In this engaging episode of "Nomadic Diaries," host Doreen Cumberford sits down with Marilyn Gardner—a seasoned author and expat who has spent her life living across multiple countries.

They dive into the essence of rituals and faith and how these elements intertwine with the nomadic lifestyle. Marilyn shares vivid memories from her childhood in Pakistan and discusses how these early experiences shaped her spiritual journey and everyday rituals.

Key Topics Covered

• Introduction to Marilyn Gardner: Doreen highlights Marilyn's extensive experience as an expat and repatriator, noting her impactful writing and authentic journey.
• Life in Pakistan: Marilyn opens up about her early memories in the Himalayas, growing up sleeping under mosquito nets, and the profound impact of the call to prayer in her childhood.
• Rituals and Faith: The discussion centers around how Marilyn's upbringing in a Muslim-majority country influenced her Christian faith, leading her to embrace Eastern Orthodox Christianity, which shares similar ritualistic patterns with Islam.
• Family Stories and Connection: Family stories were emphasized as being significant for resilience, illustrating the importance of connecting personal narratives across generations.
• The Great Big Family Chat: Marilyn shares how this virtual family connection became pivotal during the COVID pandemic, keeping family members emotionally close despite physical distances.
• Reflections on Grief and Death Rituals: The impact of cultural mourning practices on personal healing was discussed, particularly how certain rituals can fill the emotional void left by grief.
• Spiritual Resilience Across Cultures: Doreen and Marilyn reflect on how engaging with different faiths and cultures can enhance one's spiritual resilience and enrich our personal belief systems.

Find Marilyn at https://communicatingacrossboundariesblog.com/

Why Nomadic Diaries?
Expats, nomads, global citizens, lend us your ears! We come not merely to share travel tales, but to reveal the profound journeys of those navigating life between worlds. Through Nomadic Diaries, discover how extraordinary individuals transform geographical transitions into powerful paths of self-discovery. Let this be your compass in the complex terrain of global mobility.

https://www.nomadicdiariespodcast.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Life-Camel-Lane-Embrace-Adventure/dp/0578607352
www.doreenmcumberford.com

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