About the Reigels
Matt
Matt grew up in New York state and graduated from high school in Ohio. After High School, he joined the Army as a construction equipment mechanic. He was involved with youth ministry throughout his 4 years in the military. When he completed his military commitment, he attended Northwest College in Kirkland, Washington, and received a degree in youth ministry. He is a self-professed adrenaline junkie. He loves to snowboard, ride anything with a motor, and try any adventure at least once. The mountains have always been his favorite place, and thinks snow is God's personal gift to him. When not outdoors, he likes to work on, play with, or try to fix computers.
Heather
Heather is a military kid. She was born in New Hampshire, has lived in all four corners of the US, and had four different High Schools. She received a BA in Elementary Ed from Northwest College. She has taught 5 years in the first grade, as well as a year in Kindergarten and a year in third. Heather, like Matt, enjoys the mountains much more than a sandy beach. As a mother of three, she is always moving. In her spare time, she is an avid reader, enjoys scrapbooking, and is learning to quilt.
Our Marriage
Matt and Heather have been married for 13 years. Heather's father was a military Chaplain with the Assemblies of God. Matt was stationed in Germany with the Army and knew her parents through the chapel. Matt and Heather met while she was visiting her parents in Germany. Their relationship grew while Heather was a first grade teacher for military kids in the elementary school at Matt's military post. He proposed to her during his first phone call from Saudi Arabia during the Persian Gulf War.
Nicholas
Nick is following Dad's footsteps. He is looking forward to learning to snowboard with Dad. He is an active kid who loves to climb and play on anything. He loves Jesus with all his heart and is quick to pray for any need when he sees it. He surprises Mom and Dad often with his compassion and thoughtfulness toward others. Nick is very confident that HE is a missionary to Germany because people need to know Jesus.
Gretchen
Gretchen is a girl's girl. Her favorite colors are pink and purple. Dressing up as a princess is a favorite pastime, as well as playing with dolls and stuffed animals. She is an outgoing girl who makes friends with anyone. Each time she sees a camera, she strikes a cute pose! When asked what it means to be a Missionary Kid at School of Missions, she said "To tell people about Jesus and to look pretty!"...
Joseph
As the infant in our family, Joseph is still learning about everything. He is very bright-eyed and likes to watch his brother and sister's every move. He enjoys being the focus of attention and having people talk to him. Joseph's favorite thing to do is watch life while Mom holds him. He focuses on eating adult food and growing, and is doing well with both.