The "Married Pastors" of season two didn't originally intend to be on The Amazing Race at all. Russell had applied for Survivor and Cyndi had planned to stay behind and take care of the homefront. "But, much to our surprise, an Amazing Race producer called our home and the next thing we knew, we were flying to L.A. for interviews!"
Flying down the san dune in Namibia was Russell's favorite task, and his favorite destination was Cape Town, South Africa. Beating Chris and Alex to the mat in Namibia, when they had boasted that "there was no way we could out-run them in a one-day leg," is a favorite memory.
The Amazing Race had an overwhelmingly positive effect on Russell and Cyndi. "As an older couple that was chosen for this crazy adventure, our goal was to just do our best and walk away with our integrity, while making lifetime friends in the process. We will be forever changed by the wonderful people we have had the opportunity to cross paths with since this Race."
Russell and Cyndi would do The Amazing Race again, "in a HEARTBEAT!" After 32 years of marriage, they work well together as a team, but if they had to switch partners, Russell's wife Cyndi thinks that Russell would race well with Mary.....but that she (Cyndi) and Wil would win!
Today, Cyndi and Russell live in East Gull Lake, MN and are busy pastors of Living Word North Church. Their three sons have added to their growing family with several grandchildren. They also have three dogs, yellow labs named Macy and Gabby, and a toy yorkie named Little Louie. Russell's favorite pastimes are hunting and fishing.
"We were happy to go back to our family and church. Everyone was so supportive as we took time out of our normal life to run this exciting Race. Between eight grandchildren and a growing church, we feel we are in the most amazing race of all!"
