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In part one of a two-part interview, Karina Machado speaks with Sonia St. Claire. Sonia, who lives in Queensland, Australia, is the author of the 2014 memoir The Girl in the Locker. When Sonia and her twin sister Sandra were three months old, their mother gave them up to an orphanage. That was the first of five orphanages the girls lived in up until they were 14, when Sonia fell ill and had a near-death experience. After this, the sisters, who’d suffered horrific abuse all their young lives at the hands of adults who were supposed to look after them, were returned to their mother. This only launched a new chapter of pain and trauma. Yet, throughout unimaginable horrors in childhood and into her adult life, Sonia never lost her connection to the divine, which she calls God. If you’re uncomfortable with that term, I encourage you to rename it Love, Life, Source, or anything else, but keep on listening, as Sonia’s experiences are testament to the healing and sustaining power of remembering our spiritual spark. In her most recent book, God’s Messages, Sonia shares a lifetime of stories about her ongoing conversation with the Divine, and the hope it’s brought, even during the darkest times. This is the harrowing story of a very courageous woman. Please note, it mentions physical and sexual abuse, and domestic violence. If any of this raises issues for you, you can call Lifeline in Australia on 13 11 14. The organisation Knowmore also offers free legal advice and support to survivors of institutional child sexual abuse. Please visit knowmore.org.au or call them on 1800 605 762. Email Sonia at sonia.sc@bigpond.net.au to inquire about purchasing her book God's Messages. Connect with Karina Machado at the new and updated karinamachado.com Buy the 10th anniversary edition of Spirit Sisters as a paperback at Booktopia. Buy the e-book of the 10th anniversary edition of Spirit Sisters at Kobo. Buy the audio book of the original Spirit Sisters (narrated by me) at Audible.