I grew up on a farm on the Lesotho border - where I visually imbibed
the rich textures, dramatic cloud formations, golden wheat fields
and dolomite 'koppies' as my childhood vista.
This was juxtaposed against the routine of boarding school in a small
Freestate town.
In my adult life I hailed from Hilton -South Africa and now reside in
Auckland - New Zealand- a large sprawling city with sea views in almost
every direction.
I spent the last 18 months working on my book - which I believe will be
beneficial for South Africans at home and abroad as emigration impacts
our lives whether we leave SA or stay at home and lose loved ones to
migration...
I see us as the 'shrapnelled society" - Within the book I chronicle my
early years as a farm child through to adulthood in South Africa followed
by my 'Aha Moment' to emigrate.
Psychological knowledge and skills are used to provide a Process
section as a facilitation tool for migrants who go through stages of grief
and adaptation.
Others' stories are blended into the book, including children's tales
and perceptions. Those who share their stories, have hailed from
Rhodesia and South Africa and have settled in places like Peru,
New Zealand, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, England, Canada, USA
and Kenya.
A South African time line from Khoi Khoi to current includes a
political/historical background plus articles by well known SA writers,
political figure heads and projectionists- which enhances the readers
understanding of the complexity of the SA story.
The book concludes with poetry about Africa, some favourite
traditional recipes and an epilogue.
My Bio- I'm passionate about humanity and worked with
underprivileged and disabled children in South Africa for many years.
I'm a special needs' teacher, expressive therapist and psychologist,
currently practicing as an educational psychologist in Auckland.
I'm a freelance writer and since emigrating 5 years ago, have taken
up the mantle as an advocate for the migrant population whom I
support and assist during their complex transition, adaptation and
acculturation. I see my book as part of my own healing journey;
and in the tapestry, woven with others' stories, others and I have
found solace and strength through connectivity and identification.
My wish is that anyone who reads this book finds strength and healing
through its contents... Namaste
