About Us

Our story begins well before we both ended up in Kenya.  I was in my first year of grad school and looking at internship possibilities around the world, doing my best to avoid Africa (surprising, I know!).  After some searching, I found an exciting project in Thailand working with both the CDC and AFRIMS, an Army research program.  Little did I know that at the same time Josh was preparing to step into a position at AFRIMS working directly with the project I was coming over to assist on!

Just about the time I was preparing to leave, Bangkok experienced some of the worse political violence its seen in years.  Needless to say my trip was canceled and I had to begin the search again.  Through my connections with CDC in Thailand and a friend in my program, I got attached to a project here in Kisumu, Kenya.  I was excited for the opportunity but still not so sure I wanted to work in Africa long term.

At the same time, Josh was experiencing some rerouting (Its the army.  They can pretty much send you anywhere :-)  Low and behold they found a position for him running his own department here in Kisumu!  He accepted and set off for Kenya as well.

In Kenya, we got to know each other through mutual friends and went on a few trips together.  After I left, we kept in touch and even managed to see each other in the states a few times.  When it came time to graduate, I knew I could only look for jobs in one place.  Kenya had captured my heart (so much for not wanting to work in Africa) and it didn't hurt that Josh was still there either!

When I returned in 2011, we enjoyed being in the same country (its better than being half-way around the world from each other), spending time with friends and exploring Kenya.  February 6, 2012 Josh asked me to marry him on a beautiful island in the Indian Ocean.

Sunday, November 25, 2012 we said our vows at a state park near my hometown surrounded by family and friends.  The day was filled with friends, family and laughter.  We couldn't have asked for anything more!

On January 21, 2013 we found out that we are expecting our first child.  We are so thankful for this blessing and welcomed Miss Mara Rae Bast into the world on September 30, 2013.

We are currently abroad again! This time in the Republic of Georgia and welcomed our second little girl, Madeline Ann Bast, into the world on January, 6 2016.

Baby girl #3 is set to arrive December 2017 and we couldn't be more excited!

We are so thankful to Him for bringing us together.  Our story is definitely one where He closed doors for reasons while at the same time opening windows   :-)