Go Fund Me Update

Please visit www.gofundme.com/ermias-dyson to read an update on our adoption journey of Ermias. Thank you for your prayers and giving as we continue to press toward our goal!

Latest Ermias Update...

Check out our latest info regarding Ermias adoption...

www.gofundme.com/ermias-dyson

Much Love!

Ermias Update

Visit our gofundme page to check out our latest update on Ermias. Thank you being a blessing! 

www.gofundme.com/ermias-dyson

One Final One...

Ermias Update

Visit www.gofundme.com/ermias-dyson for the latest update on Ermias school and our push toward the goal of 15,000

Time with Special Missionaries...

Friday night we had a great time eating dinner with Pastor Gene and Glenda Worley. The Worleys were missionaries in Ethiopia in the late 60's and then returned in the late 90's for several years. When we visited in 2004 the Worley's showed us around Addis and answered all the questions we asked. The Worley's played a big role in us, Eric and Amanda Shadle and Dwayne and Tammy Wright going to Ethiopia and we are very thankful for them. They donated several items that we will be able to sell for proceeds to go toward Ermias tuition and adoption fees. Stay tuned!

Ermias School...

Visit www.gofundme.com/ermias-dyson to catch up on our appointment with the lawyer last week and see how you can continue to help us reach our initial goal of $15,000!!! Help us get there!

For Ermias

Every morning we take a picture of the boys before they head off to school, today his is Ermias picture. We have reached over $2,000 of our $15,000 goal for the adoption expenses and tuition for Ermias. Please continue to be apart of this amazing opportunity! Trusting God!

The Last Three Years...

Since 2013 we have been working to make Ermias a legal part of our family, thanks to the financial help from many people that are reading this update. We wanted to give you a brief overview on the process the last three years so that you get a sense of how everything has been going. There have been two specific ways that we have been able to raise funds for the adoption process:

First, in the Fall of 2013, we sold beautiful Ethiopian beaded necklaces as a fundraiser  and secondly we had a gofundme.com account set up in the Fall of 2015. We have also received a few various donations through individuals, but predominately these two fundraising efforts have been the focus. All of the funds raised have went to the following expenses:

     •Lawyer Fees in Ethiopia
     •Home Study in Ethiopia
     •Home Study in America
     •Various authenticated documents (i.e fingerprints, background checks, etc)
     •Ermias' passport, visa application, and Sevis Fee
     ªErmias' schooling in Ethiopia
     •EthioStork Adoption Services, Washington, DC

Currently we have set up a gofundme account to help with new costs in our continued journey to finish the adoption. Also, Ermias' school tuition represents $5,000 of the $15,000. We have an appointment on September 1st to meet with a immigration attorney to see what our next step is. 

The $10,000 for adoption fees is just an estimate at this time, as it depends on lawyer fees. In regards to Ermias' tuition, he was provided by Wake Christian Academy here in NC with an I-20 Form which allows him to become an exchange student, therefore he must attend this school. WCA provides an excellent education and we are so thankful for their ministry! His tuition for the 2016/2017 year is $7,675 but God graciously allowed us to receive 25% off with financial aid which brings his tuition down to $5,756.25. 

We are so thankful for all your support and we are confident that God will continue to provide as we keep moving forward. Do you have any questions? Anything that you have wondered about in regard to the adoption process? Please email us and let us know and we will do our best to answer your questions!   Email us at craig@mid-way.com

Finish Strong,
Craig

Ermias Schooling & Adoption

As many of you know, Ermias is here on a one year student visa. Our goal is to finish his adoption if possible while here in the States since we have been unable to in Ethiopia. If we cannot, Ermias will have to go back to Ethiopia when his visa expires. The school he will be attending is very expensive, can you please help us with the necessary funds for his tuition and lawyer/adoption fees? We won't give up! Help us make Ermias a legal part of our family!

Go to the following to learn more!

www.gofundme.com/ermias-dyson

May June Update

Book Review: The More of Less by Joshua Becker

An incredibly insightful book which challenges the basic American idea that more stuff equals happiness. I have been intrigued by this idea do to living in Ethiopia and watching first hand people who have very little being genuinely happy.

Minimalism is a process of focusing on what is most important and getting rid of the clutter that stands in the way. We live in a society which promotes having bigger and better stuff and in the process become happier. Massive debt is the common practice and we buy in this ridiculous mindset.

The More of Less is a fantastic book, one that is worth reading. I love the idea of living a simpler life, and Josh Becker goes about to teach you how to do that.

Check out my other book reviews: www.goodreads.com

Update...Post Surgery

Update

Dear Jackson... April 26, 2009

Today Jackson turns seven. Here is a journal entry a little less than two moths before he was born. 

Dear Jackson,

I really don’t know when you will ready this, but I wanted to tell you that I already love you very much. In reality you have yet to be born into this world but we are praying for you every day. I know that there will be a day when you wonder why your birth mommy did not keep you, but I want you to know that you are an answer to prayer and we love you very much! I am so proud to be you daddy, and can’t wait to teach you all the cool things my dad taught me. Your mom and I are so excited! 

Love,

Your daddy. 

Being a Dad...

This is my dad, Donald Dyson who was born on June 11, 1942. By the time I came around my dad was 35 years of age, already a full time farmer. From a typical midwestern small town, my dad had never left the country until four years ago when my parents visited us in Ethiopia. There is a great deal I could say about my dad, but I will do my best to limit it to a couple of valuable lessons he has taught me as I think through Father's Day.

First, my dad is a hard worker and I have strived to live by that example. Dad didn't have to tell me he was working hard, he didn't have to post a picture or make a big announcement. My dad just worked hard, and provided for his family. Up early and home late, dad didn't complain as far as I know. The amazing thing about this however is that even when he did get home he would always take time to throw the baseball with me. Countless times dad would hit me some grounders to me or lay on the couch and toss me a tennis ball as I pretended to be a catcher across the room. I am sure he dozed off a few times, but I sure don't remember. Dad went to my basketball games and baseball games and always had time to stop by the John Deere dealership to look at the new toy tractors. I was grateful for that then, but I am even more so know. Dad did a great job balancing a life as a farmer and being a great dad and I am owe him so much for that.

Secondly, Sunday was church and dad didn't farm. That was a big one for me because I saw in my dad the importance of being at church with his family. He was not legalistic about it, there were times we were on vacation, but for the majority of times we were in church and dad had a day of rest. In relationship to this, I didn't play sports on Sunday. I don't ever remember arguing about this for the simple reason that it never crossed my mind. I knew that basketball and baseball would not be played on Sunday, church was far more important. I can't tell you the number if youth I have seen in my 15 years of ministry that have seen their spiritual growth wane as church became less and less emphasized. I cringe when I see pictures on Facebook of teenagers and their parents sitting at a baseball field on a Sunday when they should be in church. The parents seem oblivious to what they are teaching their kids. Thankfully my dad was a visionary and knew what would lie ahead for my sisters and I.

Today my dad is now 74 and I have 38. I am blessed with a beautiful wife of almost 17 years and three children. Ava is with Jesus, Ermias can't be with us right now and Jackson is sound asleep in his bed.

I look at my two boys and my wife and I am often overwhelmed with a sense of undeserved blessings. I make many mistakes in my life yet God still puts up with me as does my family also. I pray that when I am 74 I can look back and look at my kids and say that I did half as good of job my dad did. I hope that one day Ermias and Jackson will tuck their children in bed, read them a book and pray with them knowing that was what they did when they were kids. I am incredibly thankful for my dad and the lessons he taught me and continues to teach me and I love him very much.

Have a blessed Father's Day everyone,

A much different summer...

Other than our updates, I have not posted much on our blog in several weeks. No particular reason why I suppose. It is raining right now on a Friday afternoon. Last week marked the one year anniversary of Amanda having to start dialysis after being admitted to Wake Med. I remember it very well as I was in Ethiopia at the time and had to quickly rush back. Shortly after Amanda was released she started going to the dialysis clinic three days a week from 6-10 am. It was a hard time for her and for us as we had to get up early to get her there on time. Jackson and I would pick her up around 10:30 and she was always very tired and weak but also hungry. Most of the time we went to Zaxby's as it was close by, which is great as it is one of my favorite restaurants. The negative is that now Amanda never wants to go to Zaxby's. :)

The Summer of 15 was a very hard time for Amanda and our family. It really seems like yesterday, but thankfully it is in the past. Even though we are facing uncertainty we are grateful for a new summer to make happy memories. Jackson has a list of things he wants to do this summer, here are a few of the items:

• Read 10 books
• Make a giant bubble blower out of a wire hanger, water and soap
• Finish a big lego truck he has been working on
• Go to the downtown museums in Raleigh
• Go visit Kitty Hawk (This one is mine:) 
• Late night ice cream with friends
• Late night smores with friends 
• See the movie "Finding Dory"
• See the movie "Life with Pets"
• Have a picnic in the park
• Sleep in a tent
• Late night Nerf gun fight

There are a few more things on the list but the escape my mind right now. Needless to say, we hope and pray that this summer is a much better memory than last year at this time. Either way, God is still good. 

More thoughts soon... 

March April Update

Our Latest Update...

Mid-Way's 50th...

On February 7th, our home church celebrated 50 years. This is pretty amazing in its own right, but it is even more amazing considering Pastor Upchurch has been here the entire time. God has blessed Mid-Way over the years, and we have had the opportunity to benefit from God's faithfulness to Mid-Way. Amanda and I moved to Raleigh in 2004 to complete our internship before we went to Ethiopia. Going from a small church of 100 people to a church of over 1,000 people was a great opportunity for Amanda and I to gain valuable experience that would benefit us in ministry. Below is an article on Mid-Way's history which I wrote for the Baptist Bible Tribune, in the January issue. If you don't receive the Tribune then you can read the article below.

Stay strong and stay faithful.

Craig

"Fresh out of Baptist Bible College in 1963, a young preacher and his wife would head back to their roots with a firm belief in something the late pastor John Rawlings once said: “Find a city, drive a stake in it and give your life to that city.” It was that desire, through the work of the Holy Spirit, that lead James L. Upchurch to return to Raleigh, North Carolina to start Faith Baptist Church in 1963. Pastor Upchurch and his wife Rennie worked tirelessly to start this church; but as the church started to grow, some of the members began attacking the young preacher for his passionate words and soul winning. On December 8, 1965, Pastor Upchurch resigned as Pastor, unaware of the future, yet still burdened for the city of Raleigh.

On a cold December night, just three days after he resigned, when Pastor & Mrs. Upchurch seemingly saw everything they worked for change, twenty-six other people saw something different. Many of them had experienced the saving grace of Jesus Christ through the preaching of Pastor Upchurch and together they saw God leading to start a new work and a desire to reach the community. So on that night in the small home of the young pastor, vision became reality.

Through prayer and a simple willingness to be used, a mission was established. After it was commissioned by Pastor Thorton Hall, the first service was held.  The first Sunday the group met at a house located in the middle of a scrap yard, no less, kindly offered up by one of those faithfully attending. Eventually, the new mission started holding services at a local YWCA; however, after a few weeks Pastor Upchurch knew something had to be done. A couple of years before, when Faith Baptist Church started, they met at that same YWCA and the thought of going through that process again was discouraging.

Today, if you take a drive south out of Raleigh, you will come upon 6910 Fayetteville Road, which is the home of Mid-Way Baptist Church. In 1966, what you would have stumbled upon was much different. For years, a man by the name of Virgil Sorrell prayed that God would send someone to reach those who lived close by. Mr. Sorrell kindly offered his small basement to be used for a meeting place, and upon moving the mission to the basement of Mr. Sorrell’s house, the gospel started to explode into action. People were being saved, lives were being changed, and over 125 people would cram into that basement for services. On February 10, 1966, Mid-Way Baptist Church was organized with Pastor Upchurch being called to shepherd the new church. Later that year, two acres across the street from the house they were meeting in was donated to the church by The Sorrell Brothers Lumber Yard.  On that land, the first building was built in 1966 and dedicated in April 1967.

In 1976, God allowed Mid-Way to purchase the Sorrell Brothers Lumber Yard, which was adjacent to the two acres that was already donated to the church. Today, Mid-Way has over 80 acres that is used to help reach the surrounding area for Jesus. From a small basement across the street to land and buildings worth over 14 million dollars today, all is a testimony of the faithfulness of God.

In the 50 years of Mid-Way’s existence, lives have been changed, families have been restored, buildings have been built and God’s Word continues to be taught.  Even through so many positive experiences, God has used difficult moments, as well, to grow the church. In 1974, a recession hit America and there were many times from 1974-1981 that Pastor Upchurch did not know if the church would survive. A new 1,500 seat Worship Center, a office complex and a large staff made the pressure even more difficult. God would use this opportunity to mold Pastor Upchurch to teach the church the importance of stewardship. Not wanting to continue to be weighed down by debt, Pastor Upchurch started teaching through stewardship in 1969; but, in 1987, everything fell into place.  That year, Mid-Way celebrated her first “Chest of Josh” Stewardship service by giving $17,244 to help continue the ministry of the church as well as not hinder opportunities because of financial stress. God has indeed blessed as over 10 million dollars has came through the Chest of Joash since 1987 to be used to expand God’s kingdom.

Mid-Way continues to see the gospel impact not only the local community but throughout the world as well.  A passion for missions, the people of Mid-Way have annually given over $240,000 to support missionaries and projects here in America and around the globe. In 2004, the Jeremy House was built to be an encouragement to missionaries who need a brief rest as they travel. Through the faithfulness of God’s people, Mid-Way supports over 93 mission projects and has never missed a monthly support payment to those they have partnered with Mid-Way.

On February 7, 2016, Mid-Way will celebrate her 50^th year as a “family of faith &  friends.” It is a rarity today to find a church still being guided by its founding pastor, but God has truly blessed the faithfulness and leadership of Pastor and Rennie Upchurch and their family. If you are able to celebrate with the Mid-Way family or if you happen to drive past what once was a lumber yard back in 1966, we trust you see clearly that everything that has happened in 50 years is because of the faithfulness of God. Every life touched both on earth, and those in eternity testify what God has done through the simple vision and prayer of a young preacher so many years ago. Truly, Mid-Way is a “miracle of its day,” and by God’s grace will continue to be for many years to come as God continues to show He is faithful." 

I suppose...

It is 1 am here in Raleigh on a now Friday morning. I suppose I should update everyone on Amanda's health. It has been one month now since Amanda received her new kidney and pancreas. She has been able to get out a little more, although she still hasn't been around any kids or large groups of people she knows. It has been a challenge but we try to keep her from exposure to germs, as the first few months are very important after the transplant. Amanda goes each week for a checkup and blood work, and so far everything has gone really well. She is getting used to her medicine, although it can be a bit discouraging taking all the pills she needs to take. Some of those will be decreased in time, some of them she will continue to take for life.

We appreciate everyones prayers and your continued prayers as well. I a sorry I have not put up a post lately, I have just found it difficult to write...

I am now 38...incredible. It seems like yesterday I was in college. I am now listening to "Remember When" by Allan Jackson. Probably shouldn't do that, makes me cry :)

Stay strong and stay faithful...

Craig

Celebrating 8 Years...

Dear Ava,

Today we celebrate your eighth birthday in Heaven. Thinking back to eight years ago today can be heartbreaking. We miss you so very much but are thankful you are with Jesus and are healthy. There are few days that go by when we don't think about you. Often times we see a little girl who would be your age and we wonder what life would be like if you were here. We pray that one day God will allow us to raise another little girl, and we will proudly tell her about her big sister. We know you are in a better place and as much as we miss you we know you are where you are supposed to be. Your little brother Jackson is doing well, he is growing so quickly. We have shared many times with him about his big sister and how God used your precious life to bring Jackson into our family. Every year at Christmas we put up your stocking right along with Jackson's and your big brother Ermias. We will never forget you sweet Ava, you will always be our little baby girl.

 Your mommy just received a new kidney and pancreas on Thursday night, which is a huge answer to prayer - She is doing amazing! So as we celebrate your birthday today we are sitting in a hospital room just like we were eight years ago. Today however, we are rejoicing in your mommy's new opportunity of life and your wonderful life with Jesus.

We love you so very much Ava, we are so proud to be your mommy and daddy. Give your great Uncle Dale and your great Grandma Norfleet a hug from your daddy.

Love always,

Mommy and Daddy

Sidney the kidney...Perry the pancreas...

Yes, we named Amanda's new organs. And yes, that means she has new organs! :)

Amanda is doing great, she received the call on Thursday morning and on Thursday evening she was in surgery. I found all of this out as I was returning from Ethiopia with my friend Matt. We arrived in Dubai to a text message that Amanda was at Duke, and a text message that our flight from Boston to Raleigh was going to be cancelled because of weather. To make a long story short, Matt and changed our flight to Orlando, rented a car and drove from Orlando to Raleigh on Friday. We arrive around 11 pm and I was able to get up to the hosptial around 2 am on Saturday morning. Over all, our total travel time home was around 44 hours!

Some have asked how I felt when I first found out (via text message) that Amanda was heading to surgery. I have to say that I was just shocked really. It was very surreal as neither Amanda nor I was really expecting something this quick. I wish that I could have been there with her when she went back, but she was in good hands and our friends also came through for us in a big way. Even now, it is hard to believe that Amanda has a new kidney and pancreas. We know the road is still long as she adjust to medicine and a new life, but we are praising God for His provision. God is always good.

There is a chance Amanda will be able to go home tomorrow, which is amazing. We are stocking up on cleaning supplies as the first few weeks are very important for Amanda. She can't be alone for several days as well as she continues to heal. Here is a picture of Amanda's surgery team, they are fantastic!