THE HISTORY
Bill is a Michigan native who loves playing (and watching) ice hockey, camping, hiking, video gaming and reading. He nearly got an Associate's Degree, but decided to work full time to save up for his wedding after proposing to his high school sweetheart. (and it was worth it) ;)
Amanda was born in Michigan and raised between Michigan and Nevada. She loves musicals, camping, the beach, the mountains, reading, volleyball, organizing and watching hockey (go Wings!). She graduated from Cornerstone University with her Bachelor's in Elementary Education with a minor in Language Arts.
LIFE TOGETHER
In the summer of 2006 Bill & Amanda tied the knot, then packed up what they owned in a truck and headed to North Carolina, leaving behind everyone they knew.
Amanda signed a teaching contract with an elementary school in Charlotte, North Carolina and they quickly settled into Charlotte and found their new family at Freedom House Church. They quickly became members, began serving anywhere they could, and then became leaders in the church. Bill joined the Pepsi workforce as a sales rep. while Amanda continued teaching 2nd graders and worked on honing her photography hobby on the side.
In 2011 they welcomed their son, Owen, into their family. Owen is a sweet, mild-natured boy that loves the outdoors, helping others, cooking, reading, playing instruments, singing, camping and riding his bike.
GOD SPEAKS
In June of 2012 Bill, Amanda & Owen took a 17-day trip to Tanzania with a team of friends. It was then God revealed that Moshi would be their home some day. (They assumed it'd be about 3-5years) In February of 2013 they found themselves back in Moshi (completely on God's timing, and not their own). This time they came just as a family and stayed for an entire month, really getting a feel for life in Tanzania.
THEY MOVE
In August of 2013, after selling nearly everything they owned, the family boarded the plane yet again for Tanzania- this time to make it home, only 14 months after first experiencing the beautiful country!
They now reside in Moshi, Tanzania as missionaries with Global Effect. Bill & Amanda both volunteer their time and talents at Hope International School. Bill teaches Preschool and PE. Amanda has transitioned from being in the classroom the past two years, to being in adminsitration. As the curriculum and logistics coordinator she oversees the day-to-day, helps train and support the teachers and ensure the kids are getting a well-rounded education with amazing curriculum and support resources.
Volunteering full time at Hope is an amazing gift and experience. Bill & Amanda are amazed each day at how much the students grow and learn, not just in book knowledge, but knowledge of the Savior's love. Though it's a Christian school, only about half the students that attend Hope come from Christian families. A large portion of the population is muslim, sikh or non-believing. With over a dozen nations represented, and so many beliefs, they consider it a privilege to serve these children and their families by showing them the love of Jesus through everyday life at school, through Bible lessons and chapel.
Additionally, they come alongside other missionaries to help with administration, organization, photography and labor efforts on the different projects. Amanda leads a women's life group and Bill serves in a discipleship group aimed at arming national leaders and pastors with tools to help grow their own leaders within their churches and communities. They are also involved in a local church and serve monthly in the nursery and on the greeting team. Bill is also a member of the church council. Owen loves to go to preschool where he plays playground games like Poison Apple, spreading the Word through play, he also loves to help other missionaries as well, and can often be found entertaining his friends so their parents can get more work done.
WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT
Life in Moshi, Tanzania isn't all about teaching and helping other missionaries, though. Bill & Amanda are strong believers in being a living testimony through their daily lives and interactions by building healthy relationships with nationals and ex-patriates alike, and showing others what it looks like to experience the freedom that following Jesus brings into their lives. Their desire is that others would see their truly genuine, always-seeking, never perfect, but deeply devoted love to Jesus.
They hope and pray for opportunities to share the freedom they've experienced through knowing Jesus, and even better, to be able to watch others' lives transformed by that same amazing freedom.
