The launch of Noeline Boag's book at Holly Lea this week was a fabulous affair with many important guests such as the new Mayoress, Chrissy Mauger, Colin Hair from the McLean Institute, and Jehan Casinader whose book inspired Noeline to write her own story.

Jehan said how much he was touched by Noeline's story and that she was inspired by his own book. When he wrote his own story, he had no idea how many people it would touch.

When Olive and I arrived to have lunch with Noeline and Jehan before the Launch, both Noeline and Jehan were having a photo shoot with a photographer from The Women's Weekly. I'm not sure which issue the article will be in, but do look out for it.

A big thank you must go to Juliane Brand, the General Manager of Holly Lea Retirement Village for putting on a splendid afternoon, and helping with getting Noeline all glammed up for the photo shoots. Also thanks to all the staff at Holly Lea for their wonderful support of Noeline. Plus thanks to Colin Hair and The McLean Institute for their support of Noeline and their help with producing the book.

It was an honour to be a part of Noeline's journey writing the book and exciting to see the book in print and how much Noeline has grown in herself and how many came to support and honour her efforts.

Noeline was challenged to write her memoirs after reading the book ‘This is Not How it Ends: How Rewriting Your Story Can Save Your Life’ By Jehan Casinader. She began handwriting out her story tracing her pioneering forebears from the mid-1850s and her early life spent on her parents’ farm in mid-Canterbury. Noeline’s niece would then type it up for her. One day when I was visiting Noeline, she talked about writing her life story. I soon introduced her to Olive Lawson who has encouraged and guided Noeline in completing the book.

And now her life story is being published! I asked Noeline about her experience writing it. 

‘It had its difficulties at times, but I enjoyed the writing process. And I find that I am missing the writing project.” 

Noeline’s health is limited, and she has found chronic fatigue syndrome to be very limiting at times. It has been a significant factor in her life to come to terms with. “I feel I have come to terms with myself after finishing the book.” For a number of years, her health issues meant that she hasn’t been able to get to church like she used to, but she is grateful for the St Barnabas monthly Communion service at Holly Lea.

Noeline has great faith and says that she

 “was aware of being helped through the writing process, I believe the Holy Spirit was with me and that it was God’s will that I was to write my story.”

Noeline has led an interesting life: the book talks about her nursing career and her big “OE” to the UK, and her calling to serve God, leading her to join the Community of the Sacred Name, where she remained for some twenty years. Some of that time was spent in Fiji, where she and two other sisters set up St Christopher’s Children’s home in 1967. Noeline is honest in her memoirs and talks about her struggles and her life after leaving the order. The book ‘A Pilgrim’s Story’ is the journey of one woman’s walk with Christ, told with honesty and simplicity.

The book is available for purchase from the St Barnabas Church office for $20. Eftpos is available. Or contact Jo Cotton.

All proceeds from the book are going to St Barnabas.

Writing Your Story...

Have you ever thought about writing your own life story? Olive Lawson is a writer, author, and retired English teacher, and has written and published a number of books. Olive is passionate about the idea of people writing their own stories. She is starting up a writing class next year for anyone interested in writing their story. It could be your life story, your faith story, or your family story. You don’t need any experience as Olive will guide and lead you through the process. If you have ever considered writing but feel a little unsure, then contact Olive and have a chat, or if you are interested in doing the writing course in 2023, please contact Olive to book in. Ph: 021 676 587 Email: Olivel@xtra.co.nz