FIRST AND FOREMOST I want to thank my heavenly Father, the originator of all that is creative. Without Him, none of this story could have seen the printed page.
Thank you to Lindy Packard, who read the first couple of pages and began to cry. That moment launched this work into the book form that I knew had to be written. You kept me biblically accurate. I’ll always appreciate your support and vulnerability in sharing your story. You are a wonderful friend and a gifted seer.
Without the support of my husband, Jonathan, and my daughter, Olivia, I would not have felt the freedom to put the countless hours into this project. Thank you for the hours you gave up so that I could bring this story to life.
I also wish to thank Gordon Cooper and Tim Duzik for the “umph” they added to some of my scenes, and for their input and support.
Thank you, Kristin Minotti, for the author photography.
Thanks to many others (you know why you are listed here): Elaine Miller, Elise and Dave Cosgrove, Sylvia Stansfield, Jason Oksa, Brenda Vogel, Bev Wales, Mom, and my big sis, Debbie.
For all of those out there who see themselves within these pages, thank you for your faithfulness to your gift. And no, you are not crazy. You are chosen.
Many thanks to Kathy Ide for meticulous editing, never-ending patience, prayer, mentoring, and friendship. I literally could not have finished this project without you.
Thank you, Frank Peretti and C. S. Lewis, for kicking open the doors that many of us Christian novelists are walking through now. We all owe you a debt of gratitude.
Last of all, thank you, Gideon. You know why.