Far, Far Better Things: A Memoir of Surrendering the American Dream and Finding a Better One

by Cindy DeBoer

What happens when you’ve reached all your earthly goals and you’re only twenty-eight years old?

What if you’ve realized the American Dream, and although you’re pretty confident it’s all a big blessing from Jesus, you still feel miserably lacking in purpose and fulfillment?

What makes a reasonably well-off American Christian family walk away from their perfectly scripted life—prestigious careers, dream home, lake house, nice cars, kids’ sports, frequent travel, perfect church, tons of family and friends—and follow God to the ends of the earth? How would any young family have the courage to leave all the things the world tells us to strive for and instead choose a life of intentional simplifying, serial downsizing, and two major moves overseas?

Cindy’s memoir chronicles their family’s unorthodox Christian journey that began as a result of praying in “Lord, help us to live what we say we believe.” Follow along as the DeBoers, a typical average suburban family, finds the courage to subvert a safe and comfortable life for a risky and riotous ride that led them to far, far better things.

Cindy DeBoer is a blogger, psychiatric nurse, and recovering “un-missionary.” She and her husband, Paul, are passionate about demystifying Islam for Christians, working with development organizations in Central America, and partnering with several local ministries that serve under-resourced people. Today, living in the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan, they delight in their four grown children, three children-in-love, two grandchildren, and the ability to walk everywhere—especially to their small community church (back in the Reformed tradition!) just six blocks away.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 9, 2025

Reviews

[Grace DeBoer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am blown away. As Cindy’s daughter, I was not sure what to expect upon opening these pages… but I can now easily say that it was one of the greatest gifts she’s given us. To be able to to learn from my mom’s past, to witness her vulnerably struggle with God, and to be challenged in my own life by her convictions in a book format is incomparable. This story is gently crafted to share her own life’s journey of surrendering to God without the expectation that others ought to walk the same path. Cindy’s writing is raw, truth-telling, witty, and beautiful. It takes a special kind of guts to expose oneself at a published-kind-of-level, and let me tell you — this lady has guts. I am beyond proud of her.

What a privilege it was to read about & process a story of how God ultimately captivated this… my… family’s heart.

[Apryl Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

For my AIXcellent sister Cindy DeBoer with love from your 'ole stompin' ground ;0)

Reading your book was a delightfully uncomfortable time machine back to my American evangelical 80s and then my early years in Aix, and learning how to learn about life while we're on this planet ❤ So many people have a "grass is greener" idea of Aix-patriate lifestyle, and we've both AIXperienced the unforeseen challenges that've moulded and shaped us. I wouldn't trade that for the world, especially because it means I would never have grown with the courageous--with heaps of cœur--souls I've met along the way XOXOAix

p.s. I wrote a much longer review (in English) and posted it on French amazon, but alas and alack, it was rejected because it was in English. MDR (morte de rire ou "LOL"), isn't that the way it so often goes? Something that could be so simple is complicated beyond comprehension. The book is in English, therefore it follows that the review should be in French, n'est pas? Would that every person in the world could live for two years in a country where they have no experience in their host language or culture, image how differently we all might behave.

[Chad R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Journey into a New and Life-Giving Paradigm

Far Far Better Things is one of those sneaky books that gently lures you into a better way of being—just through the power of story. It’s funny, engaging, and full of heart. Without ever feeling preachy, it invites deep reflection. By the end, I found myself rethinking old assumptions, shifting my values, and praying for the grace to live more justly. Highly recommended.

[Dawn Evers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cindy is an amazing writer! This book is an easy read and hard to put down! The humor, love and living in a small town bubble comes out in this book. I love how Cindy and her family who have grown up in a Christian family, went outside the normal to do what they were called to do and how they went and made a difference in the world. Cindy gets real in this must read!

[Kathy Newhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest. Genuine. Convicting. Inspiring. Humorous. This book is a gift where all of these traits are presented in a beautifully written package. Cindy DeBoer weaves Part 1 of her life journey in a captivating tale that will keep you engaged, crying, laughing and ready to change your life by the end! This book is seriously impactful and important for all who want to live a Christ-centered life!

[Hannah Pedersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED getting to hear Cindy’s story. This book will challenge your thoughts on living life for Jesus in America while recognizing the hardship of following Jesus. What a gift to know Cindy !!