"Will Republicans do more for me now?" she asks. "I'm listening very attentively."

Inside the rental house, a Spanish-English Bible sits on the coffee table. Beside it is a copy of televangelist Joel Osteen's latest book, "Every Day a Friday: How to Be Happier 7 Days a Week."

Maria has given herself a 365-day deadline -- a year to tackle their medical problems and fix their credit.

"At least for the next 12 months, we'll be here," she says.

She believes the presidential election could have a big impact on where they go next.

Maria and David rush through the doors of Living Water Fellowship. An usher hands them programs advertising a welcome event for newcomers after the service.

"Be a part of something bigger," it says.

Loud music swells through speakers from a stage at the front of the Pentecostal church. No one seems to notice Maria and David slipping into seats near the back.

Maria has worshipped at Assemblies of God churches for nearly three decades. But at this one, she spots something different right away.

The pastor is wearing blue jeans. So is much of the congregation.

At the last church Maria attended, the pastor always wore suits. Women were discouraged from wearing pants.

"How many of you grew up in very traditional, legalistic churches?" Pastor Terry Howell asks the congregation during his sermon.

Maria raises her hand.

"You've been set free," the pastor says.

He tells the congregation that he and his wife -- who is also a pastor at the church -- have been married 38 years. He urges older couples to help younger ones who are struggling.

Maria grabs David's hand.

Her first marriage ended in divorce. She calls David her "diamond in the rough." Together, they pray before meals. They banter in Spanglish. Often, he says exactly what she's thinking.

They wed more than 18 years ago, first at a courthouse in Florida, then at a church in Puerto Rico four days later. They've since renewed their vows five times -- once in Las Vegas, at an Elvis chapel.

During this church service in Kissimmee, keyboard chords boom as singers onstage belt out "Jesus is the center of it all."

Maria stands up, sings along and sways, waving her hands in the air.

Dozens of flags from around the world hang from the rafters. There's an American flag in the middle, with the Puerto Rican flag by its side.

As the pastor speaks, Bible verses flash on a giant screen overhead.

"So many times we preach this rosy message," Howell tells the congregation. But he stresses that being Christian won't stop followers from suffering. He says it will help them survive.

"Understand this," the pastor's voice booms, "the fire will come, but you won't be swallowed up."

Many times Maria has walked through the fire: