Walking Backwards in Time

From the innocence of childhood egg creams and a first heartbreaking love, to the unexpected challenges of an abusive marriage, Joanna Berke's life is a tapestry woven with resilience, faith, and the enduring power of connection. In this candid memoir, Berke traces her journey of self-discovery-from finding her roots in the Jewish faith and the vital camaraderie of her Al-Anon friends, to building a new life with her second husband, John, in an idyllic cabin. But her greatest adventure begins with the decision to adopt. What follows is a harrowing, yet ultimately redemptive, experience in Honduras, where political unrest and a corrupt legal system threaten to steal her dream of motherhood. It is in this foreign land that Joanna finds her strongest allies: a community of missionaries and locals, whose acts of selfless love and courage help her bring her baby, Deborah, home. About the Author Joanna S. Berke has a background spanning education, social work, and community involvement. She holds an M.A. in Social Work and worked in the field for six years, after a career teaching primary school from pre-school through 8th grade. Her hobbies include reading, writing, and art. Ms. Berke is also an active member of her community, belonging to a Reform Jewish Synagogue where she volunteers leading a committee focused on bringing Israeli culture to her local Jewish community. She currently lives with her family, which includes her daughter Deborah, son-in-law Vicente, and baby grandson Nicolas.