The three will take some time to thank those who have supported them financially and prayed for them and the mission, Warden said. The family held a dinner for about 40 friends and family members last week at the Briarcrest Country Club to show pictures and videos to update them on the mission.

Linda Houser, a member of A&M Church of Christ, has known Warden since he moved, and said she's always thinking and praying for him.

"Every time there's a hurricane, I pull out my map to check on him," she said. "It's just amazing the work that he's done down there."

Warden's next goal is to open a crisis center at the mission to help those who are abused find a place of refuge. The church is also in need of a building expansion; people have had to be turned away because of space issues, he said.

After spending a few weeks with his family, Warden said, returning home causes him to appreciate what he has back in College Station.

"You don't sometimes appreciate all of where you've come from and what you've been given until you see and experience life without it all," he said. "I appreciate [College Station], my family, the church, everything so much more having lived overseas for so long. I'm very thankful."

To learn more about the mission and the foundation, visit makekidssmile.org or alltheworld.org.