England has a grand tradition of documenting the normalcy of life through volunteers who submit their diaries to an organization called Mass Observation. These accounts from the 1940s were an invaluable reference for me as the diarists recorded their fears about espionage, the preparations for war, and the explanation of how the resentment toward Nazis spread to a hatred of all German people, many of whom already lived among the British.
While the threads of espionage stitched this novel together, my heart was not to expose those who betrayed their country—or those who came to a country bent on destruction—as much as to celebrate the redemption and resiliency of children removed or evacuated from their homes and sent to live in another place around the world. So many children today need to begin writing new chapters of redemption and love in the stories of their lives. Catching the Wind was written with a grateful heart to all those who’ve helped abandoned, orphaned, and refugee children begin a new story.
If you’re interested in more information about helping children who need a home, here are five extraordinary organizations that care for kids around the world: remembernhu.org, hearthecry.org, worldorphans.org, runministries.org, and worldrelief.org. Also, prayforthem.com is an excellent resource if you’d like to pray specifically for refugees.
As with all my novels, writing this story was a personal journey, but a host of people partnered with me to help straighten up my facts and encourage me along the way. I’ve had to change minor points for the sake of story—like relocating chalky cliffs from the eastern bank to the west along the River Ouse—but I’ve tried to remain as accurate as possible with my facts. Any and all errors are my fault.
A special thank-you to:
My editors—Stephanie Broene, Sarah Rische, and Shaina Turner—and the entire staff at Tyndale House Publishers for welcoming me so graciously to your team. It’s a privilege to partner with you. My agent, Natasha Kern, for your constant support and the wisdom you pour boundlessly into my life and writing career. Your heart to fight for those in need inspires me and so many others.
Kevin and Amanda Bates, Jacob Pflug, and all the baristas at Symposium Coffee for allowing me to sit for hours, nursing a green tea as I write in the old house you’ve turned into a beautiful shop, and for inspiring me with your faith and your love of story as well. Amanda—there are two lines in this novel taken straight from your lips. They still make me smile. . . .
The delightful Peter and Anne Cook for sharing your home in Greenwich and your many wonderful stories with me. Caroline Watts, travel agent extraordinaire, for helping me get exactly where I needed to go and for sharing your own stories of England. Ed and Jitka Peacock for graciously rescuing me after I toured the remote Scotney Castle in Kent and delivering me to a train station near Tonbridge so I didn’t have to spend the night in the forest alone.
Aunt Janet Wacker for embracing our family’s heritage and for inspiring me with your many stories. Pinn Crawford and all the librarians at my local library who not only helped me find the resources I needed, but did it with such joy. My engineer brother-in-law Jim Dobson for brainstorming plot and my scientist brother-in-law Dr. Steve Dobson for teaching me how to use a modern-day microscope. Thanks to each of you for sharing your expertise.
My cousin and airline pilot extraordinaire, David Ransopher, and my friend and corporate flight attendant, Ann Menke, for educating me on corporate aviation. My critique partners—Dawn Shipman, Kelly Chang, Nicole Miller, and Mesu Andrews—for sharing your wisdom and allowing me to step into your stories even as you step into mine. Michele Heath, my friend and first reader, for your insight and encouragement. You always cut to the heart of what I want to say and help me communicate it better on the next version. Sheila Herbert for your gracious gift of time and wisdom as I continue learning about life in England both past and present. Tamara Park for inviting me into your journey and for your courage and passion as you interview refugee children and families around the world.
My Sistas—Mary Kay Taylor, Diane Comer, Julie Kohl, Ann Menke, and Jodi Stilp. You show me love in abundance, and I love each of you back. Thank you for linking arms and praying for me, empowering me with your kindness, and sharing your own stories. And to Jodi’s sister-in-law, Quenby, for letting me borrow your very cool name.
My friend Tosha Williams, to whom I dedicated this book. I’m grateful for every one of the thirty years that we’ve journeyed together arm in arm as sister friends. I savor your prayers and every encouraging word.
My entire family, who are an endless fount of encouragement as I write, including my parents, James and Lyn Beroth; my sister, Christy Nunn; my husband, Jon; and my daughters, Karlyn and Kinzel. Each of you keep me grounded (in the best sense of the word) and God-focused. I love you to pieces.
The power of story has transformed my own life, and I’m incredibly grateful to Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of faith, for enduring pain and humiliation and ultimately conquering the evil in this world, redeeming and healing because of His boundless love for His kids.