Sylvia and Andy Taussig

Advice to new couples:

"Friendship has been a key factor in our marriage; we enjoy being together. Additionally, commitment through the highs and lows is significant…Accommodating the other person's needs and being willing to apologize is also important. As the marriage continues, it is vital to grow together in your faith and values."

Nomination:

Andy and Sylvia Taussig have become one of the most inspiring couples we know because they continue to push themselves into unchartered territory and don't let their dreams be limited by conventions of comfort and routine.

Both children of missionaries, they met while attending school in Africa as teenagers. They have been married for over 30 years and lived what many would call the typical American dream: three beautiful children, a comfortable home and good jobs. Along this journey, they have always had a servant's heart.

Through church and countless other service opportunities, they have reached out to those who needed a hand. They happened upon an organization called Children of the Nations (COTN) that partners with children's home and school in Uganda. Sylvia and Andy began visiting the facility and encouraging their friends to sponsor some of the children there. At some point they realized they could do more and took a leap of faith by quitting their jobs and selling their home to move into a smaller one. They now work directly for COTN, spending several months of the year in Uganda while continuing to share with citizens of the U.S. how they can help in the effort to house and educate their "kids."

Papa T and Mama Sylvia (as the children of the school call them) have found a way to fulfill their own dreams of making the world a little better. An unintended side effect of living out that dream has been the inspiration they have shown to those of us lucky enough to be in their circle of friendship.