Retire

Retire

Embrace a New Chapter: Retire to Italy

Our Journey to Italian Serenity

Surprisingly, it was our annual Christmas-Beach vacations which prompted a change. One of us decided it was boring going to the beach. After some research Naida thought it’d be fun to visit Italy at Christmas.

And so it began.

While planning our visit, she started to find interesting articles on people who have moved to Italy. Within 4 months we had decided Naida was to retire early, we put our house on the market, and, as it turned out, we would give up EVERYTHING, to follow the Lord’s leading.

Change Isn't Always Easy . . .

A Slower Pace of Life

Italy offers a tranquil lifestyle, allowing us to enjoy each day without the rush and stress of modern living.

Breathtaking Landscapes

From ragged mountains to stunning coastlines, Italy’s natural beauty is a feast for the eyes and soul.

Rich Cultural Heritage

We will immerse ourselves in a country with a deep history, vibrant traditions, and a wealth of artistic treasures.

Culinary Delights

We’re told that within 30 days of eating in Italy, our bodies will feel the difference (ahhh, Pasta & Gelato).

“Leaving the USA is a little bittersweet. We leave many wonderful relationships, here. So many men and women who have had an impact in our lives, and we too, have had the gracious opportunity to impact their lives.

Retirement will be different. Naida will no longer have deadlines and Mark will not do ministry to the same intensity.

We invite you to join us, as we ‘Upsize’ to accomodate our friends (for a day or two) who travel to Italy.”

KIND WORDS SHARED BY OTHERS . . .

“Naida (and Mark) – Congrats on the new adventure! You have been inspirational in your dedication to work and amazing to know. Best wishes!!”

“Mark, you are a blessing to me and many others. Thank you for teaching us the power of prayer.”

“I’ve so enjoyed working with you for the last 14 years. Thanks for all your support. Enjoy your well deserved retirement.”

“Glad I was able to see you today. God knew I needed to hear what you spoke on. Thanks again. Blessings to you and your wife. God’s got ya!”

“It has been a real blessing to know you and work with you. May God bless your next adventure in life.”

“I’m so thankful you came to preach, for the impact you’ve had on my walk with the Lord and how you’ve touched so many souls for His kingdom. You’re a blessing to many.”

Recent "Adventure" Posts

Dark Threads

Have you ever considered that God IS DIRECTING the difficulties in your life? If He’s not, He ain’t God.

July 29, 2024

FREE

Italian Food

We’re experts! After all, we know Ragu Pasta Sauce and Kroger Frozen Pizza.

July 15, 2024

FREE

Walk Alongside Us

Just as Paul had folks walk alongside him, many of you are walking alongside us. Your presence is truly special.

July 22, 2024

FREE

Previous Prayer Videos

Mark's Bloppers

Join us for some fun as Mark saved a number of bloopers from 2021. It’s okay, you can laugh at him.

3 1/2 Minutes

FREE

Dr. Stanley Memories

I share 4 sweet, revealing, memories of Dr. Stanley which you will find a real treat.

3 1/2 Minutes

FREE

Glasspack Praying

It ain’t a compliment! Allow my humor to challenge your STRONG praying.

2+ Minutes

FREE

Follow Our Journey, Our Adventure

We invite you to follow our story and participate in our ADVENTURE as we travel through Italy, and greater Europe.

Naida has ALWAYS wanted to “travel” when she retired, now she can do that, and along the way, when appropriate, we will encourage and support lay people, missionaries and pastors.

Whether you join us in person or follow along online, your prayerful support and enjoyment thru our weekly posts, means the world to us.

24-7-365

24-7-365

Naida Retires Soon

  • That means she won’t be working 10 hours a day. She’ll be home.
  • She won’t be working 6 and 7 days a week. She’ll be home.
  • She’ll be home every day!
  • She’ll be home 24-7-365.
  • Yikes! I mean, yippee!

A New Season

Join Our Adventure

Follow our story as we navigate the joys and challenges of retirement in a new country. Every Monday morning Mark puts out a new post.

You Know the Old "Spouse" Story

We always love them, we just don’t always like them.

Years ago Naida and I realized that was an important thing to “share” with the other, when necessary.
I was thinking about that the other day, because, well, 24-7-365 is permanent!
Once it arrives, there’s no going back from it.

While I joke about this 24-7-365 stuff, there are two very sweet things which have implanted themselves, on my heart and in my mind:

  1. I am married to a woman who is LOOKING FORWARD to spending retirement with her husband. I’m LUCKY! I know many men, many pastors, who cannot say that.
  2. There are times when I can just lean into my bride and say (honestly), babe, I am SOOOOO looking forward to spending 24-7-365 with you. And I mean it! It is sweet!

Am I looking forward to 24-7-365 with my bride? Yes, most of the time

What We've Learned

Hard Lesson

“I can’t control ANYTHING, and I want to. I have to (and get to) trust God for EVERYTHING.”

NAIDA

I’ve been forced to live out Proverbs 3:5-6.

Hard Lesson

“Trusting God and being obedient to move to Italy, has required me to give up EVERYTHING.”

MARK

On this Visa, I’m not allowed to write novels.

Firm Reality

“Challenges, yes, but our sense God has called us to Italy, has NEVER wavered, NEVER.”

MARK & NAIDA

That reality is SO SPECIAL.

Upcoming Travel Plans

October 20, 2024

The last time we flew to Europe, this is where we ended up, the island of Santorini, in Greece.

Well, on October 20th, we are traveling to Italy, we’ll take a bus East a couple hours to Pescara and start looking for a home in Italy, specifically, the Abruzzo Region.

Some say we’re CRAZY, some say we’re COURAGEOUS, but we have seen that LIBERATING is a better description. We have learned that it is liberating to trust the Lord, even if it’s outside of your wheelhouse (Naida) or miles away from what Mark thought he’d be doing.

And we’ve been forced to accept that we will be together, 24-7-365.

Stay Updated on Our Journey

Find our weekly posts which chronicle OUR ADVENTURE . . .