hues of the human experience." -James Redford Telile Yoseph was born in Kofele, Ethiopia and raised in a loving family. At the age of 8 she was in a classroom pointing at a globe of the world with her father. She told him, "I want to go here, here and here, I want to go all over the world." Her father replied, "You can go someday but now, you have to finish school." And so, Telile left her home as a young woman and spent most of her life in the western world, first in the Netherlands, then America, working in the travel and fashion industries. Since leaving her birth village, Telile had several serious brushes with death-some linked to gender inequality-that made her question how and why she was living. She knew that she must have a higher purpose for this life that had been so miraculously saved. She remembered that after one of these near deadly experiences, the doctor caring for her gently pinched her cheek and told her, "God has a purpose for you, kiddo!" So, Lily went back to her birth village in Ethiopia and Tangible Hope was born.