Each month we ask a light-hearted question designed to help our community get to know our faith and business leaders better. This month Good News Wants to Know… If you could take a hiatus and live anywhere in the world for a year, where would you go and why?

Somewhere in the Caribbean.  My family roots are from the Caribbean.  My father was born on the small tiny island of Montserrat, part of the Lesser Antilles chain. My mother was born on the beautiful island of Antigua. It would be joy to spend some extended restful, quality time on one of the many God-created beautiful islands in the Caribbean and West Indies.    

Rev. Dr. Ted Greer, Jr., Chief Executive Officer, Hope South Florida

Having been raised in an all Greek home this is an easy question for me.  I would spend the year in Greece where the beauty and history cannot be beat.  I would begin in Athens with a walk through the Plaka, around the Acropolis and then up on to Mars Hill overlooking the Forum where Paul preached his famous “Men of Athens” sermon to my ancestors.  I would then spend time and explore the cities of Corinth, Thessaloniki and Philippi.  Following the cities I would spend a month, each on the islands of Crete, Rhodes, Corfu and Santorini and end my year back in Athens eating dolmathes, moussaka, spanakopita and baklava while dancing the night away in a Greek taverna.  Opa!

 William “Bill” C. Davell, Director, Tripp Scott, PA

I would go to New Zealand. It’s as beautiful as the US without the crowds and commerce.

Bill Tolia, President, Brightstar Care

SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT: I’d love to cruise the Caribbean on a boat. With four kids we’d need a lot of room. So let’s make it a yacht. Would be fun waking up every morning in a new port. Meeting new people. Catching fish. Learning about new lands. I’d also be able to finally figure out if threatening a four year old with ‘walking the plank’ actually works.

Bob Dension, President, Denison Yachting

I’ve been blessed to have had the opportunity to experience much of what the world has to offer. Through those travels I’ve come to greater appreciate how special home really is. While a year in Tuscany would solidly be in consideration. There’s a reason why the rest of the world aspires to visit South Florida. Minus the Ruby Slippers, there’s no place like home.

Brian Mudd, Program Director \ Host of The Morning Rush & The Brian Mudd Show , iHeartMedia

I would have to say Alaska.  Although I have never been there, it seems like an amazing place where God has displayed His glory.  The beauty of creation and peace would be a great place to pray and recharge in the Word.  Knowing me though it might be tough to do that for a year, I would probably get bored and want to get back to the hustle of South Florida! 

Chris Lane, President, First Priority of South Florida

North Africa would be my choice, from Egypt to Mauritania.  The history is amazing from the dinosaurs buried in the sands, to the Egyptian Pharaonic Dynasties, to the Carthaginians to the modern day Arab culture.  It is an old place with lots of variety and a storied history that I would love to explore.  Also, the culture of that area is so different to ours and will soon change as the Internet homogenizes us all.  I would like to see it before it disappears!

H. Collins Forman, Jr., P.A.

If I could live anywhere for a year, I’d choose Australia. I’d enjoy visiting friends there, participating in conferences and worship at Hillsong, diving the Great Barrier Reef, and attempting to bring a pet wallaby back home with me.

Deborah Cusick, FAU Campus Volunteer, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship

Seattle.  The views of the mountains are spectacular and people great, and of course, the coffee is also excellent.  My husband and I had the privilege of living there for five years and have fond memories of people and places.

Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, President, Palm Beach Atlantic University

If I could take a hiatus and live anywhere in the world for a year I would go wherever my immediate family was. This last year has vividly reminded us of the value of family and the brevity of life on this side of Heaven. A little New England weather and a mountainside full of trees with a stream, or lake, wouldn’t be bad either. Then immediately back to the beach, palm trees, and only two seasons.

Dennis DeMarois, Director, Gathering Palm Beach

If I could live anywhere for a year, I’d like to live in the U.K. I have a number of friends and acquaintances there, and would love to tour various neighboring countries as well. I love history, especially Christian history, so I would enjoy tremendously the museums, cathedrals, history tours, and the countryside.

Dolores King-St. George, President, King Communications and GraceNet Media

My choice for a hiatus would be to live in a large motorhome and explore North America for a year.  There are so many unique areas and towns throughout the USA and Canada that we have not seen.  This would be an opportunity to visit with  many friends along the way  and attend many events that could be part of the schedule.

Don Campion, President, Banyan Air Service, Inc.

I would go to a place that needs help running heavy equipment. I grew up running a D9 dozer, backhoes and other heavy equipment. To smell the aroma of diesel and then be able to share the gospel would be so awesome. Of course, I would take my wife. Although, she doesn’t like the smell of diesel. 

Fidel Gomez, Pastor, Calvary Chapel Hollywood

I would go to Italy! Italy has great history including religious historical sights. It has both rolling agricultural beauty with exceptional vineyards as well as great historical cities. On top of all of this, they like Americans!

Fred Scarbrough, founder, Scarbrough Animal Hospital and Hope South Florida

Hands down it would be Cambridge, England.  We lived there for three years and would return in a heartbeat. For me, it’s about studying and writing at one of the top three biblical studies libraries in the world, Tyndale House, and being able to access the wealth of resources held at the Cambridge University Library and Colleges. The choral music at places like King’s College Chapel deserves mention.  One of our “home” churches is there and we relish quiet walks to Grantchester along the River Cam. Cambridge is welcoming and filled with unique characters (my wife once worked for Stephen Hawking). I know, a bit nerdy. It’s Nerd Heaven. 

 Gene L. Green, PhD, Dean, Trinity International University – Florida

Key Largo: When I cross the bridge at Jewfish Creek and enter Key Largo, my stress goes away and I turn into Jimmy Buffet. Key Largo is my “Happy Place”. 

Gregg Wallick, President, Best Roofing, Inc.

Since I have family in Hungary and Sweden, I’d like to spend time in Europe. Traveling by car and train seeing all the wonderful countries throughout. Enjoying the different cultures, landscapes, food and amazing people! I love traveling and this would be a great adventure experiencing all God’s blessings!!

Helen Wayner P.A., Century 21 Hansen Realty 

If I could take a year and live anywhere, I would go to the one destination in the world that has always had special meaning, Israel. The country is a mecca of conflict, yet it is rich in history, diversity, and beauty. I’d immerse myself in the subcultures, learn first-hand from those living the experiences, and intentionally walk the landscape to gain insight and wisdom to impact others. 

Dr. Jessica Vera, President, Chief Executive Officer, Elite Foundation

I would love to take a one year hiatus in Transylvania, Romania. I have to admit, I’m a little scared of heights but the name alone is something to talk about. From the salt mines, to the castles and the historic streets, it’s my kind of place to look like I don’t belong? I don’t even speak Transylvanian, but I’ll figure it out I’m sure. 

Juan Gallo, M.A., Executive Director/CEO, Heart2Heart Outreach

Hands down, it would be a dream come true to spend a year in England. Would love to decompress, contemplate and journal alongside the rugged cliffs on the coast as well as in the charming cottages throughout the Cotwolds. Exploring the Peak District is on my bucket list and I never tire from soaking up the never-ending history all the castles have to offer.

Karen Granger, Community Relations Director, 4KIDS Palm Beach

I would choose to spend my year hiatus in Italy. Although one year would not be enough, I would spend my time meeting the people, visiting the churches, exploring the land, experiencing the culture, tasting the foods and preaching the “Good News” of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

 Ken Kerrigan, Pastor, Calvary Chapel Cornerstone Church

I LOVE Europe—the charming cafés, rich history and cobblestone streets. When I visit, I picture all of those who have come before me—what their challenges of the day were, what brought them joy—and even what they wore! Living there for a year would be a unique treat.

Laura C. Bishop, Executive Vice President of Advancement, Palm Beach Atlantic University

I’ve always wanted to visit Switzerland and Italy but for a year, I’d choose the mountains of NC.  It would allow me to  experience four seasons, and although the others would be exhilarating, I’ve learned that “home” is where your people are.  I’d like to be able to share some of that time with family and friends.

Lisa May, Executive Director, Live the Life South Florida

This may sound strange…but I would love to take the hiatus and stay right where I am at and then be able to do ministry when and where I want to go. That might mean travel to another area in the US or outside the US but be able to be a “on the go missionary”.

Marilyn Brummitt, VP of Development, The Caring Place @Miami Rescue Mission | Broward Outreach Centers

If I could live anywhere for a year, I would go to Santorini. I love the ocean and Santorini is known for its beautiful sunsets.   It is the island of infinity pools on the edge of cliffs that overlook the Aegean Sea.  The Greek Islands are some of the most beautiful places I have ever been.  I would take a  ferry to the other islands, full of rich Biblical history. 

Dr. Mary Drabik, President, South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary

My easy choice for foreign travel would be to go to Israel. Literally, God’s Country. To actually walk where Jesus walked would be the ultimate experience. Domestically I would like to visit the wide open spaces and mountains of Wyoming and Montana and view the star filled skies. A different version of God’s Country.

Mike McDermott, PA, Seniors Real Estate Specialist, The Keyes Company

Oddly enough, I would go back to Jinja, Uganda. When my daughter and I were there a few years ago, I was filled with a deep sense of joy at the simplicity of life in that region. Basic needs like food and shelter were the main items on the agenda. There was a constant nurturing of relationships, whether they were with other people, or with God. Not to mention that worshiping in a church with no electricity, windows or doors was one of the most delightful and remarkable experiences of my life. 

Dr. Michael Rozenblum, Genesis Physical Medicine & Chiropractic 

There is no better place to live than the United States of America. However, if I was going away for one year on a hiatus, I would probably pick Italy and the Amalfi Coast. The beautiful coast line, the great food, and the laid back atmosphere would provide a nice one year escape.

Milan Stefanovic, Chief Operations & Personal Lines Officer, Bass Underwriters

If I could take a hiatus and live anywhere in the world for a year….that is a really hard question.  My instinct is to be close to the kids who live in various places, but my wanderlust would be to wander to for a year!  Not stay in anyone one place, but get in the car and explore the beauty of our country and particularly nature and our gorgeous national parks.  You really see what G-d created and it is hard to think about anything daunting in the world, just to escape and completely enjoy the gift of the beauty of our planet.

Nancy Robin, CEO and Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Broward County

The combination of culture and history that London provides would be a huge attraction to me. From the regal history of Buckingham Palace to the artistry of the West End, London offers an array of memorable and eclectic experiences.  Add in the fact that the peace and beauty of the English countryside is a short train ride away and you have the perfect location for a year-long hiatus. 

Oksana Horton, Creative Director, Torch and Trumpet Theatre Company

If I could take a hiatus and live anywhere in the world for a year, it would be in Hawaii. I choose Hawaii because Hawaii has some of the most beautiful spectacular beaches and waterfalls in the world. Furthermore, I would choose Hawaii because it seems to be the perfect place to relax and its activities are numerous.

O’Neal Dozier, Pastor, The Worldwide Christian Center

Hawaii, to me, is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The last time I was there was to present for the CIES, I wished I had more time to explore the beautiful countryside. There are great places to fish, places to snorkel and swim as well as beautiful waterfalls to visit, amazing foliage and very interesting people to talk to. I met one woman there who had never left the island she lived on, when I asked her what kept her from visiting other islands or places, she said “God put me here, and it is so beautiful, why would I want to leave.” In her own way she was right. It is so peaceful and beautiful outside of the cities, it seems like it would be a great year of rest and a great place to listen to the locals.

Patricia Colangelo, EdS, Lecturer, Professor, Trinity International University – Florida

I would go to the Island of Kauai, Hawaii – because, it reminds me of Fort Lauderdale 50 years ago.

Ray Monteleone, President & CEO, Paladin Global Partners

If I could take a hiatus and live anywhere in the world for a year I would stay right here in Sunny South Florida. Enjoying the beach, the Everglades, the ‘sugar sand’ beaches of the West Coast, the best weather in the world… we have it all right here in our backyard!! I’ve had the privilege to travel a lot and for me “there’s no place like home!”

Coach Rick Andreassen, founder and president, SAINTS of Florida Homeschool P.E. and SAINTS International Sports Ministry

I’d live in Chicago.  Being there while I worked on my Ph.D. was some of the best times of my life and any theological book was available by inter-library loan within a couple of days.

Samuel Lamerson, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Biblical Studies, Knox Theological Seminary

I would embark on a voyage circumventing the world aboard the floating university program, Semester at Sea.  I was fortunate to have this enriching semester abroad experience as a student in 1986, a Lifelong Learner in 2015 and yearn for more opportunities to continue learning about other cultures and Global Human Rights. 

 Sandra Muvdi, MBA|President/CEO, Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation®

If I could take a hiatus and live anywhere in the world for a year, I would go to Israel. My wife and I had the pleasure of visiting Israel in 2012 and absolutely loved how it brought the Bible to life for us. We also fell in love with the beautiful scenery of the Holy Land and had the best hummus that we ever had in our life! There is so much to see from the history in Jerusalem to floating in the Dead Sea that we could easily spend a year in Israel. I just may have to book my ticket today!

Steve Daigle, Campus Pastor, Calvary Chapel Parkland

With one year off…I would get a really hi-end and fully equipped RV and watch a Major League baseball game in every team’s home park (it’s on my bucket list…LOL). Then in the off season I would head to Cape Cod and the town of Chatham…in season or out of season…it’s so beautiful there right on the seashore with the dunes…and peaceful !!!

Steve Solomon, Area Director, CBMC South Florida 

I think that is just too hard a question to answer. There are so many places to visit. And for a year. I would love to visit Italy. The art and culture are both, beautiful, and fascinating to me. But, for a year. Maybe for a month or two. I am definitely a creature of habit. There is no place like home, where I belong.

Tewannah Aman, Executive Director, Broward County Right to Life

Read more Good News Wants to Know at: https://www.goodnewsfl.org/