What happens when faith collides with trauma, culture shock, motherhood, and unanswered questions? In this powerful episode of The More Than Your Age Podcast, host Erica Pasvar sits down with Heather Surls—author, editor, and longtime resident of the Middle East—to talk about her debut memoir, Beyond the Jordan. Heather shares her journey from growing up in California to living in Jerusalem and Jordan, where she encountered deep beauty, devastating loss, and life-altering questions about faith, suffering, and God’s goodness. Heather opens up about witnessing violence, living through PTSD, navigating cross-cultural life, and how writing became both a lifeline and a calling—one she pursued even while raising young children. Together, Erica and Heather explore what it means to hold grief and hope at the same time, why creativity is not limited by age or season, and how choosing faith can be a daily, courageous act. More about this episode: In this episode, Erica Pasvar interviews Heather Surls, author of Beyond the Jordan, about faith, trauma, creativity, and what it means to live—and write—across cultures. Heather shares: Growing up with faith and how it evolved through hardship Living in Jerusalem during bus bombings and political unrest Wrestling with God’s goodness amid suffering and loss The unseen lives of Palestinian and Arab Christians PTSD, healing, and encountering God in trauma Life in Jordan, including “Water Day” and cultural adjustments Navigating Western guilt and privilege with humility How relationships with Iraqi, Palestinian, Syrian, and Jordanian women reshaped her worldview Writing a book while raising young children Why creativity is not reserved for the young—or the fearless Encouragement for women who feel blocked by age or life circumstances This episode is a reminder that: ✨ Faith can be chosen daily—even in doubt ✨ Creativity is an act of worship ✨ It’s never too late to pursue a calling ✨ Relationships humanize what headlines distort 📚 Books Mentioned Beyond the Jordan by Heather Surls (Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, and international retailers) 🌍 Websites & Organizations Mentioned Anthrow Circus – Multimedia site exploring culture through the lens of place (Heather serves as Assistant Editor) 📲 Connect with Heather Surls Instagram: @heathersurls Facebook: Heather Surls Website: https://www.heathermsurls.com/ Connect with Erica Email // Facebook // Instagram // Linkedin // YouTube ***This Podcast is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission. *** - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - 📱 Subscribe and Listen to The More Than Your Age Podcast Here: - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - All Platforms: https://rb.gy/fb3ac2 Are you interested in starting your own podcast? Riverside.fm is a great tool for recording episodes remotely. The More Than Your Age Podcast is an affiliate and highly recommends this company. You can use this link to learn more: Riverside.fm Interested in learning a new language??? It’s not too late! Check out either program with Babbel or Rosetta Stone! Don’t let another day go by without learning that new language! Visit The More Than Your Age Website and check out our new merch! www.morethanyourage.com Intro and Exit Music written and performed by Daniel Ging. More Than Your Age is a podcast for women who refuse to be defined by timelines, expectations, or age-based limitations. Through honest conversations and inspiring stories, host Erica Pasvar highlights women who are pursuing purpose, creativity, and growth at every stage of life.