Miranda P. YEOH
What is it like to be an ethnic minority born into an extended Peranakan family that has seen better days? What opportunities would the author have? In the book: 'Are We Born to Serve? An Ethnic Minority Learns and Grows,' Miranda P. Yeoh shares her story of resiliency and dedication to God, science, learning, and honoring her Peranakan values.In her formative years in Penang, Miranda lived with her extended family. Family tensions were the norm, and she learned to accept relationships that did not bring happiness. Her responsible father encourages her early learning with his library of Classics Illustrated. Growing up in this densely populated multi-cultural melting pot of the Asia-Pacific, Miranda has a keen sense of her ancestry and culture. She realizes that learning to cook, sew, and garden from her knowledgeable Grandma was necessary to prepare her for a fruitful life of serving others. Miranda converts to Christianity despite her original Chinese religion and being a godchild of the Taoist deity of culture, literature, and learning. Spiritual exercises provide guidance, while the secular knowledge from the Psychology and Biochemistry courses impacted her understanding of relationships and mental and physical health. Miranda vividly discusses the challenges of her growing years, her Peranakan culture, and its fusion food. It will give readers some understanding of the history of Penang (Malaysia) and why it has become a Food Paradise. The author hopes the details, context, and illustrations will allow readers interested in Penang and its fusion food, the Peranakan culture, educators, and Christians to connect with and find her story, lessons, and experiences overcoming issues as an ethnic minority pertinent to their lives. Get the book!
