At Christ For the City International, we’ve always believed in the power of partnership, especially those that feel like family. For my husband Andy and me, that family began back in 2012 when we went on a short-term mission trip to El Salvador. I had been on mission trips before, but there was something about that trip that felt different—something deeper. Within 24 hours of being in El Salvador, I felt the overwhelming sense that I was home. I remember saying to myself, “This is where I belong.” It was as if the Holy Spirit had wrapped me in His arms and whispered, “This is your comfort zone.”

People always ask, “How were you able to leave your comfort zone and move overseas?” But what they don’t realize is that I found my comfort zone in El Salvador. I was 60 years old, and I had never had any desire to travel to Central America. In fact, I’d always dreamed of going to Africa. But when God called, He called me to El Salvador, and I knew without a doubt that this was where we were meant to be. Andy thought I was crazy. I remember telling him, “We’re going to move here.” He thought it was just talk—but I knew God had bigger plans. 

 A few months later, I convinced Andy to return with me CFCI Global Ambassadors. At first, he wasn’t so sure. Our third grandchild had just been born, and he didn’t want to leave our family. But during that trip, something changed. One night, while doing a Bible study, he came across the passage where Jesus says, “If you aren’t willing to leave your family and home, you aren’t willing to be My disciple.” It hit him hard. He wept, realizing that God was calling us to leave everything behind and follow Him. That night, Andy said, “We’re moving to El Salvador.”

In December 2013, at 60 years old, we moved to El Salvador as long-term missionaries. I’m sure some people at CFCI thought, “What are these old people doing here?” But let me tell you—those years were the best years of my life. Our lives became beautifully simple, focused solely on Jesus. Every day was about loving the people God had placed in front of us. We built such deep, genuine relationships with people who didn’t want anything from us—they just wanted to be loved. It was a life-changing experience. 

Andy and I did everything from teaching English to photography, leading Bible studies, and even hosting short-term missionaries. We were like the mom and dad for every mission team that came through. Our home was always full—we’d invite 40 people, and 60 would show up because they’d bring their friends! And in El Salvador, people don’t call ahead— they just show up. At first, it was a little unnerving, but it quickly became one of the most beautiful aspects of our time there—real relationships, no appointments, just showing up for one another.

The relationships we built in El Salvador laid the foundation for something even bigger. In 2019, God placed it on our hearts to launch the Abundant Life Bible Bootcamp, based on John 10:10: “The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Our passion was to share this abundant life with as many people as possible. Thanks to CFCI, we were able to take Abundant Life beyond borders, expanding from El Salvador to Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Zimbabwe, and beyond.

Looking back, I can see how God orchestrated every step of the journey. From the moment we said “yes” to that short- term trip to El Salvador, our lives were changed forever. Had we not gone, Abundant Life wouldn’t be what it is today. CFCI was the conduit that allowed us to fulfill what God had placed on our hearts. They were there when we needed them, providing direction, support, and encouragement. And through it all, we’ve learned that no matter where God sends us— whether it’s El Salvador, Africa, or right here in the States—He has a purpose, and we have a choice. We can either embrace what He has for us, or we can let fear hold us back.

But let me tell you this—if you’re still breathing, God still has work for you to do. We’re never too old, and we’re never too young. I’ve never loved anything more than sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, and I’m so thankful that CFCI has allowed us to do that, not just in one place, but across the world. It’s been a journey of transformation—both for us and for the countless lives we’ve been able to touch. We are just in awe that we get to be part of His perfect plan.

Would you like to be a part of our November Costa Rica Vision Tour Trip? Sign up here: https://cfci.org/trips/costa-rica-vision-tour/