In this episode of Mango Diaries, we sit down with our dear friends Nick and Alyssa Cross to hear the incredible story of how they left their life in California to move their family of five to Atenas, Costa Rica, and step into an unexpected calling as missionaries.

After 13 years of established careers, a close-knit church community, Nick and Alyssa never imagined they would live overseas, let alone become missionaries. But through a season of spiritual growth, prayer, and a recurring vision of Costa Rica, God began loosening their roots and leading them somewhere new.

Within just three months of discovering the opportunity, they sold nearly everything they owned, raised full financial support, packed 15 bags, and moved their three daughters and dog to Costa Rica.

Today, they serve at Hogar de Vida, a Christ centered children's home in Atenas that cares for vulnerable children in Costa Rica. Their work involves supporting the staff, hosting short-term mission teams, and helping create a safe, nurturing environment for the children.

In this honest and inspiring conversation, we explore:

• How to recognize and respond when you feel God leading you in a new direction.
• What it looks like to take a leap of faith without having all the answers.
• Moving abroad with children and adjusting to a completely new culture.
• How seasons of uncertainty can strengthen your faith and marriage.
• The purpose and challenges of short-term mission trips.
• Why asking God "What do I need to know?" and "What do you want me to do?" can be more powerful than asking why.

We also talk about the importance of not rushing ahead, taking small steps of faith, and understanding that everyone's journey looks different.

A little mango slice of wisdom to take with you:

"Seek to understand instead of trying to be heard."

From the episode:

Living Fearless by Jamie Winship

Connect with the Cross family

Website - The Cross Family - Mission Stream

Instagram - @crosses.in.costa.rica

If you like what you hear, please take a moment to like, subscribe, and leave a comment. Or even better, share with someone who may be encouraged by listening to this episode.

Follow us on Instagram: @mangodiariespodcast

Watch us on Youtube: @mangodiariesofficial

Email us: mangodiariespodcast@gmail.com

Visit our blog and website: Mango Diaries Podcast — Alisonwicker.com

What if the season you're in right now is preparing you for something you can't see yet?

In this episode of Mango Diaries, Michael and Alison sit down with Philip Barker, a missionary in Uganda, to talk about seasons of life, discerning God's calling, navigating depression, and trusting God's timing.

After spending nearly 10 years serving in the Bahamas, returning to the United States, and eventually moving to Uganda, Philip shares how God has used every chapter of his life to equip him for the next. From unexpected career changes and seasons of depression to cross-cultural ministry and serving the next generation, his story is a reminder that no experience is wasted in God's hands.

Together, we explore what it looks like to discern God's direction, understand your spiritual gifts, involve your local church in the decision-making process, and remain faithful even when the next step isn't clear.

Philip also shares honestly about his experience with depression, the importance of having a supportive community, and how our identity in Christ can anchor us when circumstances challenge our sense of worth.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How to discern God's calling and recognize the next season of life.
• Why God wastes nothing, even when our plans don't unfold as expected.
• Navigating depression, discouragement, and seasons of uncertainty as a Christian.
• Why your local church plays an important role in discerning your calling.
• Learning to be faithful where God has placed you right now.

Key message: You don't have to wait until you reach your next destination to start serving God. Be faithful right where you are.

About Philip Barker:

Phil and Teri are missionaries serving at Suubi Christian Schools in Uganda through Global Hands of Hope, where Phil focuses on Bible teaching and discipleship while Teri supports the ministry through data analytics, administration, and community activities. With a heart for serving Jesus and reaching the next generation, they bring years of cross-cultural ministry experience, including nearly 10 years serving at a Bible school and leading youth ministry in the Bahamas. Since 2024, they have continued their mission in Uganda through a partnership with Global Outreach International, their home church, and Global Hands of Hope, seeking to make disciples and bring lasting community transformation.

Connect with Philip and his ministry:
Global Hands of Hope: https://ghoh.org
Facebook: Global Hands of Hope Uganda
Global Outreach: https://globaloutreach.org

Bio page: Phil and Teri Barker | Global Outreach International | Missionary Sending & Missionary Care Organization

If you like what you hear, please take a moment to like, subscribe, and leave a comment. Or even better, share with someone who may be encouraged by listening to this episode.

Follow us on Instagram: @mangodiariespodcast

Watch us on Youtube: @mangodiariesofficial

Email us: mangodiariespodcast@gmail.com

Visit our blog and website: Mango Diaries Podcast — Alisonwicker.com

In this episode of Mango Diaries, we reconnect with our longtime friend Wes, a humanitarian engineer who has spent the past 10 years responding to disasters around the world. From serving refugees in Greece and Uganda to supporting communities affected by conflict, Ebola outbreaks, earthquakes, hurricanes and floods, Wes shares what humanitarian disaster response really looks like.

We explore what it means to trust God in the valleys, why local communities are the true heroes of disaster response, and how ordinary people can use their professional skills to make a difference. You don't have to be a missionary or an engineer to serve others—there are countless ways to put your gifts to work.

Wes leaves us with a simple but powerful reminder: hold things lightly and be willing to say yes. Sometimes the most meaningful opportunities in life are the ones we never planned for.

If you're curious about humanitarian work or wondering how your own skills could serve a greater purpose this conversation will encourage you to embrace uncertainty and show up for people in their hardest moments. Tune in for an honest conversation about faith, risk, resilience, and finding purpose in unexpected places.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What humanitarian disaster response looks like on the ground
• How engineering skills can serve communities in crisis
• Faith and finding God amid suffering and tragedy
• Navigating risk in conflict zones and disease outbreaks
• The emotional challenges of returning home after deployment
• How everyday professionals and volunteers can get involved in humanitarian work

About Wes

Wes works for Water Mission's International as a Senior Engineer for Disaster Response. A Canadian native, Wes enjoys spending time outdoors for rest and refreshment. He's extremely fun to hang out with and an innovative, witty man.

What does it look like to say yes to God when the path ahead is uncertain? Meet Carl and Julie Gaede, the remarkable couple behind Tutapona, a Christ-centered organization bringing emotional healing to people affected by war and conflict.

Carl and Julie followed God's call from Wisconsin to Uganda, eventually expanding their work to Iraq and Ukraine. Today, Tutapona has helped more than 80,000 people participate in mental health programs designed to restore hope, build resilience, and support healing.

In this inspiring conversation, we talk about the courage to step into the unknown, the life-changing power of community-based trauma recovery, and what it means to trust God without having all the answers. Carl and Julie's story is a beautiful reminder that ordinary people can be part of extraordinary things when they say yes to a bigger purpose.

Show Notes:

About Carl and Julie: Carl & Julie founded Tutapona in 2008 to bring God's love and healing to the emotional effects of war. They have been married for 34 years and have four amazing children.

Get in touch with Tutapona

Tutapona Website: www.tutapona.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tutapona/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-gaede-17a51283/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tutapona

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tutapona6930

Email: info@tutapona.com

What if the biggest risk isn't stepping out in faith but burying what God has entrusted you with?

In this episode, we sit down with Bryan Taylor, CFA, CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Cornerstone Management, to explore what it means to take intentional risks for Jesus with our finances, our careers, and our lives.

Bryan shares the story of how, at just 31 years old, he faced a life-changing decision: leave the company he worked for or take a leap of faith and buy it.

Drawing from more than 25 years of investment experience serving Christian nonprofits, Bryan offers a fresh perspective on generosity, financial stewardship, and kingdom impact. We discuss why every gift matters, how to give wisely, and how organizations can balance financial risk with responsibility.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why generosity isn't determined by the size of your bank account.
• How to develop a thoughtful philosophy of giving.
• What it means to steward God's resources rather than treat them as our own.
• Why God is more concerned with our growth than our fear of failure.

Listen in—and keep the talents out of the ground.

Contact Bryan - LinkedIn

Instagram - @worthyofthegift
Facebook - Worthy of the Gift
TikTok - @worthyofthegift

Learn more about Cornerstone Management - https://cornerstonemgt.net/

Purchase Worthy of the Gift - https://www.amazon.com/Worthy-Gift-Equipping-Organization-Transformational/dp/1971546070

We just got back from the THINQ Summit in Nashville, and this episode is basically us processing everything we heard, experienced, and are still thinking about.

Our biggest takeaway? Don’t force the door. Pray. Pay attention. Stay faithful. And trust that God’s timing is better than our own.

We also talk about the spiritual realm, the power of genuine Christian community, asking better questions instead of always searching for easy answers, and learning to rest in God’s sovereignty.

Plus… a popped tire, a rental van, a Walmart detour, four kids, and an early flight to Costa Rica. 😂

Come listen, think with us, and let us know: What’s something God has been teaching you about His timing lately?

What does it actually mean to live intentionally? In this spontaneous episode of Mango Diaries, we unpack the difference between simply wanting something and actually building the habits, discipline, and follow-through to live it out.

In this episode we explore what “intentional risk taking with Jesus” really means: taking small steps when you feel a nudge, pursuing what matters, and trusting God even when you don't know exactly where the path will lead.

Intentional living isn't about getting everything right. It’s about knowing what matters, taking the next step, and being willing to grow along the way.

What is it really like living in Costa Rica as an expat? In this episode of Mango Diaries, we take you behind the scenes of four years living abroad in Costa Rica and share the highs, lows, and lessons we’ve learned along the way.

From the laid-back pura vida lifestyle, tight-knit communities, Spanish and incredible nature to tropical bugs, expensive groceries, car-buying challenges, and the realities of everyday life, we’re sharing the things you might not hear about on a typical Costa Rica vacation.

Note* Alison was pregnant while filming this episode and abruptly ends it because her legs were numb!