WHEN WE COULD NOT SEE THE MOON
A TRUE STORY OF FAITH
Tracy did not wait until morning to make the call. She would not sleep again that night. She would not sleep well for many more.
OUR DAUGHTER, LOCKED AWAY IN A FOREIGN JAIL
A family cast in darkness. A daughter in an unimaginable situation. And the guiding light of faith that united people across the world, carrying them through their most trying days.
WHAT'S INSIDE THE BOOK
A STORY OF RESILIENCE
BATTLING INJUSTICE
TRUE, EVERYDAY HEROES
A BOOK FOR ANYONE IN NEED OF HOPE
Encompassing the perspectives of parents Jon and Tracy Willems, sister Taylor, and Hanna herself, this harrowing true story captures all the defining characteristics of humanity: despair, distrust, and suffering but also faith,
hope, compassion, and community.
Dynamic and engaging with excerpts from the journal Hanna kept throughout this unbelievable series of events, When We Could Not See the Moon will speak to parents, people of faith, warriors for justice—and anyone who finds themselves lost in the dark, desperately searching for the light.
STORY BEHIND THE TITLE
The moon has always been special in our bond with our globetrotting daughter, symbolizing our connection and inspiring the title of the book. It was hard to maintain that bond while she was locked away, as it felt that the moon went dark. Yet, its slight illumination with hope and faith kept us connected, even half a world apart.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
THE REAL JON & TRACY
A family cast in darkness. That was us – and this is our personal story. We are Jan and Tammy de Weerd, live in Idaho, USA, and steadfastly continue to pursue our faith while embracing travel across the world. While we both are retired from our respective careers, we remain professionally engaged and enjoy the freedom of controlling our own calendar. Although the names and locations in this book have been changed to shield and support our daughters in their ongoing healing process from this experience and protect the privacy of all involved, we are dedicated to help those who could benefit from our experience.
ABOUT THE WRITER
SAVANNAH SPIDALIERI
“Our hope in writing this book, in sharing this profoundly intimate account of one family’s darkest hours, is that it will help others know where to look to find the light.”
Savannah Spidalieri is the director of publishing, with Ballast Books and its children’s imprint, Blue Balloon Books. Savannah attended Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington where she studied creative writing, publishing and printing arts, and children’s literature. With over a decade of experience as an editor of fiction and poetry, Savannah is also passionate about helping authors perfect their non-fiction works. Savannah currently resides with her family outside of Charlottesville, Virginia.
REVIEWS
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING
Lawrence Wasden
Fmr. Attorney General, State of Idaho
Shaan Sharma
Actor, "Shmuel" The Chosen
Maryanna Young
CEO, Aloha Publishing
A must-read for any parent or anyone who’s ever wanted to travel beyond the borders of the U.S. When We Could Not See the Moon is a riveting story that combines…
Dennis Johnson
Retd. Pres. & CEO, U.S. National Insurance Company
Pastor Keith Waggoner
Grace Bible Church
Pastor Ken Wilde
Founding Pastor, Capital Church & Exec. Dir., National Prayer Center
Marsha Abel
Neeru Goyal
Chris Dixon
The pain and gut-wrenching emotions are so palpable. Faith will not shield us from hardship but will get us through. This book is a testament to the human spirit.
Sidney Bartlett
Mother & Grandmother of Family
Sylvia Hampel
CEO & President Toucan Development Corp
When We Could Not See the Moon, it is a story that every parent should read. It is a story that no parent ever wants to live. Being a parent of children who travel the world it brought up so many emotions…
Dom Gelsomino
A page turner that kindles your sense of hope and faith after having walked through the dark and overwhelming journey with the family. So many powerful and profound messages throughout each entry, including the immense value of family.
Sidney Bartlett
Mother & Grandmother of Family
Dom Gelsomino
A page turner that kindles your sense of hope and faith after having walked through the dark and overwhelming journey with the family. So many powerful and profound messages throughout each entry, including the immense value of family.
Pastor Ken Wilde
Founding Pastor, Capital Church & Exec. Dir., National Prayer Center
NEWS & EVENTS
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the book share the daughter’s journal entries?
Yes, the book provides daily accounts of the parents’ journey to free their daughter, Hanna, alongside poignant excerpts from Hanna’s journal. These entries offer a unique, deeply personal first hand perspective of her emotional and physical experiences during her unjust imprisonment in Egypt.
Does the book provide insights into the legal process the daughter had to go through?
Yes, the book offers insights into the foreign legal system from the parents point of view that the family had to navigate, though much of the legal process was unclear and challenging. It details their learning curve and the vague, often unclear procedures they encountered. Hanna was treated as guilty until proven innocent, a burden that compounded the family’s fears. The communication barriers were immense, with restricted access to their daughter who had limited interaction with her lawyer. The parents had significant challenges connecting with the U.S. Embassy in even verifying they knew of their daughter’s situation. When they finally learned of Hanna’s plight, they were hindered in their efforts and denied access to ensure her well-being and treatment. The legal journey reflects the unpredictable and difficult process they had to endure.
Is the story told from the perspective of both the mother and the daughter?
Yes, while the main narrative is from the parents’ perspective, the daughter’s journal is woven into the story, providing her personal experience and emotions. The contrast of both perspectives enhances the narrative, giving readers a fuller view of the family’s ordeal.
Does the book explore the emotional toll the experience had on the family?
Absolutely. The book delves deeply into the emotional toll on the entire family—the overwhelming concern, frustration, and helplessness they felt, alongside the strength they drew from their faith and the support of their community.
Are there any resources or support systems mentioned for families in similar situations?
Yes, the book beautifully reflects the importance of faith and community as vital support systems. It also highlights the role of governmental bodies such as Congressional offices, state officials, and embassies in providing assistance, though these systems offer limited help in many cases.
Does the book offer any advice or guidance for others facing similar challenges?
Yes. The authors share their personal story to provide strength, inspiration and a lifeline to others who find themselves in times of despair or facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. Their story shows the strength they found in faith and the support they found from community. The story shows to not give up hope, no matter how difficult the situation may seem.
Does the book discuss the family’s faith?
Yes, the book reflects on the family’s faith throughout the experience. It discusses how faith guided the family during their darkest moments and how it connected them with unexpected allies. The family’s faith helped them find clarity, strength, and hope, even when circumstances seemed impossible.
Does the book change names to protect identities?
Yes, names, locations, and certain details have been changed or fictionalized to protect the privacy amd safety of those who were involved in helping to free Hanna. However, the emotional truths and the essence of the events remain authentic.
Does the book include perspectives from family members?
Yes, the book includes the perspectives of parents Jon and Tracy Willems, their daughter Hanna, and her sister Taylor. Each family member’s viewpoint highlights their personal struggles and emotional journey during this harrowing experience.
Does the book have an uplifting message?
Yes, the book is ultimately a story of hope and resilience. It emphasizes the power of faith, community, and perseverance, offering an inspiring message for readers that even in the darkest of times, hope remains. The family’s journey reminds readers that they are never alone, and with faith and the support of others, even the most impossible challenges can be overcome.
