Dan
Born in Battle Creek, MI, I am the youngest of four. We were all raised with strong family values and an appreciation for music and the arts. Putting my college degree in Classical Guitar Performance to good use, I traveled internationally for 6 years with Up With People: playing guitar in the band, then on staff as Band Instructor, Sound Engineer and then Stage Manager. It was during my travels that I met my best friend, Agniya, who is now my amazing wife! |
Agniya
I was born and raised in Belgium. Growing up I was involved in swimming, piano, babysitting, choir and theater. I enjoyed school, had good grades and great friends. My dream as a child to travel in the international educational program Up With People became true and was the most amazing experience. It was there that I met my wonderful husband Dan. |
Our happy and loving marriage began in 1998. We lived in Belgium while Agniya got her degree in Event Management and Audio-Visual Communications. Dan got a very nice job as Sound Engineer for a theater tour.
After finishing school, we moved to Colorado. We enjoyed the outdoors hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, camping and skiing. Dan worked for different theaters in the Denver area as sound engineer and designer and also as Technical Coordinator for the City of Broomfield.
For Agniya, the first 4 years in Colorado, involved managing a Build-A-Bear Workshop store, and the next 4 years she really enjoyed being the full time nanny for a set of twin girls Hunter & Ava. She helped raise them from 7 days old until they were over 4 years old. It was such a blessing to be there for them and watch them learn and grow. When their parents had a job change, it was time for a big change for us too.
After finishing school, we moved to Colorado. We enjoyed the outdoors hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, camping and skiing. Dan worked for different theaters in the Denver area as sound engineer and designer and also as Technical Coordinator for the City of Broomfield.
For Agniya, the first 4 years in Colorado, involved managing a Build-A-Bear Workshop store, and the next 4 years she really enjoyed being the full time nanny for a set of twin girls Hunter & Ava. She helped raise them from 7 days old until they were over 4 years old. It was such a blessing to be there for them and watch them learn and grow. When their parents had a job change, it was time for a big change for us too.
With a desire to change our lifestyle, we sold everything, became debt free and moved to Panama where we started a small bakery. Having lots of time together, we grew as individuals, became a stronger couple, made amazing friends and grew closer to the Lord. It was a great adventure and a blessing.
In 2011 we moved to Missouri and put our bread baking business model to use. Our company Ava Bread provides fresh baked artisan bread to the local area. More recently, we purchased some rental property with 12 apartments to increase our income and flexibility.
Outside of work, we enjoy fellowship with dear friends, travel, theater and the outdoors.
In 2011 we moved to Missouri and put our bread baking business model to use. Our company Ava Bread provides fresh baked artisan bread to the local area. More recently, we purchased some rental property with 12 apartments to increase our income and flexibility.
Outside of work, we enjoy fellowship with dear friends, travel, theater and the outdoors.
One thing missing for a long time in our life together was children. But after much waiting, an ectopic pregnancy and multiple miscarriages, we finally connected with birth mom Kate which lead to the beautiful road of the adoption of Evan. Our hope is to enrich our family with more little ones.
We see that all children are a gift from above and we look forward to becoming a Mommy and a Daddy again!
We see that all children are a gift from above and we look forward to becoming a Mommy and a Daddy again!