Dave & Sue Crites - From Retirement to Mission Work: A Life of Service

Summary In this episode, Cathy interviews missionaries Sue and Dave Crites, who share their life stories, including their early influences, faith journeys, and experiences in retirement. They discuss their transition into missionary work, the importance of financial planning, and the joy of volunteering. The conversation highlights the value of community service, cultural connections, and the impact of generosity in their lives. In this conversation, Dave and Sue share their experiences as missionaries in Guatemala, detailing their roles in sponsorship, community engagement, and the challenges they face living in a foreign country. They discuss the impact of their work on local children and families, the process of building homes, and the legacy they hope to leave behind through their efforts. Their reflections highlight the importance of service, empowerment, and the joy of making a difference in the lives of others. Keywords missionaries, faith, retirement, volunteering, financial wisdom, community service, cultural connections, generosity, life lessons, family, missionary work, Guatemala, sponsorship, community service, legacy, COVID-19, housing projects, empowerment, challenges, life lessons Takeaways Wisdom often comes with age and experience. Family background shapes our values and beliefs. Faith can be influenced by key figures in our lives. Planning for retirement requires foresight and discipline. Saving money is essential for financial security. God's favor plays a role in our successes. Volunteering brings fulfillment and purpose in retirement. Cultural connections can transcend language barriers. Generosity can be expressed in many forms. Community service enriches both the giver and the receiver. They spent a full year in Guatemala during COVID. Dave and Sue have been actively involved in sponsorship since 2018. Sponsorship involves communication and support for children in need. Teaching skills like soap-making empowers youth. COVID allowed the youth to learn life skills and earn stipends. Living in Guatemala presents challenges like limited resources and cultural differences. Building homes for families has a lasting impact on the community. The legacy of the James Project is seen in the lives of the children it has helped. Dave and Sue have no regrets about their missionary work. Their motto is to trust in God for guidance and support. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Crites' Journey 05:18 Influences of Faith and Family 10:14 Advice for Future Generations 14:41 Volunteerism and Community Involvement 16:32 The Impact of Faith on Life Choices 21:07 Finding Purpose in Retirement 26:05 Conclusion and Reflections on Life 31:23 Shared Vision: Building a Life Together 34:59 Small Acts, Big Impact: Community Service Insights 40:20 Foundations of Generosity: Community Involvement 46:42 First Impressions: Discovering the James Project 53:03 Deciding to Move: A Leap of Faith 58:15 Life as Missionaries in Costa Rica 01:02:15 Challenges of Living Abroad 01:06:59 Navigating Daily Life in a Foreign Country 01:10:19 Challenges of Living Abroad 01:13:32 Giving Back: Building Houses for Others 01:21:03 Reflections on Life Choices and Legacy 01:26:22 Navigating Life's Changes 01:29:55 Legacy and Influence 01:39:47 The Ripple Effect of Generosity 01:45:27 pod out.mp4