MUNSTER | Author Sandra Lundin, a Highland resident, will present a Reader's Theatre program on from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 8955 Columbia Ave.

"Four Continents to Freedom" is the true story of Highland resident Millie Rytel, who was abducted with her family from their farm in Poland into a Siberian labor camp during World War II. They escaped to a commune in Kazakhstan where they stole vegetables to keep from starving, and they ran away from villains in Iran. Millie lived in a refugee camp in Africa until her family was able to emigrate to America eight years later.

Sandra Lundin and her husband spend the winter at their home in Hot Springs Village, where she is a member of the Village Writers, while their summer home is in Highland. Nine years ago, Lundin met her new Highland neighbor, Millie, whose heavy accent hinted that she was from somewhere in Europe, but the only thing she would say about her background was, "I came from Poland."

Four years later, Millie Rytel finally confided to Sandra that she had been in a labor camp in Siberia, stole vegetables from a commune in Kazakhstan to keep from starving, lived in Iran for eight months and worked as a nurse in Africa.

Then she said, "My daughters don't know any of the details of these things. I don't know how to tell them."

Lundin, winner of some writing contests, told Rytel, "I'll buy a tape recorder and soon you'll have a memoir for your children."

Three years later, "Four Continents to Freedom" became a 300-page book. While recalling her story was deeply painful for Rytel, the book also shows the uplifting faith, determination and humor of Rytel and her family, said Lundin.

Tuesday's program is free and open to the public. Books purchased will be signed by Lundin and Rytel, and 10 percent of the proceeds will benefit Hospice of the Calumet Area. For more information, call the church at (219) 838-3131.