Imagine you were born in Sudan, but no-one remembers when? You have no recorded birthdate, so when you flee your war-torn country, you give the receiving authorities a made-up date of Sept 1st. The year you guess.
Your Father is unknown. He was in your mother's life for a short time. He will never be known to you.
Sudan becomes Egypt, but life is really day to day ... just survival. No time for education.
At the age of 12, your mother decides there will be opportunity for you and your mentally handicapped brother in Australia. You arrive without knowing a word of English and without any formal education.
Grade one starts at 12 and your classmates can scarcely believe 'how tall is the African girl in their class'.
Education authorities decide that the social repercussions of 6 years of primary school finishing at 18 is not healthy. You move through Years 1 to 6 in two and a bit years.
At last, Secondary School and kids your own age ... well almost ... now there is only 2 years difference.
A schoolteacher becomes your mentor and constantly reminds you that it doesn't matter when and where you start, your dreams are always waiting for your commitment, your focus and your action. That wisdom is never lost on you. Secondary study is tough, but the opportunity to rise above one's humble if not humiliating beginnings is always there. You pass school. You choose a tertiary pathway of nursing but decide to work along throughout the 4-year degree, so that you can feed your household here in Australia and also support family members trapped in Sudan.
Akon Deng is now 32, she has purchased and now owns her home in Brisbane, Australia. Her mother and brother live with her. Her second investment property will settle within weeks supported by the revenues raised by her two businesses in which Akon is a director. Together the businesses turn over 1.8 million dollars by bringing wholistic nursing care to those war veterans who have fought for country in the last 50 years. They love her.
Dear listeners, this is a rare story ... a story, you will not believe but as any listener to this podcast knows ... pain, chaos and hardship are 'the North Road' to a life of wisdom, awareness and self-love. This is why you will listen to this episode in awe of Akon Deng a humble Sudanese girl who found hope and made life happen. You will be astounded by Akon's story. It will teach you about life and true love.
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Be sure to let me know how you felt about this podcast by contacting me, Bernie K, directly on 0412982444 or by email ... bernie@journeywithbernie.co
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