'Finding Sarah' is a heart-wrenching yet incredibly inspiring story of the remarkable life journey of Sarah McDonald, who was born into a cult in Thailand, relocated to Australia, then kidnapped by her father, catapulting her to life on the run within the cult for 4 years.
Merelyn talks with Sarah about her experiences, her early life, and her difficult transition back into 'normal' society. Speaking of faith, hope, the complexities of human nature and the path of forgiveness, Sarah's story is remarkable, as is Sarah herself.
1:20 Introduction to Sarah
2:20 Sarah's history - born into a cult, abducted by her father, reclaimed by her mother
5:24 Sarah's outline of the cult practices - The Family - The Systemites
8:40 The search for Sarah begins
13:29 Sister Fiona and others build a case of support to find Sarah
15:20 Sarah is snatched back at the Irish Embassy
17:00 Experiences of growing up in the cult
19:35 'Flirty Phishing for God'
24:00 Separation from her Father and reunion with her Mother
25:50 Anger, shock, grief - trying to reconcile learned behaviours and adjust to 'normal life'
33:40 Getting married and raising a family
36:30 Sarah's faith and experience of God now, and her journey to forgiveness
43:50 Sarah's gratitude for her life journey - 'I see my life as a gift'...
Merelyn’s writing is supported in part by the sale of her
books. Autobiography - ‘The Deepest Part of Me’. ‘Inspire’ – inspirational reflections for
your life’s journey. ‘Stories behind the
Songs’ and her first children’s picture book ‘To The Moon and Back - Grandma’s
Rocket Ship Adventure’. To find out more about her work and to support her
through the purchase of her writings and music, please go to www.carterandcarter.com.au