Hello. We are the Johanssons.
Dave grew up, the middle of three boys, in the town of Grafton, Massachusetts. Hope grew up, the oldest of two girls, in a suburb of Houston, Texas.
We met on a missions trip to Puerto Villarta, Mexico during the summer of 1997. One year later, Dave moved to Hillsboro, Texas about 30 minutes away from Baylor University where Hope was studying.
In the summer of 1999, we both moved to Richmond, VA. After becoming Virginia residents, we completed our Bachelors degrees at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dave studied Recreation and Tourism Management and Hope studied Music Education.
On August 3, 2002 we were married in Grafton, Massachusetts.
It was in the fall of 2004 that God began to add some piemont [African hot pepper] to our plain American life. Dave signed up to go on a short-term construction mission with our church to Niger, West Africa. In January 2005 upon Dave’s return from the ten-day trip, we had our first “could you move to Africa?” conversation.
On May 21, 2006 Samuel was born. In May 2007, we quit our jobs, we sold our house and our cars, we packed our stuff, and the three of us moved to Africa.
And that is where our story starts. The rest of it is here in bits and pieces. We hope that you find this space informative, inspiring, and helpful. Ours is a story of regular people who God invited on an African adventure. Welcome.
Some links that tell our story:
2006
catching up. March 2006. We’ve decided to move to Niger.
2007
blessings. May 2007. After arriving in Niger we are filled with gratitude.
how does your garden grow. September 2007. We’re expecting baby #2.
things that make life fun. November 2007. Pictures from Amina’s wedding, J&N’s trip to Niger, Jeremy’s Birthday.
2008
SHE is a HE. February 2008. We clear things up about baby #2.
Nathaniel David. April 2008. photos of our newborn.
home. June 2008. back in Niger.
2008 year in review. December 2008. video recap
2009
resolve. January 2009. counting the cost. Â why we work in Niger.
one year ago today. April 2009. A photo recap of Nata’s first year.
first day of school! Â and other transitions. September 2009.
life on two levels. September 2009. desiring an abundant, authentic life.
being back. December 2009. transitioning back to life in America.
2010
Welcome Caleb and brother love. February 2010.
finding our rhythm. April 2010. back in Niger.
change happens. July 2010. New house and goodbye to the Teagues.
catching up. October 2010. update on missionary life.
this day. December 2010. a day in the life of Hope.
2011
our dream. the need in Niger. the call. May 2011.
the village: I have a flashlight, I want a flood light. June 2011.
parting is such sweet sorrow. June 2011. our last days in Niger.
2012
two thousand twelve. January 2012. update on our life and our plans.
going back. June 2012. we plan to return to Niger.