I suppose I should write something...

I actually have had our blog site open for two weeks with plan to write something. It is 12:40 a.m. on the 23rd and I am up watching A Christmas Carol. It is hard to believe that we are in the States for Christmas this year. I would have never imagined. Since I last wrote, I have returned from a very busy trip to Ethiopia and we have now been busy with the Christmas season. Once the new year settles in I will plan on heading back to Ethiopia for another trip in mid January...Jackson is excited for Christmas, it always is a joy watching him enjoy Christmas like he does. I pray that excitement never leaves him...Ermias is doing well, still no word on when the adoption will be done although we do get updates from the lady we are working with. We have prayed all year for a miracle in regards to the adoption but at times it seems that our prayers go unheard. I know it is not true, but sometimes it feels that way...Still can't believe 2015 is almost over, it has been such a tough year. Last year at this time, I knew 2015 was going to be different although I had no idea why I felt that way. Really hoping 2016 is much better..Either way, God will watch over us.

Merry Christmas. Enjoy the spirit of the day :)

Christmas Update...

Here is our yearly update. Hope to spend some more time in the next few days to share some thoughts... Hope everyone is having a merry Christmas season :) 

Back in Addis...

I arrived back in Addis this afternoon after a long flight from Raleigh to Boston, then to Dubai and finally to Addis Ababa. It is 12:30 a.m. and I am getting ready for bed. I have a long list of things to do, but I will first go in tomorrow morning to get my haircut by Angelo. Angelo has been cutting hair for over 50 years and at four bucks you can't beat the price...

Everything is good here, it is very weird being here, back in the house. It feels as though we have never left. Ermias is doing good, it will be nice to spend some time with him. It is hard to describe, but it feels like we have one foot in Ethiopia and one foot in America.  All we can do is wait on God's plan and His timing...

Hopefully we will know next week if our friend is a match for Amanda. I will try to update again when I have a chance. 

Good night...

Thank you for your prayers - I need strength and focus as I have a lot to do over the next week. 

A night at the DPAC...

DPAC stand for Durham Preforming Arts Center in case you were wondering. The last couple of weeks have been rainy, but Friday night (in the pouring rain) Amanda and I were able to get out and head over to Durham to check out the musical Beautiful: The Carole King Story. Amanda and I love plays/musicals, it is something we enjoy doing together. I thought I would take a trip down memory lane looking back on those we have attended.

In March 2008 Amanda and I headed to New York City for a couple of days. This was just six weeks after Ava past away, so we wanted a chance to get away for a short trip. Besides seeing the Brooklyn Tabernacle, we were able to see The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway where we sat on the sixth row, center section. The play is among our favorites and the trip is one of our highlights in life.

In 2009 Amanda and I had the opportunity to go up to Chicago before Jackson was born. While there we had the chance to visit Chicago's version of Broadway and catch the musical Mary Poppins. Although we love the story of Mary Poppins, we didn't know what to expect from the musical. It was fantastic, one we were pleasantly surprised with.

In 2010 Amanda went and saw probably our favorite play we have seen, besides The Phantom of the Opera. We went over to the DPAC and saw Wicked, which was absolutely incredible. Defying Gravity is one of our favorite songs from any of the musicals we have seen.

In 2010 we headed over to Ethiopia and didn't make our next musical until we were back in the States in 2014. In April we went over to the DPAC to see The Wizard of Oz. This was our first musical we went to with our friends Grant & Michelle. We had a great time, although I still give Grant a hard time for picking the seats. Let's just say "I've a feeling we weren't in the DPAC anymore..." 

In July of last year when we took our 15th anniversary trip to Prince Edward Island, we went to see Anne of Green Gables. The play was fantastic, and has been running for 50 years in Charlottetown.

And that brings us finally to last Friday when we went to the DPAC to see Beautiful. If you don't know much about Carole King, it is amazing to know the number of hit songs that she has written over the years. It was another great musical. 

Hopefully there will more down the road...

Latest Ministry Update...

Dialysis at Home...

The last two weeks have been overwhelming as Amanda has been training to begin dialysis at home. The at-home-dialysis will ultimately be easier for Amanda because she can do dialysis at night while sleeping, and it is easier on her body. However, it is also very detailed as she has to go through many steps in preparation each night. As she prepares, fans/air must be off, masks must be on while in the room and everything must be carefully done. Amanda has done a great job of learning the process and is adjusting well. Our prayer is however that this will be temporary and she will be able to receive a kidney soon.

A little over a weeks ago we received her in home supplies which consisted of over 50 boxes sent on two pallets. Amanda has a form she fills out and supplies will be delivered based on a scheduled delivery. The initial shipment is much greater than normal as it is the beginning process of setting everything up.

Amanda has had several nurses who have helped her though this journey. Here is Amanda with one of her nurses who was the primary one training her on the in-home-dialysis. Last Friday she came to the house to make sure everything was set up properly for Amanda to start Friday night.

Here is everything set up for Amanda each night. The first night was a bit of adjustment for Amanda but each night has went more smoothly. The machine on the right is the cycler that preforms the dialysis. Amanda affectionately calls it Clyde.

Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement. Some days have been difficult, some days better but through it all God has been faithful.

Duke Visit

If Amanda is able to get a live donor than this will be her surgeon. Hopefully we will be seeing her more in the future :)

Training...and More Training...

Amanda began training for her PD dialysis on Tuesday which she will be able to do from home. From 9-4 each day Amanda sits in training while doing dialysis. She has done a great job and looks forward to being able to do the dialysis form home very soon.

Tomorrow (Thursday) we will be heading over to Duke Transplant Center for an all day evaluation. Amanda will go through several test as well as meet the transplant team, coordinator and much more. This is the next step toward having a kidney transplant which is very exciting. We appreciate your prayers and look forward to God's plan.

Keep praying for Ermias and for the adoption. Confident God has everything under control!

School Days...

Growing up, there were two times during the year I had diffiuclty falling asleep. The first would be Christmas Eve, which was one of my favorite nights of the year. I can still see myself in my bed with my new PJ's on, anxious for the morning light to crack through the windows. The second would be the night before the first day of school. The excitement of a new school year, new friends and a new desk overwhelmed me.

This last Monday Jackson headed off to his first day of 1st grade. As I close my eyes I can see us taking pictures two years ago as he headed off to KG1 at Bingham Academy, it seems like it was just a few minutes ago.

Bingham is a special place, one that is hard to describe. The international school has been around for at least 50 years now and has seen students from all over the world attend. The thing that is really connects you at Bingham is the understood notion that everyone is going through the same things. The school is filled with local Ethiopian students, but also many international students who are trying to adapt to a new culture, no water and a world they are not used to. Jackson's class with filled with kids who looked so different from each other, and yet not one of them saw any difference. It was truly special.

Jackson's second year, which was KG2, started off a little different. I returned to Ethiopia from our furlough with Jackson while Amanda stayed in the States two more weeks to attend doctors appointments. Jackson was about two weeks late starting school but he quickly caught up. He was so excited to see many of his friends again from KG1 as well as new friends he was able to meet. Jackson also went from going to school half days to going full days (two days a week), which was a big adjustment. Both years Eric and I would rotate driving the kids to school, which was about 45 minutes away leaving at 6:45 in the morning. The drive home took about 1 1/2 hours because of traffic. On most days because of the congested streets whoever was driving would just stay in town, which made for a very long day.

Last year Jackson was able to finish out the school year at a local Christian school just down the road from us. The school was gracious to allow him to finish out the year and also participate in graduation, and on Monday he started 1st grade at the same school. As you can see Jackson has really gotten taller in just the last year. He now knows how to tie his shoes and his reading and writitng has improved greatly. Jackson has had a very unique life in his brief six years, and we pray God uses that in a very powerful way.

It is bittersweet seeing him head back to school to start 1st grade...

knowing that tomorrow he will be heading off to college.

So you don't like Planned Parenthood...Now what?

Ok, let me lay this out for your really quick. I don't like Planned Parenthood, and I think they are an evil vile company. Abortion for me is very black and white. If you are a Christian and if you believe the Bible to be true then you will be against abortion. That's not to say there are not those who are Christians who have had abortions, and have to live with that decision for the rest of their life. Each one of makes countless mistakes in our lives, but God is faithful and gracious even through our constant failures.

I don't agree with abortion. I don't like Planned Parenthood.  However, this isn't about either one those things.

It's about the next step.

You see, I think there are a great deal of well meaning Christians who don't agree with abortion. I think there are many who see what Planned Parenthood is: a wicked organization. If that is true (and I agree with you)  then here is my next question: What is your plan?

Do you think the young females who are going to Planned Parenthood are going to stop getting pregnant? Unlikely. Unfortunately, it seems that a lot of the time us as the church stands up against something without having a game plan for those who come to us needing help. Right or wrong, the world sees the church stand against abortion, but also sees a organization that as a whole isn't willing to make a difference.

Here is where I am going. If we the church truly want to make a difference and stand against abortion then we need to lead the charge in finding a home for these babies. We need to lead the charge in being a difference in the lives of a young child. We need to be the front running in the adoption movement. I know many families that have done this, but unfortunately there are many more out there that could still be doing this. Do you want to make a difference? Here are some thoughts...

1. Adoption - As I mentioned, the church should be leading this. We should be the driving force in the world for making adoptions a reality. It is really not about the money, because while adoptions are expensive, God can provide the money. What better way to live out the gospel then to bring a child into your home?

2. Foster Care - My family and I have never done foster care, although we certainly would be open to it. We know people who have done foster care, and it is a tough road to take. Many people fear that they will become close to a child they eventually have to see walk away. However, here is word of encouragement. Wouldn't it be better to go through some pain knowing that you possibly could impact a child's life that otherwise might never be impacted?

3. Financial Support - There are those out there who don't believe God has called them to adopt or work with foster care, although I do think that for many it is an excuse. But, there are those that truly do believe God has closed the doors for them. If that is the case, then supporting the adoption movement is a natural option. Sponsor a child through Compassion International, support a local adoption agency or help an orphanage of a missionary friend you know are great options.

So, where do we go from here? If we are willing to stand against abortion and Planned Parenthood, then we need to have a plan of action in place.

What will that plan of action be?

Review: The Wild Blue: The Men and Boys Who Flew the B-24s Over Germany 1944-45

The Wild Blue: The Men and Boys Who Flew the B-24s Over Germany 1944-45 by Stephen E. Ambrose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A very good book on the story of the the men who flew the B-24s during World War II. It was incredible to read about a key time in American and world history, focusing mostly on a then young Georg McGovern and the crew he worked with. It is hard to imagine that the majority of those fighting in the war were still teenagers. I especially enjoyed learning more about the B24s, how they were built and flew, and the importance they were to the war effort - Simply Amazing.

If you enjoy American history or military history, this would be a great read.




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16 years in the making...

July 31, 1999 was a hot day in Winter Haven FL. Then 21, Amanda and I would be married that afternoon completely oblivious to the life that was ahead of us. I remember being nervous more than anything, anxious to marry my sweet Amanda. We went on our honeymoon in Gatlinburg TN, then packed up Amanda's 1992 Chevy Cavalier with attached u-haul trailer and made the 21 hour drive from FL to Springfield MO.

We arrived in Springfield in August of 1999 ready for our junior year of college at Baptist Bible College. At the time I worked at Walmart and for the majority of our remaining years in Springfield Amanda worked at BBC in the office or bookstore. Our apt are the time was a small two bedroom apt located near the school, and we lived right across the street from our dear friends Eric and Amanda - although at the time it was just Eric, as they would be married in January of 2000. It was pretty crazy  being newly married with Y2K coming. Amanda and I loved our little apt, and were busy with work, church and school. Our apartment was the bottom right, #7D. Located in that small apartment on our first Christmas was a tiny little tree that still holds a special place in my heart. It was not much, but it was special.

Our time in Springfield was was instrumental in our lives. We lived there till 2004 when I graduated from Graduate School. From the first time we moved to Springfield to attend BBC as Freshman who didn't know each other in 1997, till the day we moved, we loved every second of it. We attended the same church the entire seven years, Meadowview Baptist Church in Republic MO, where we cut our teeth in ministry with a bunch of other young kids, including the Shadles who we work with in Ethiopia. Amanda and I ran non stop with full time work, full time school and staying actively involved at church. Looking back I am not sure how we did it, but being in your early twenties helps. We were married for our first five years in Springfield, we moved three times - going from those local apartments to on campus married dorms (free cable and utilities) and then back to those local apartments where we "upgraded" to a townhouse next to our friends Phil and Jess. One regret I had was a when we decided to get a small dog we named Tucker. The dog was cute,  although we were not allowed to have a dog where we lived! We tried to hide him for a while, but eventually we had to find a home for Tucker.

On a side note, Amanda was working in the bookstore when 9-11 happened, and I was getting out of class. I remember her telling me about it and not fully grasping what had happened. I walked into the snack shop and saw everyone watching the news. Later that afternoon when I went into work at O"Reilly Automotive everyone was gathered around the radio listening to what had happened. Very little work was done that day, it was a very scary time. Later on that week I hung an America flag over the second story balcony of the married dorms, joining a slew of others who had done the same thing. It was a special sight.

In 2004 I would graduate form Grad School with our eyes fixed on missions. In June of 2004 life would change as we headed over to Ethiopia for a two week trip. From that point on we knew we were headed to Ethiopia as missionaries.

Upon returning we knew we had to do a internship as required by our missions board. Our church in Missouri was very special but did not have the ability to take on a full time intern and become a sending church. Through the missions office we learned of a church in Raleigh NC looking for an intern. The first week of November 2004 we flew to Raleigh to visit the church, and two weeks latter we had loaded up a U-haul and hit the road from Springfield to Raleigh. We arrived in Raleigh on November 15th of 2004, around dinner time. The church provided a small trailer for us to live in for free. Two men from a Sunday school class helped us unload along with one pastor on staff, Grant Staubs. Grant and his wife Michelle would become two of our closest friends.

We didn't know many people when we first arrived in Raleigh, so Amanda and I borrowed the show 24 from someone and would literally race home after work and watch it all night. Our early days were filled with thoughts of what Jack Bauer would do next!

Also of significance was the additions of two small companions in November of 2004. Max  & Molly would join our family as six week old puppies, and this coming October they will be 11. They have been loyal over the years, through the good times and the more difficult moments.

I grew up on a farm in Illinois and Amanda grew up in Florida. The farm never leaves you, but Raleigh is home for us. One large reason for this is because of Ava Patricia Dyson, our sweet and beautiful daughter. By 2007 Amanda and I had finished our internship, been approved as missionaries to Ethiopia, and were busy on the road raising support. On a Saturday night while visiting a church for the weekend, we found out Amanda was expecting. It was one of the happiest moments of my life.

In January of 2008 Amanda went to the doctor and was told something was wrong with Ava. I can't remember why now, but I was unable to go to the appointment which is still one of my biggest regrets. On January 25th Ava was born, as beautiful as could be, but she was with Jesus.

2008 was one of the hardest years of our lives but we were grateful for our family and friends who helped us through it. We didn't understand why it happened but God strengthened us during that time, much of faith being grounded in us from our early years at our church in Missouri. Our first Christmas without Ava was one of the hardest moments our our lives. But...

Time and space cannot do justice how Jackson Zane came into our family. Perhaps another time I will focus solely on that. Jackson was our miracle baby who came by way of adoption in June of 2009. I find it challenging not to fill the entire blog up with picture of Jackson who was born a happy blue eyed baby boy on June 22. While Christmas of 2008 was our hardest, Christmas of 2009 was one of the greatest. Jackson still makes us laugh, he has a compassionate spirit about him which I pray God uses greatly.

In 2010 as Jackson was 14 months old we finally packed up 26 totes and headed to Ethiopia. Below is one of the first pictures we took once we arrived. The lessons learned over the last five years and the memories made cannot find its way on this post today. Another day, I will focus entirely on that. I will say that the last five years have been both incredibly hard and incredibly rewarding. Among the hardiest was saying goodbye to our precious friend Hana, while the biggest blessing was welcoming Ermias into our family.

And now here we are. Not really what we expected 16 years ago when we said "I do" but God has been good. We have three beautiful children and are blessed with family and friends who we hold dear to our heart. If you would have told us 16 years ago that in 2015 we would be in Raleigh NC as Amanda was battling kidney issues, we would have been scarred to death. Thankfully though God didn't tell us, but instead He slowly wrote our story, giving us a life filled with joy, sorrow, and adventure.

As we celebrate our sixteen year today, I am reminded why I love my wife so much. She is strong, much stronger in her faith than she realizes. She is a true friend and and a wonderful wife and mother. Her path to motherhood has been truly unique, but through it all she has stood strong in the faith of our Lord. I love her very much and I am honored to be her husband and to be the father of three precious children. I wish that Ermias was with us today, but our prayer is that one day he will be. I also pray that one day God will give us another little girl to raise, something that I want so much for my sweet wife. Amanda's secret desire to play with My Little Pony again cannot be hidden.

Our hearts are so full with those around us, our family and friends, and memories give us great joy. No, I did not expect on a hot July day in 1999 that our lives would unfold like this, but I wouldn't want it any other way.

Amanda, I love you. I am blessed.

I like you so very much not at all...

Confusing?

Not really if you think about it. Well, at least living in Ethiopia isn't.

There are moments over the last five years that Ethiopia has gotten to me in a not so good way. Times I have thrown up my hands, and just looked to the sky. On occassion (two to be exact) I have exited my vehicle in rage as someone nearly hit my family and blew it off with a smile. I can't decide if their lack of driving skills or their actual belief that it wasn't a big deal made me more angry. I am not proud of those moments mind you, but they happened.

I remember once stopping in the middle of a busy highway, getting out of my vehicle (ok, three times) and standing bewildered as a guy tried to roll an entire wheel across the road as cars flew by. I missed the car to my right and the concrete wall to my left by inches.

There have been many times our water did not work or our power was only producing half of it voltage. I remember one time there was no power, no water, the stores were out of bread and there was no gas to be found - I think I almost lost it. And don't get me started on the countless trips to the suk (store) to buy a variety of expensive but cheaply made items for our house or car. I have lost count on the number of thirty dollar door handles I have replaced. Melt down in 3...2...1...

But then there are those other times...

Moments like driving out in the country with the mountains in the distance and the cool clean air blowing in you face. Watching Jackson play with the local kids knowing there is not one ounce of racism in any of their hearts. Having a family from church actually have time after service to talk with you, not having to worry that they have to rush home as though church is a hassle (talking to you American church). Sitting down for coffee with friends, laughing and sharing our different cultures. Oh yes, there are those special moments.

In 2012 I was able to baptize Hana who is now with Jesus. Later I had the pleasure of baptizing a little girl Faven who has become our most faithful member over the last four years. Amanda and I have had the pleasure of celebrating birthdays, holidays and just normal days with our dear Ethiopian friends. Meeting a fellow missionary for a burger, movie night with he family, or playing games has become the norm. So many memories flood my mind.

You see, I love Ethiopia. I suppose you wouldn't know it at times and I can honestly say there have been moments that I have expressed to myself how frustrating it can be to live there, but I still love it. I love the sights, the sounds and the warmness of the beautiful people. I love coming together on Sunday mornings to worship Jesus as one body. And despite how much I love it, at times it overwhelms me.

Really, that is what the Christian life is all about. Paul talks in Galatians about the idea of the spirit and the flesh always battling it out, like a prized fight you are watching on a Saturday night. The Psalms are one giant rollercoaster of ups and downs. David will go on about how God has forsaken him, and then a few moments later he sings praises because God is his stronghold.

The encouraging thing is that it is not our fight anymore when we give our lives to Jesus. The Holy Spirit is battling for us against the flesh and no matter how many times life seems to knock us down, we can get up because of Jesus. So how does that translate to us today? Well, I would suppose I would tell you not to be so hard on yourself when you fall flat on your face. Then I would tell you to get back up, brush yourself off and thank God for the grace to keep going. I can testify that much like life in Ethiopia, a new day brings a new opportunity of growth.

Isn't that what it all about anyway, being more like Jesus?  Learning to be more Christlike through the ups and downs can happen anytime and anywhere...even the busy streets of Addis.

Oh how I miss that place...

sometimes.

Be apart of this amazing opportunity! Visit the page "Running for Ermias" on Facebook, sponsor a running and cheer us on! 

Surgery...

Amanda is at the hospital today getting a new port in for her dialysis. It is 7:30 am and she is ready to go. 

Review: What Keeps You Up at Night?: How to Find Peace While Chasing Your Dreams

What Keeps You Up at Night?: How to Find Peace While Chasing Your Dreams by Pete Wilson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great book by Pete Wilson, a good read, easy to understand and Wilson has a great gift of connecting with his audience. Plan B is my favorite of his books (one of my favorite books period), but this one is also well worth the read.

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Throwing it back...in pictures

Thanksgiving 2013. Although Thanksgiving is a normal day in Ethiopia, we make it a family event. Usually we will celebrate either on that Thursday or Friday and we keep the kids home from school. We make a big meal, usually try to score a turkey from someone coming over to visit who can bring it, and we play a game of football. Holidays are a big deal to us,  so we try to make it a very special time :)

May - June Update...

Throwing it back...in photos

Two years ago this past July 4th, we took this picture. The setting is Dwayne & Tammy's house and it was with our VBS team that was visiting from the Sates. Pictured is a team of four from a church near Kansas City MO and Cassia who was interning for a month that summer. While July in Ethiopia is often rainy and cold we do our best to celebrate America's independence.  

Random Thoughts...

It is 11:15 pm as I step outside. The rain has stopped and the sound of insects fills the air. I step back in and sit down to write this. I play Hillsong Live, Glorious Ruins which in my opinion is their greatest worship album, and one of my all time favorite albums in my wide range of musical taste.  While you are at it, listen to Chris Tomlin's Glory in the Highest which is his Christmas album. It is just too good of an album not to listen to it all year.

Everyone else is asleep now, Jackson spending night number three in the top bunk. Tomorrow morning we have to leave at 7 am to redo finger prints for the adoption. Will this adoption every get finished? As we celebrated the 4th of July yesterday I told Ermias that I hope next year we will be celebrating together....

July 4th is quickly becoming one of my favorite holidays...

Tomorrow morning's 7 am exit is different then most. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday we awake at 5:30 am to have Amanda at dialysis at 6:15 sharp. The center is just about 5 minutes down the road which is nice. I lift Jackson's sleeping 50 pound body out of his bed and put him in the car with a blanket and pillow. I grab Amanda's bag as she finishes her bowl of cheerios. Amanda will sit in chair number three from 6:15-10:15 hooked up to a device that is really keeping her alive. She knows the group by now, each one coming in around 6 am to the center. We pray before she gets out of the car, we pray that she can soon receive a kidney and pancreas. By this time Jackson is awake, ready to start the day. We arrive back to the house by 6:20 and Jackson snuggles up in bed again to watch a little bit of Curious George. He will soon eat breakfast, do some reading and work on some writing...

Some days are better for Amanda. Some days are worse. Don't get me wrong, their are many people out there that are facing far greater challenges then we are. Amanda's faith is strong, much stronger than she realizes. Still, there are days where Amanda believes she will get better and there are days she is not quite sure. It is hard for me seeing her going through this. I wish it were me...

We can't think too much about Ethiopia. Our hearts hurt if our mind wanders to our life there. The funny thing is, if we were in Ethiopia right now we would probably be wishing we were here. That is how life works sometimes for a missionary. You long for where you are not. We miss the people there, we miss the smells, we miss the food. We miss the simplicity...

Sometimes it is hard when people as how Amanda is doing. What am I supposed to say? She is ok. She lives on dialysis and is waiting...just waiting. Nothing much has changed. There are days where time seems to stand still. It is a surreal experience.

We pray every day that she will be better. We pray every day that Ermias will be with us. Maybe it will happen, maybe it won't. Either way, God is still good.

Two Worlds...

As I sat down on Jackson's bed in Ethiopia I started to get emotional. I remembered so many sweet memories in that room over the last five years. Jackson was 14 months old when he moved into that room. He learned to sleep in a big boy bed there, and he said goodbye to his passé there. He went to sleep anxiously awaiting the first day of school in this room and we were anxious the first time he slept without dippers there. Countless nights of awaking to the power being off and him yelling for us, and the eventual progression as he got older of finding his flashlight and turing it on. Hours of laughter filled the room as he played with tractors, Legos and Star Wars. Often times we would find him going out on his small balcony and talking to his friends Desta and Teddy who lived next door. We put him to sleep in this room in a cheaply made crib and laid down with him in his big boy boy on nights he couldn't fall sleep. So many sweet memories flooded my mind as I though back over the last five years, looking around his room as his toys sat untouched.

It is like two worlds colliding when I think about it. Our life in America and our life in Ethiopia. I miss us being there right now, but I don't miss being there the dreadful night Amanda was sick. I am joyful that she is in good hands in Raleigh, but at the same time I long for her to be healthy and all of us sitting around at dinner sharing our highs and lows of the day.

Ultimately though Jackson's room will sit untouched for a while, but he will not. We will hug him and squeeze him and laugh with him and discipline him. We will teach him and cherish every second of it.

Right now as I glance over at Jackson sitting on the couch in the house we are staying at in America, I am overcome with thanksgiving. Our entire lives are up in the air right now, but Jackson is resilient and so our we. We serve a God who fights for us and we praise Him that He will see us through.

The Summer of 13...

Bryan Adams has a well known song called "Summer of 69" which tells a nostalgic tail of "the best days of our lives". Its filled with youth optimism and the joys of being young.  I suppose if I was going strictly on my youth days, I would say the summer of 97, but that is a post for a later date.

This is a different story.

It was perhaps the most challenging, rewards, happy, tiring, joy filled, sweet, sad, laughing, crying summer of our lives. It was the summer of 2013.

May kicked it off as we took Eric and Amanda to the airport as they headed back to the States. Furlough can be a tough time for those left behind. In one sense you are excited to see your friends having the opportunity to go back, but in another sense you realize that you are on your own. You hug them tightly and send them away wishing just a little bit that you could go with them, knowing that next year will be your turn. For us that is how it all started.

At this point, Ermias was starting to spend more time with us, coming over to the house whenever he could. It was nice having him around, and Jackson certainly enjoyed it as well. Amanda had talked a little bit about desiring to adopt Ermais but hadn't really determined anything yet. We knew our summer was going to be very busy because of two key trips, an intern coming to stay with us for a month, and normal work related events. Normally the rain season can be a discouraging time when you are in Addis, but we would not have any time to think about it.

I suppose I should also mention a couple other event that would shape the summer. In March Bethel moved from our original location to a new location which was much bigger. All four of us spent countless hours moving stuff and getting the new building ready for service, which was in April. Also, our beloved friend and neighbor Hana found out she was sick. Hana moved into the house next to us in 2011 with her husband and two kids. She was saved in the Fall of 2011 and on January 1, 2012 she became the first person baptized at Bethel. She was an extraordinary lady and a pillar for the early stages of Bethel. In the Spring she found out she had cancer and at the age of 29 she was in a battle for her life.

At the end of May we kicked of the first of two teams that came to visit. It was our medical trip, which was arranged through the medical clinic I work at. The team that came consisted of several doctors, nurses, and lay people spread all over America. The team was lead by our dear friends Kevin and Alicia who had visited us in 2011.

It is hard to describe this trip and how tiring it was, yet it brought so much joy to our hearts. It lasted just about 10 days and was an experience I will never forget. It is without doubt one of the highlights of my life. One night toward the end of the trip Dr Ralph Alvarado, Amanda and Alicia went by to visit Hana at her house. At this point the cancer had ravished through her body, and Dr Ralph was seeing if there was anything he could recommend for her treatment. For Dr Alvarado and Alicia to take time to do this was incredible. The day we said goodbye to the medical team was very hard for Amanda and I. I don't know why but it was one of the hardest goodbyes we have had to have in Ethiopia. It was a Sunday afternoon and as I watched the bus take the team to the airport, I did everything I could to never let that moment go in my mind. The feeling of pure exhaustion mixed with the gentle peace that the trip was a success. Hours of planning and preparation that for so long were talked about in the future tense were now past.  I miss this group dearly, they were indeed a special group of men and women willing to do what it takes to help those in need.

Our second trip that took place happened at the beginning of July. A group from Antioch Baptist Church near Kansas city came to host a Vacation Bible School with Bethel. Also at this time we had a young girl from our home church, Cassia, who also came to stay with us a month. Dale and Nancy Myers brought the team over, which gave us the opportunity to make new lifelong friends. This was our first VBS at Bethel so I didn't really know what to expect. Once again however I was completely amazed how everything turned out. The team worked extremely hard to turn the the building into a jungle theme and it really came out well. The children piled in each day for an opportunity to sing songs, do crafts, meet the puppets, and learn the Bible. God indeed blessed our time together. Like the medical trip, this trip had a profound lasting impression on me. I look at the picture above and have a deep respect and love for all of those who came. Their desire was to dig in, work hard and show the love of Christ to the children of Ethiopia. We worked hard, we prayed hard and we laughed hard. It was a remarkable joy to be apart of it.

Our medical trip ended at the beginning of June and our VBS trip started the beginning of July. On June 22nd, we faced one of the hardest moments of our lives when our sweet friend Hana went home to be with Jesus. After a 4 month battle, cancer overcame her and she past away at a local hospital. A couple of nights before she went into eternity, Amanda and I had the opportunity to stop and spend time with her - I wouldn't trade that time for anything. The morning Hana passed away we received the call and immediately went to spend time with he family. As is custom in Ethiopia, the funeral was later that afternoon. That evening I would take Hana's two sweet children out for pizza, heartbroken as I looked at their sweet faces. They would remember very little of their mom on this earth, but my prayer is that one day they will know her in eternity. The next Sunday we would stand together at Bethel and as a family we would sing one of Hana's favorite songs: "Lord, I need You".  It was a bittersweet moment for all of us. Longing to see Hana here on earth, we were praising Jesus that in His plan, Hana was with her Lord, and no longer in pain.

We wrapped up a hard fought summer with a trip to a local lake with our friends. It was a great trip with many sweet memories. It is moments like that that remind me why Ethiopia is so special. Ultimately we were happy as Eric and Amanda would get back from a great furlough and we dug in for a new year (Literally, New Years day is September 11th). The kids were back and school and the sun shown brightly. Ermias began spending more time with us as well, and when we asked him one rainy day over pizza if he would like to be apart of our family he said yes. Yep, that was pretty amazing. Of  course, why should I be surprised?

After all, it was the summer of 2013...

I should be asleep...

It is 1:19 am and I should be in bed. I wanted to update everyone on Amanda and I couldn't think of a good title. The first thing I thought about as I yawned was the fact I needed to be in bed.

We heard today from the Duke Transplant Center as they called with several questions regarding Amanda and her health. We should hear from them again soon to set up a time for Amanda to go over for a consultation. This is a great step as it brings Amanda one day closer to getting a kidney. One of the hard things that Amanda has to deal with is all the appointments. Next week she will have appointments with four different doctors, which can be discouraging. It has been so long since Amanda felt normal, and she longs for that again.

I leave next Friday for Ethiopia for a few weeks to take care of some paperwork and to see Ermias. It is hard to explain how we miss Ethiopia. I have several friends scattered throughout Facebook who used to live in Addis and they would know exactly what I mean. Among all the frustrations that come with living in Ethiopia, there is a simplicity to it that is both refreshing and good for the soul.

Please keep praying for the adoption. We long to be together with Ermias, and at times it is hard to see the end of the road...

Off to bed, more later on some great stuff we have been reading.

Simply trusting.

Craig

Happy Memorial Day

The funny thing is that in Ethiopia we come to appreciate these precious Holidays more because we are unable to be here. After sitting at the hospital all day, JZ and I put some flags out to remember those who gave their lives. 

A quick pic...

Amanda getting ready for a blood transfusion, took a quick picture with JZ. 

Get Comfortable...

...Being uncomfortable. I heard that on the radio the other night listening to Klove.

Get comfortable being uncomfortable.

I remember when I was a teenager I would sit in the back of my truck and look up at the big clear sky on a summer night. My friend Jon and I would listen to music and ponder life and the future that was ahead of us. It sounds a little cliche-ish I know, but in small town America it really did happen. So many questions before us, so many unknowns out there.

I feel like that again.

The problem is that I am 37 and I have a wife and two boys. I am not 17 anymore but those same questions are before me again. I have no idea what the next few months are going to hold. Everything we have prepared for is up in the air, and we have a son we love very much who can't be with us right now. So many unknowns.

However, as cliche-ish as this might sound it also holds very true: We try to take it one day at a time.

Lamentations 3:22-23 says: "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 

The fact is that God gives us grace for today, not tomorrow. He give us our daily bread not weekly bread. His mercies are new every morning. A new day, and new fresh amount of grace.

We can't look ahead too far, or fear will overcome us. We can't worry about the adoption because it is beyond our control. And while we are do everything we can to keep Amanda healthy and get her a kidney transplant, we just can't spend too much time worrying about it. God has it taken care of.

At 17 life seemed a lot more simpler and I had a lot more hair. But at 37 I know Jesus a little bit more and it makes it a whole lot sweeter. And by God's grace when Amanda and I are 57 we will still be learning about Jesus together...

I think I might go listen to the radio for a while...

March - April Upate

Website Information...

Here is a link for more information regarding kidney transplant and being a donor. We have yet to hear from the kidney center, so this is just what I have found on their website. https://www.dukemedicine.org/…/transplant…/kidney-transplant

Their main website is www.dukemedicine.org

Information...

Several people have asked what they need to do to be tested to see if they are a match with Amanda. We won't know anything regarding the process until we meet with the kidney center at Duke. Right now we are awaiting a confirmation letter from Duke which we will hopefully receive in the next couple of weeks. As soon as we know something I will certainly pass it along. Thanks for praying!

His Mercies Are New...

Every morning. I have had to remind myself that His mercies are new every morning. Try not to think ahead. Try not to get overwhelmed. His grace will take care of tomorrow and then the next day we will do it all again.

As 2014 wrapped up I had a very uneasy feeling for most of November and December. I just had a feeling that 2015 would be a challenging year. Well...it has been.

Amanda was air evaced to Kenya on January 2 and on February 8 we returned to North Carolina to visit with her doctors and find out the treatment she needed. The cause of her going to the hospital on January 1st was Pneumonia, but dating back to last May, when she was sick, her doctors have been focused on her kidneys.

The last few weeks we have been going to her doctors and taking labs every couple of weeks. Unfortunately her kidney function has not been getting better, and after a biopsy last week, it was determined that Amanda will need a kidney transplant.

The news was not what we wanted to hear, as her kidney function is around 12% right now. We meet with a nurse yesterday to discuss the process of getting on a transplant waiting list as well as the possibility of Amanda needing dialysis. We are waiting to hear back from the kidney center at Duke University at this time. There is a high possibility she will need dialysis, although we are praying she won't. It is all a bit overwhelming.

The best scenario is that we find someone who would be willing to donate a kidney to Amanda. Because a donor can be living, it would allow Amanda to not have to wait on the waiting list that could take a number of years before she could get one.

It has been hard not being in Ethiopia. Our home is there, our ministry is there. Ermias is there and our loyal dogs Max & Molly are there. We have pictures on our wall and many precious memories have been made inside that compound. We have made it a home for 5 years we can't be there right now. The adoption is not done, and our work permits need to be renewed by July 1st.

Life is hard. Trust God.

There are so many people going through struggles far greater than ours, we are grateful for God's continued protection and encouragement.

Please continue to pray for Amanda, for wisdom and for the coming days ahead. I will be hopefully going back to Ethiopia in June to renew our work permits and residencies.

Our love and gratefulness,

Craig & Amanda

Courage Like Melting Water...

Joshua 7:12 says "The people's courage melted away like water"

Words that really resonated with me today as I read them. Because of Achan's sin Israel was defeated by Ai, which was unexpected.

Melting like water.

How often does my courage melt like water? How often to I serve the God who literally spoke the world into existence and yet my feeble courage cannot withstand the storms of this life.

Courage in myself? It will melt like water.

Courage in God? Well, that is a different story.

Isaiah 26:3-4
 You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.26:4 Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord God is an everlasting rock

January - February Update

Things have been quiet here for the last couple of weeks. Amanda goes next week again to the doctor, we appreciate your continued prayer. Please pray for the adoption, that God would move.

Enjoying the snow...

Jackson has had a great time playing in the snow, with more expected tonight!