Family history sometimes offers a glimpse of the world stage. Through the collective memories of family members a window to the past is opened and we come to know what it was like to be swept up by major events affecting whole societies. This is both the story of Li’s family and a story of modern China. Virginia Li’s story offers hope for the future of U.S-Chinese relations and much insight for all Americans into an ancient land, which in the 21st century is playing an increasingly important role.