Kendon and Wendy joined NLAI and moved to Guatemala in January 1988. They are from West Texas (Wendy-Brownfield and Kendon-Southland). Kendon graduated from Texas Tech University, receiving a BS in Agronomy in 1980 and an MS in Education in 1986.

Wendy graduated from Baylor University with a BS in Nursing in 1981. The Wheelers have four sons: Jared (Rachel), Brett (Ashley), Micah (Laura) and Ian, as well as five grandchildren.