I have just today finished reading your wonderful book "Gods Callgirl", it has taken me eight months to get to the end, but what an incredible read.
Next month I will be 58, and although my childhood was different to yours, I too grew up feeling so many of the emotions that you write about so clearly and openly.
I guess it's different for a boy, and I got really good at putting up the strong, tough exterior, yet the little boy inside hurt like hell. I can empathise with so much that you write of, I know what it is like to work at trying to make sense of what seems completely senseless, and after many years hard work I too know the inner peace that comes from being happy with who and what I am. Finally throwing away that sabotage mentality.
I found your writing confronting, sometimes putting it aside for weeks before I felt comfortable continuing, I shed many tears, some for you, many for me. I cannot understand how people whom we trust and love unconditionally, can treat children the way they do. I like you, believe that they just do the best they can at the time.
I hope you don't mind me writing like this, but I really wanted to thank you for your wonderful book, and thank you for so openly sharing your
life's journey.
Take care Carla.
Dennis.
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I recommend that anyone wishing to gain some insight into the truly appalling potential for damage associated with such abuse, especially when set within the context of a restrictive religious upbringing, read the autobiography “God’s Callgirl” by Carla Van Raay (Harper Collins 2004). The account is not simply heartrending, but fortunately, also a glowing tribute to the capacity of the human spirit to survive and accept adversity in a non-judgmental way so as to achieve freedom and contentment.
Excerpt from "Raising the Fig Leaf" by Dr David Zentner
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I literally just finished reading "God's Callgirl" and I wanted to express my thanks to you for sharing such a moving story. I felt I could relate to
a lot of what you were saying, particularly about feeling alone. I especially liked the quote "we do what we do until we don't". It struck a cord in me although at this stage I haven't figured out why, but it felt positive! Thank you again.
Lauren
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Dear Miss Van Raay, I have just finished reading your book and wanted to let you know I have never been so moved spiritually and mentally by ones story. You are a wonderful, gutsy lady and one to be admired. Stay Happy.
Allan
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It is great that you overcame your problems and have found peace in your life and I sincerely hope that your life continues on in the same way.
Anne
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I read your book over two nights - I found the story, the drama, the humour, the anguish, the sorrow, the triumph and the overwhelming realization that here was a person who had truly found herself, to be not only a wonderful read, but, now to have had the bonus of meeting you and knowing a little about the beautiful person you continue to be, that I have been privileged indeed.
My very best to you and I wish you continued success.
David Penglase.
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I have just completed your amazing book and want to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to you. That you would take so many personal risks of being judged by men and women; that you would be willing to go through all the pain again as you relived your 'hell on earth' that you would be willing to share so much of yourself that ordinarily women would not even tell their best friends is very special. You made paradigm-shifts that most do not make in a lifetime. I only hope that catharsis did come with recounting your story. If people think that you have 'arrived' it is understandable but I for one hope not and that you are still in process and always will be.
Jean Leenbruggen
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I finished reading your book today (only took 2 days...couldn't put it down!) and I need to say
THANK YOU so much for writing it and sharing your life. God's Callgirl touched my heart, made me cry and also made me laugh. It helped me face demons of my own and think seriously about life for the first time. It would take pages of e-mail to tell you why your book has had such a positive effect on me, but I believe you can understand without explanation. For the first time in years, I feel peaceful. Thank you so much Carla. I would like to give you a huge hug!
Joanne
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Good for you Carla! I have now finished your book and I think it was tremendously brave of you to write and publish such a story as well I thought the entire story was brilliant. Your book will bring so much peace of mind to so many. I am posting it to my Mum today, she was raised in an orphanage under similar treatment and now at 72 this is just what she needs to
dispel any old demons. A few years ago I was having a personal crisis and one day while out mowing my lawn a thought popped in to my head which is my personal mantra now when ever I feel out of sorts..."You don't have to fit in, you just have to fit yourself!" Now days I just paint my little heart out and wallow in my good fortune to be doing something I enjoy at long last.
You have a special place in my heart and thoughts. May your life be overflowing with people who love and adore you.
More warm hugs,
Jody
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Thank you for exposing the collective 'sin' that we all share as Catholics. Even though we 'lay' people were not doing the abusing of children or young postulants and novices, we have to participate in helping open the 'doors and windows' to what went on 'behind the walls'.
I commend you for bringing the light into a form of abuse that not many people, Catholic or not would be aware of. The story needed to be told and we have to be honest about our shortcomings and misguided use of power.
As a society we are more comfortable with hiding the truth than facing it. You have
signaled the way.
The truth has been exposed, warts and all and then we can all acknowledge it, learn to forgive and then move on. Hopefully it can be a cleansing experience for all of us. 'The truth will set you free'!
Thank you Carla for being a 'beacon' and helping to uncover a dark and unknown secret of the Church.
Margaret
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Thank you for being you… Fred Chatelain
