Experience stories

Latvian entrepreneur Janis Lazdans brings innovation to cultural restoration by reviving Padure Manor through equity crowdfunding — the first public share heritage project in Latvia. He shows how communities can co-own and restore historic landmarks together.

From plumber to commercial diver, Nikolai Jokinen’s story is one of passion and adventure. Discover how he combined his construction background with a love for the extreme, diving into a challenging underwater career.

While facing challenges in orphanages and foster care, Arina dreamt of a loving family. As she grew older, believing no one wanted to adopt a teenager, her dream faded. Suddenly, at 15, she met a loving family through international adoption and moved from Latvia to Texas, USA.

Marats Dzjubenko began painting at just 2 years old. By his early teens, his artwork was exhibited and purchased worldwide, marking him as a rising star in the art world.

With the help of a sperm donor, a couple was able to conceive a baby after years of infertility. This is the long-awaited child Emma and her story from the perspective of a donor-conceived child.

Hear Mariia Kashych’s powerful story of resilience and hope in the latest Stories from the North episode. Host Linda Paulauska explores Mariia’s journey from fleeing war-torn Ukraine to rebuilding her life through studies in Germany and Finland. An inspiring testament to courage and determination—don’t miss it!

Years ago, Arina lived a challenging orphan life. Her transformative journey from adoption to relocation was captured in a published story. Seven years later, we reunited, and she holds the magazine encapsulating her remarkable journey – a story that touched many hearts.

Patrick is a 6th-generation show organizer from Germany. Yuliya is a professional show performer from Ukraine. Their daughter, Nika, is part of every show across multiple countries. They share an inspiring life, but deep inside, their hearts and plans for a home in Ukraine have been broken.

A family opened their home to an orphan hosting program during Christmas holidays, welcoming two sisters from a Latvian orphanage, which led to international adoption.

At the age of 18, Valeria and Aivis got married and hoped to welcome a baby. Unexpectedly, they faced infertility. With the help of IVF, they became happy parents at the age of 20.