by Joy Klaaren Forgwe Ortiz
Crossing the Chari River is a stirring memoir of resilience that follows Joy Ortiz from a quiet Midwestern childhood into a life spanning continents and profound crises. After a hidden trauma at nineteen, Joy’s path leads her to Cameroon, where she must navigate the complexities of love, betrayal, and motherhood against a backdrop of political unrest. With raw honesty, Ortiz chronicles her journey of raising four children between two worlds and the decades-long process of breaking her silence. This lyrical narrative is a powerful testament to the human spirit, illustrating how faith and the intentional choice to embrace joy can guide us across even the most turbulent rivers of loss and despair.
About the Author
Joy Klaaren Forgwe Ortiz is a graduate of Hope College and a debut author with a diverse professional background in both the United States and West Africa. Her career spans roles at Michigan State University and Hope College, as well as service as a vocational counselor for the Ministry of Education in Cameroon. A mother of four children born during a decade of immense personal and cultural transition, Joy currently lives with her husband, Frank Ortiz, Jr. Her writing draws from a lifetime of navigating cross-cultural challenges and professional service, reflecting her deep commitment to perseverance and the pursuit of joy.
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