This book is a life-changer!
Like a martial arts champion, Ding Mabor Makuei has used the force of life's blows and challenges to defeat all the negativity that comes with being a refugee in a strange land.
Not only that, but she has written her personal journey and uses it to help others to navigate the trauma and challenges faced by her South Sudanese fellows. Her self-help program has helped many people from all areas of Australian society as well as young people in her community to come to terms with the culture shock and difficulties of dancing between their valuable heritage and the Australian way of life, so vastly different to their own. Ding acknowledges that many have suffered deep trauma as a result of fleeing for their lives and leaving loved ones back at home, not knowing if they will ever see them again, or even if they will survive. She knows because she was one of them.
Ding tells her story with compassion, bravery, honesty and respect for her family, her culture and shows her resilience in surviving trauma and loss. She dedicates the book to her loved ones, to anyone who reads Dancing Between Cultures and anyone who has touched her life. Ding reveals how she bursts into tears every time she thinks of her mother living so far away. She even wishes only the best to those who God "might have had evil intentions or have used your power to manipulate, torture or cause me pain, I can only pray for you all the more". Such is her wisdom and generosity.
Culture is at the very core of everything we do in life. And Dancing Between Cultures is an apt title since culture is at the core of this amazing book. People who have never been wrenched from their culture probably hardly ever give it any thought. But if you were born and raised in Africa and you are then suddenly living in a western country such as Australia you realise how important culture is to your whole sense of identity. It is the foundation, so when that is ripped away, many refugees feel lost and adrift. Dealing with culture shock after such trauma can be overwhelming
Culture has been at the centre of the expectations of Ding's family, her community, in-laws and, in fact, society in general regarding her way of life, ethics, morals, and her character. She grew up always being told "this is how we do things in our culture", or, "this is not how we do this or do that in our culture." Ding needed to understand culture, so she studied it and found that it is an intricate set of beliefs and customs, including all the habits that have influenced her life from childhood to now.
That definition fits her experience perfectly. And so she learned to celebrate her roots and embraced her new home. She wants other refugees to benefit from her experience and wisdom but also hopes other members of society read her book so they can understand how life is for refugees and migrants.
Ding is a Master Practitioner of Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP), a Social Worker, Trainer, and Speaker who helps people from all walks of life who are hungry for more, feeling stuck or who want more fulfillment. Many of the people she has helped have gone on to achieve excellent results by eliminating all their limiting beliefs, negative emotions, and all the things that seem to hold them back
In the book, Ding explains how she works with you to achieve the results you are searching for. You will be encouraged to gently peel away the layers and blockages built by trauma, conditioning and experience to bring out the real, shining and capable person you are.
