"The Soul Speaks" is the first book from La Maestra Publications celebrating the triumph of the human spirit. This collection of real-life stories told by people who have come from all over the globe, eventually landing in inner-city San Diego, builds awareness by exposing readers to what "reality" is for people with different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs. Each shares their experience about suffering through oppression, poverty and tragedy, living in survival mode, and finally finding the will and determination to escape, starting over and thriving in their new community, having paid an immense price for freedom and opportunity. These stories will bring hope to others who have lived, or continue to live, in survival mode. They will inspire readers from all walks of life, showing how those who have struggled the most, having experienced unbelievable atrocities done by other humans, are drawn to helping people in need through work in community development.