Why Wonder?

Every Story Is Worth Telling

Storytelling connects us to our most basic human emotions of love, joy, sadness, fear, anger,

and trust – emotions that are universal and cross-cultural. The act of storytelling is a human right, not a luxury, which enables us to tap into our purest creative freedoms.

At a time of deep division and separation, stories can uniquely break down silos and humanize

the other side by allowing us to visualize ourselves in another’s shoes.

The stories and experiences of those who have lived abroad are ones of individuals who have adapted and preserved in cultures different from their own. From immigrants to missionaries to the military, their experiences are diverse and unique, but their ability to build bridges and find commonality reveals tales of connection, empathy, and our shared humanity.

8 in 10 Americans believe Republican and Democratic voters can’t agree on basic facts (Pew Research Center, July 2025)
80% of U.S. adults believe Americans are greatly divided on the most important values. (Gallup, Sept. 2024)

As a result, it’s hard to feel empathy and connection with the people or cultures that are unlike our own or that we’ve never experienced firsthand.

The mass deportation and targeting of an estimated 11 million undocumented residents in the U.S., has resulted in:
Greater fear and uncertainty among immigrant populations, including legal residents and U.S. citizen children
Worsening health and educational outcomes for immigrant populations, due to stress, anxiety, housing instability, and school withdrawal
Potential labor storages across key industries, including hospitality, agriculture, and construction

Data show an increase in political violence committed by people who have been influenced by a mix of different extremist ideologies. (NPR, Sept. 2025)
By December 2025, an estimated 300,000 federal employees will have left their jobs, voluntarily or by force. (Federal News Network, Sept. 2025)

We’re continuously fed content and information that reinforces siloes and divisions rather than unity – and it’s resulted in real human costs.