Kari and Ira actually became good friends in Vienna almost 10 years ago in 1999 while participating in Oklahoma Christian's foreign studies program. Since that time, they were married in 2002 and celebrated the birth of their first child Zaden in 2006. After finishing college, Ira worked as a mechanical engineer for 3 years and Kari worked as a social worker for 2 years. In 2007, they moved to Vienna as part of a church planting team.
Although 10 years ago they would not have imagined returning to Vienna to raise a family, they have enjoyed their new start in Vienna. They are spending time learning the language and culture of Vienna while balancing the full time job of keeping up with Zaden. One way they keep their toddler busy is by going to an Austrian play group where he can expend some energy with his German speaking counterparts.
They are excited about all the opportunities to share God's message here in Vienna and they look forward to the ways God will use them in this city.