From Police Officer to Missionary: How a Short-Term Trip to Mexico Transformed One Woman’s Life

Michaela Eichenlaub, a former police officer, quit her job and signed up to spend 7.5 months in La Paz, Mexico (from January to August 2025 on a short-term trip with TEAM). She recently returned from her trip and sat down with a TEAM member to discuss the tremendous impact it had on her life.  

What inspired you to sign up for this trip? 
 
I was working as a police officer and was somewhat dissatisfied with my job. After some personal growth and reflection, I rededicated my life to the Lord and was baptized. I felt God calling me to quit my job and be obedient to Him. Shortly after, a friend from church told me about TEAM and their ongoing mission work around the world.   

I didn’t grow up in church, so I really had no idea what a missions-minded church was like, but I felt the Lord prompting me to go. After several interviews with TEAM, I was officially appointed to go. Everything fell into place – I raised my full support in just a week and a half before leaving! I quit my job, broke my lease, packed everything into storage, and drove down to San Diego where I met with a TEAM member to drive the rest of the way down to the ranch in Mexico. I was so far out of my comfort zone, but I just kept walking through the doors God opened, step by step.  

Tell us about the day-to-day aspects of your time at the ranch in La Paz:  
 
The whole process was life changing. I had never experienced missions before, but this was an entirely immersive experience.  

On the ranch, I lived with other students in a training center building, much like a college dorm. Sharing everything there taught me a lot about hospitality and stewardship. We had classes a couple of times a week that taught healthy spirituality, identity in Christ, and how to integrate those things into daily life. I also learned about cultural differences, how to study the Bible, and even how to build ministry programs based on my own strengths. 

On the ranch, we did manual labor around the horse corrals and farmland. In the evenings, we went into the community to serve, whether it was helping with kids, playing disc golf with them, or just having conversations. I got to witness firsthand the horse ministry at the ranch, which works with kids with autism or other sensory needs through equine therapy. Saturdays were always fun and special. We hosted a VBS with Bible stories, soccer, games, crafts, water days when it was hot, and celebrating special occasions with the community. 

What were you most excited about or wanting to experience on this trip? 
 
I was expectant of what God would do through me on this trip and waiting for Him to reveal His purposes. I hoped for new perspectives, personal growth, and a deeper relationship with Him!  

What were some takeaways from the trip? 
 
God gave me so much revelation about my past. I found myself confronting things that I hadn’t yet grieved, letting go, and learning to live in freedom. I realized I could do hard things, even in stressful or uncertain circumstances. I learned that it’s okay to struggle, because that’s where you learn the most. 

I also discovered that my capacity to love others could greatly expand, even across language barriers. I learned to receive love from unexpected people, too. 

What was something you experienced that you didn’t expect? 
 
I didn’t expect to make such real, meaningful, and lasting relationships. It was a deep, emotional experience, and leaving was so hard. The people there would literally give you the shirt off their backs. It felt like a true family. 

Yes. For a while I kept asking God, “What do you want me to do?” I didn’t want to leave the ranch, and I realized I might want to do this long-term. Hearing the stories of long-term TEAM missionaries was so inspiring that I knew I wanted to return. Before this trip, I never imagined I’d say that. I didn’t even realize missions could be a vocation, but now my eyes are open to so many possibilities and opportunities. 

What will you do next? 

I hope to return to the ranch and help open an art studio. In the meantime, I’m taking art classes with a ministry focus and taking education classes as well. I’m also serving at my church, including at an English learning center, while looking for jobs. 

What would you tell someone considering a short-term trip? 

I would say DO IT! Even if you’re scared or unsure. If God opens the door, walk through it. If He closes the door, then don’t. Take steps forward with an open mind, because your preconceived notions will be blown away. You will be humbled, and what you experience on the ministry field will be far more vibrant and real than anything you could ever read about missions in a book.  

If you find yourself making excuses, that’s all the more reason to GO. Ask yourself if those excuses are valid, or just distractions keeping you from what God might want to do. 

Do you have any last thoughts on what you’d like to share with someone considering short term mission work? 

A lot of people think they’re bringing Jesus to the mission field, but He’s already there and working. All you have to do is bring yourself and let Him use you.