If you’re one of the hundreds of people who have launched an online fundraising campaign with us or are part of our House to House team, chances are you already know Natalie Abeyta.

She takes care of business by answering your questions and being an encouraging supporter during your campaigns. Natalie also shares family bios and other data points that keep you connected with all the life-change happening in the field. What a cool job!

In this Q&A, Natalie talks about how she got involved with 1MISSION, her student life, and how she gets inspired every day. We also get a peek into the competitive and adventurous spirit that helped her win our staff retreat games a couple of years back.

How did you first get connected to 1MISSION?
I got connected through my friend Alyssa. She had worked for 1MISSION for a few years and recommended the job to me. My church also goes on biannual trips with 1MISSION, so I already knew amazing things about the work this organization does!

What does a typical day look like for you?
Right now it’s a little odd. I am going to school for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. I am so thankful for the opportunity to work for 1MISSION during this time. I go to school in the morning, and in the mid-afternoon and evening, I work from home as well as spend a day or two in the office.

What energizes you about your job?
I love being a part – albeit a tiny one – of the awesome journey these families go through to better themselves. Every time I get to put together a family bio or upload a family profile to the website, I get to read a story of people who are making a difference in their lives and the lives of those around them. I also really, really love the people I work with. It’s an awesome environment to be part of. I couldn’t ask for better humans!

So I heard you dominated the staff retreat games a few years back? What else are you secretly good at?
Ooooh, that’s a good one. What a test of humility. But as many come to find out you don’t play with 1MISSION staffers unless you come to compete. In all honesty, I really do just love games! All sorts. From super nerdy board games like Pandemic, Western Legends, Ticket to Ride, and Settlers of Catan, to grandma-esque card games, and even sports! My husband and I play adult league softball on the weekends.

Since I know you love camping and being outdoors, what’s the craziest experience you’ve had while camping? Do you have a favorite place to explore?
I’ll spare you the details, but the craziest thing that has happened to me while being outdoors is due to my husband’s adventurous nature. We went off-trail and ended up going through a small canyon, climbing steep rocks at about 45-degree angles in a two-wheel-drive 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee with no cell signal, no map, and a dwindling supply of snacks! Our German Shepherd felt our anxiety so much that when we pulled over for a moment, he… well… released the anxiety. Nonetheless, we all survived after about two hours of climbing up and down boulders and ended up making a day of it.

In general, we just love to explore Arizona. There are so many places to go and we are always up for suggestions if anyone knows of any awesome places to kayak! My husband and I plan on taking a trip to New Zealand that was postponed due to COVID-19. We had to reschedule but are determined to explore that beautiful country!

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