Unprepared for Life's Journey is a heart-warming true story, detailing the missionary life of an inspirational Catholic woman.
Maria Flavel started life in Germany as part of a happy farming family, but she reaches an age when she must think about her future. Deciding to follow in her older sister's footsteps, she enrols in a convent to devote her life to God. But it's not long before Maria questions often-cruel treatment from the nuns.Showing great endurance and strength, she finally admits that biblical life in this form may not be for her. And so she begins her own journey. Following her dream to work overseas, she finds her calling in Papua New Guinea as a teacher, helping underprivileged people to become more independent. Here she feels a true connection to God through the work that He wants her to do.
A fascinating account of suffering and joy through war, death and meaningful relationships; a welcome reminder of the gift that life is, the importance of the people we share it with, and the opportunity it offers to do something that really matters.
Maria grew up on a farm in Germany and currently lives in Western Australia. Her life's adventures began from the moment she was born in 1938.
Open to new ideas and dedicated to teaching, Maria travelled from her farming village to the highlands of Papua New Guinea before settling in Australia.
Maria's story is about resilience and the journey life takes you on when you are determined to make a positive change. Maria has previously published short stories and the children's book The Adventures of an old Boab Tree.
Customer
Reviews
38 reviews
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She was brave young lady and has been through extraordinary life and meaningful journey. Simple and inspiring.
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Unprepared for Life's Journey was truly inspiring. Maria certainly invited you into another world that few have visited. The book is extremely uplifting and a incredible testament of dedication, unselfish love and extreme kindness. We are so lucky that Maria committed to writing this book as it has given those that have allowed themselves to become engrossed with the turning of each page, an unbelievable insight to the numerous facets of her life's journey. Congratulations Maria on putting trust in yourself as we the readers have certainly been enriched.
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Maria has had such an interesting and full life. It was a joy to read about it.
Her writing style is easy to read and not overly descriptive. I couldn't put this book down once I started reading.
This story will take you across many continents and leave you with a warm feeling.
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This book is engaging for the reader from the very first page. I felt I was on the journey with the author travelling across different continents, facing difficult situations and laughing during some challenging yet hilarious moments. The language is easy to read and makes you feel that you are there with the author, listening to her speaking. This is a wonderful book to read and carries a special message for us all about finding our place in the world, wherever we are. I loved it and so did our book club, "The Geraldton Wax". Buy it and read it. You will love it!
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A beautiful story that captures the essence of a time in our history and the resilience of a brave young woman, committed to serving others. Maria is inspiring and epitomises the true spirit of what it means to be of faith.
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I read this book in one sitting,Emotions flowed as I read this story and many memories good and sad came back to me and i'm proud to be part of this story.. I will cherish this copy always .
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An inspirational story of a brave lady following her dreams to care for people less fortunate. I really enjoyed reading about life in Papua New Guinea and the many adventures Maria experienced. I would recommend this novel to my friends and family. A most enjoyable read.
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An inspiring true story of the life of a catholic girl living in Germany as part of a happy family.
Maria’s journey first starts with her entering the convent to become a nun and later leaving this vocation and went overseas and became a missionary and teacher in Papua New Guinea.
Along this journey Maria encountered many hardships including a cyclone in Australia.
A heartwarming story, easy to read and hard to put down.
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