From Beyond the Skies: An Invitation Into the Wonder of Love

by Juli Boit

Sixteen years ago, Juli Boit, a 25-year-old nurse practitioner, moved from Los Angeles to a small village in Kenya to be a part of an HIV program. In 2009, she founded a hospice called Kimbilio where men, women, and children come either to heal or to be loved until they die. On an ordinary Friday afternoon in 2016, a three-pound baby boy, Ryan, wrapped in pink was brought to Kimbilio. He had been born prematurely earlier that week. His mom passed away while giving birth, and neighbors miraculously kept Ryan alive on water alone for five days until they brought him to the hospice. Juli and her husband, Titus, brought Ryan to their home to care for him, simply wanting to make sure he would survive. When Ryan was six months old, he, along with two of his other siblings, were diagnosed with sickle cell disease. In Kenya, 80% of children with sickle cell die before they reach their second birthday. From Beyond the Skies is a remarkable story of love, courage, and new life found within the dark. It is an invitation to all who read it to do courageous things.

Genres: Medicine, Christian, Nonfiction

260 pages, Paperback

Published September 28, 2021

About the author

Juli Boit is an author, community builder and non-profit leader working at the intersection of faith, global health, and human dignity. For 17 years Juli has lived and worked in Africa, founding and serving as International Director of Living Room International, a community-led nonprofit providing hospice and palliative care services to adults and children in Western Kenya.

Through her training as a Family Nurse Practitioner, Juli has combined her dual passions of healthcare and social justice into a unique expression of love that is providing desperately needed services in an underserved community. That said, Juli would be the first to add she’s the one who has been loved the most by her patients and neighbors in her home village of Kipkaren — most notably by Titus, her Kenyan husband and their children Sharon, Alice, Ella, Geoffrey, and Ryan.

Juli’s new book "From Beyond the Skies," releasing this September, chronicles her journey of moving to Kenya, founding LRI and becoming the adoptive parent of three children with Sickle Cell Disease.

Reviews

[Jenny Lingle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juli was a dear friend of mine in college and although we have lost touch personally, I've followed her story and work over the years and I was excited to read her book when it came out recently! Even knowing how it would end, I found myself crying through various parts of the story. It was so beautifully told with humanity, grace and authenticity! It inspired me to keep choosing love in the messy parts of my own story. I highly recommend it!

[Megan Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book read to me more like a collection of caring bridge journal entries but connected by a little perspective and storytelling. I really enjoyed it and cried a few times while reading. It is encouraging to read stories of people who have gone through hard things and come out the other side with compassion and care.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.

[Adéle Booysen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juli Boit has a gift with words. She beautifully portrays the journey she and her family have been on, challenging the reader to allow Love to invite them to do brave things.

I caught myself holding my breath at times, trusting that Ryan and Geoffry will pull through. I laughed out loud at Ella's sayings and her experiments, and I wiped tears in response to some of Sharon and Titus' wisdom.

My only regret is that at this stage, the paper version's not yet out. I cannot wait for the "real" book to be available so I can order copies for friends who care about the plight of children in Kenya and beyond.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

My dear friend and colleague, Juli, has beautifully captured her unexpected journey in From Beyond the Skies. Though I was very familiar with her story of choosing to “do the next right thing,” I was captivated from the first page and didn’t want to put the book down. I experienced a myriad of emotions as Juli took us through the mountains and valleys of welcoming orphans into her home – loving, caring for, and offering hope and life to children who became her own. I deeply appreciated her honesty and vulnerability throughout the book, which caused me to contemplate the hard questions I often try not to confront.

Juli shares: "The days and weeks that led to months of surviving through the kindness of others taught me, through practice, that community is more than an idealistic notion. It is people, like you and me, choosing to show up and love." I highly recommend From Beyond the Skies. It will challenge and encourage you to accept the invitation each of us has been given to love.

[Anna Kia · Rating 5 out of 5]

That’s What Love is For

This story is about a family (& their community) who grabbed onto love when it showed up and held on for dear life as it dragged them to places and they didn’t see coming. My heart leaped and wrenched and hoped with theirs along the way. I’m so glad I got to come along for the wild and beautiful ride love took them on together. I think you will be too!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juli Boit has written a beautiful book describing her life in Kenya and the story of the adoption of several recently orphaned children, three of whom have sickle cell disease and only two of whom are tissue compatible with a sister, a bone marrow transplant donor, who is a carrier of the genetic trait. The telling is so personal and heart wrenching and lovely, so filled with overwhelming love of the children and with overwhelming love and support by a community of friends and health care professionals.
I cried at this:

Dr. Federman rounded with the transplant team. He asked a simple question that felt altogether too big to answer, "How are you?"
With most, I simply responded, "I'm okay." With him, I paused before answering, "Dr. Federman, what would be an appropriate answer?"
He looked me in the eyes and kindly said, "Devastated."

I love her newly discovered way of dealing with the enormous pain and exhaustion by being present with the children, struggling, but alive with these words:

Now. Here. This.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of circumstances and meetings that are "unimaginable"...a story that doesn't minimize pain and yet somehow offers a truthful hope. I encourage you to take this journey with the Boit family as their two boys travel from rural Kenya to Los Angeles to receive bone marrow transplants far from their home in order to heal from sickle cell disease — it deeply impacted me. “We were all marked invariably by the suffering required for healing to come. By the darkness that swallowed us up, but as we stayed there- in the scariest of places- new life was born. In the marrow of two little boys. In the hearts of all who dared to believe they were worth whatever the journey might cost.” -Juli Boit

[Alyssa]

A beautifully gifted writer, Juli Boit takes her readers on an adventure over oceans and continents to discover "what love looks like." With a huge heart for the sick and hurting, Juli finds herself on a journey fighting for life for some precious children. Through her excellent story-telling, you will be welcomed into remote Kenyan villages, into UCLA hospital rooms, into the home of generous new friends, and into the hearts of Juli and her newly expanding family. No doubt, you will be moved by this book. "After all, only love matters. And the invitation from beyond the skies is not yet over- it is always ready to stretch our hearts further still. (p.227)"

[ESTHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does love look like in this situation?

I am reminded of John 12:24
Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.

I have seen "much grain" in Juli's and Titus' lives and witnessed "a little more deaths" along the way.

I'm so grateful that you wrote this book and allowed us an impactful sneak peek into your journey of parenting.

I pray that I may have just a mustard seed of this kind of faith and boldness in my own life.

God bless Sharon, Alice, Ella, Geoffrey and Ryan. May your prayers, and Geoffrey's too, be answered concerning Alice🫶🏿

[Samuel Phang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of visiting Juli and Kimbilio Hospice in Kipkaren, Kenya in 2015. It was an experience of a lifetime learning from the hospitality and resiliency of their community. I thought this book was going to detail more heroic tales of Juli pioneering medical and hospice care in Kenya, but no. This is an honest and vulnerable story of her motherhood and the messiness of seeking medical treatment for her children. You can feel the anguish and earnestness between the pages, which as Juli always does, somehow kindles compassion in our hearts to carry it forward.

[Marissa Barrocas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of the relentless pursuit of life. From Beyond the Skies draws you in as a reader, almost as if you, yourself, are part of this community. This story sheds light on the disparity of medical treatment around the world, and what one woman did to fight for the lives of two little boys from Kenya. Juli's story encapsulates so many elements of suffering and hope, family and community. It is more than a memoir, but a wake up call for anyone who believes in the wonders of love.

[Josh Orwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A journey of pain and hope, emotion and exhaustion, and most importantly on how to love well. Having the opportunity to visit the Living Room twice before, now fully understanding the journey of the family behind the ministry who embodies Gods love, grace, and willingness to say yes was on one hand overwhelmingly and another full of hope. Thank you for sharing the blessing of your babies journey with the world.

[Leslie Kaluzny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a needed & uplifting story of what can happen when 2 people say, "let's try."
With no easy solutions or answers this is evidence of the miraculous power of community and love in the midst of insurmountable obstacles. Inspiring and beautifully written.
It will change you, if you let it.

[Tammy Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding story of obedience, love, and sacrifice. I knew of Juli's family's story before the book came out. Reading this book gave me a much richer picture of what the family has gone through and the journey they continue to travel. Loving the people that God puts in your path is a specialty of Juli Boit. This book will change you.

[Brian Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Beyond the Skies is not just a wonderful story of a family going through a challenging time in their lives, but also demonstrates the need we have to meet health care needs around the world. Thank you for drawing us in.

[Nancy Loos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a compelling read. Where it could have been maudlin, it was uplifting. Where it could have been staid, it was exciting. It is so much more than a documentary; it is a journey to deep within a family's unbelievable journey, complete with challenging questions and insights. A must read.

[Kent Galloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written book that both inspires and encourages the reader. Juli and her family face incredible struggles. The book shows how love and perseverance can overcome what seems impossible. The strength of the community around her is a reminder of how important community is.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know what I was expecting with this book - I don’t remember even entering the giveaway - but I do believe everything enters into our life at the right season. A true reminder that you can’t get ahead of God. A book of unconditional love, trusting God even in the valley, and living a life of service to others. Juli I pray your family is blessed and that the work you are doing in Kenya continues to change the lives of its people.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational book of the power and challenges of love. A book of faith that confirms that God loves us, all of us and that we are not in charge - but to trust. This is not a long book, lots of nitty-gritty details of the journey are left out - but it is not a book that can be rushed thru.

[Adam Gossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant and authentic.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this book in goodwill and was not expecting a story so heartwarming and eye-opening at the same time. The compassion and love oozes throughout the book.

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It isn’t something I would normally read but I am so glad I did. Juli is an amazing person. I hope god will forever look after her family.

[Julie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing fight for life! Everyone who valued these two lives was amazing. I know you can’t do everything for everyone one but you can do something for someone. Thank you

[Shelby Blevins · Rating 4 out of 5]

really interesting to hear the parent/family side of BMTs.

[April Dichosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We were all marked invariably by the suffering required for healing to come. By the darkness that swallowed us up, but as we stayed there- in the scariest of places- new life was born. In the marrow of two little boys. In the hearts of all who dared to believe they were worth whatever the journey might cost." (Juli Boit, FBTS p 218)
I'm so grateful Juli has bravely told her family's story. She speaks with authenticity as a parent, caregiver, wife, and child of God. Her emotions are palpable as she beautifully paints a picture of the family's 450+ day journey. The Boits' resilience is both challenging and inspiring. This book is a must read for anyone who has loved fiercely and wants to know how to love bravely.
#frombeyondtheskies

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.