Keeping the Lights On...

Amanda and I were recently able to purchase a generator in Ethiopia for use once we arrive on the field this summer . Because of the frequent and lengthy power outages, it is very important to have a generator and recently the prices have dropped drastically. Our missionary friends in Ethiopia felt that the prices would not stay at this low rate for too long so we went ahead and purchased one. Blake Fortner, whose family recently arrived in Ethiopia, just purchased one and he went ahead and picked up ours as well. The total cost of this purchase was $2500, which is several thousand less than we thought it would be. PRAISE THE LORD!!!
We went ahead and wired the money over because we felt we could not miss this opportunity. We do have money set aside for our move although not specifically for the generator. If you or your Church would be willing to help us toward this purchase we would be most grateful! You can send any donations into the BBFI missions office, PO Box 191, Springfield MO 65801

Special thanks to Blake Fortner and Eric Shadle for their help in taking care of the generator for us as we are in still in the states.

And here it is...isn't it a beauty?!

March & April 2010

Due to the finalization process of Jackson’s adoption we have had to wait a little longer before our departure for the field. On December 30^th we were able to be in Illinois as the adoption was finalized! It was such a sweet and wonderful moment for Amanda and I as we sat before the judge and made our son “officially” our son! Jackson sat quietly by, with the occasional sm

ile and chuckle, not realizing the significance of the day. While everything is now legally official we are still waiting to receive his birth certificate so that we can in turn apply for his passport and visa. We have included a few pictures of Jackson with the judge, Jackson wearing his “big boy” hat and his first time to see snow at Poppa and Pammaw’s farm. There are absolutely no words to describe the joy of that day!

As we have mentioned in previous letters the initial move to Ethiopia is extremely expensive. We have known this all along and have diligently set aside funds for the move but even in the last several months as the prices have gone up, our moving expenses are doing the same. Many of you have graciously given which has been a huge blessing! However, we still have much that needs to be raised.

As we finish this letter we are so grateful for all that God has done for our family this last year. This last Christmas was so special as we celebrated it with Jackson. Even as I write this letter I can’t help but think how God did such amazing things to orchestrate Jackson being with us. He now has two teeth and he just started crawling in the last week. We are soaking up all the moments with him as we praise God for His graciousness. We hope that everyone had a wonderful winter as we look forward to spring and the newness soon upon us. Fire up the grill and take an allergy pill because we have a busy road ahead!

2009, Our Year in Review

In a way we were looking forward to 2009 after a difficult 2008, but in the same sense we knew we were coming up on one year since Ava went home, and we knew it would be a difficult time. One of our supporting churches in Illinois knew how hard the past Christmas had been so the pastor’s wife, Kimberly Shirley, along with the ladies of the church sent a nice gift box to my wife. Inside among other things were some personal cards that the ladies had written to Amanda. One of those cards caught Amanda’s eye and after I had read through them I knew right away which one it was. A single woman, relatively new to the church, was pregnant and felt that the best thing she could do for her baby was to put the child up for adoption. Amanda and I discussed it and prayed about it. Certainly we thought how exciting it would be to adopt this baby, but we also knew that heartache could easily happen. It was a scary thought, not knowing how it would turn out. It would have been easy to ignore the card, but what if we miss an opportunity that God had given us? We didn’t want to look back in ten years and wonder what would have happened if we had stepped out by faith. So we decided that January day that we would see what God would do with this, and for us 2009 would never be the same.

The next few months were filled with busyness as we emailed back and forth with the mother, prepared paper work, and started to learn more about the adoption process. Right in the middle of all this, Amanda and I flew up to Illinois to nervously meet the birth mom for the first time. Everything went very well, and she said without hesitation that she wanted Amanda and me to adopt her baby. We were humbled by this, but knew that God had orchestrated the whole event and it was only by His hand that this could happen.

As June started we were both very excited and extremely nervous. As the second week of June came around we packed up the truck and headed to Illinois. The nursery was finished and we were anxious to see a little baby boy sleeping in there! Finally, on June 22, Jackson Zane Dyson was born. As we sat there in the hospital the whole thing was sort of surreal. Within six months of reading a card we were in a hospital watching our son come into the world. Only God could make this happen. Only God could use a difficult 2008 to bring a beautiful baby boy into our family. Since Jackson’s birth we have been enjoying all the new things that we get to experience with a new baby. Not a day goes by that we don’t look at him and realize how blessed we are and how much we love him. His birth was truly a miracle, in more ways than one.

On the deputation front, we had the great opportunity to present our ministry in Ethiopia to several churches with many taking us on for financial support. Unfortunately, because of economic times we have seen some unable to continue support for the time being. Of course, this is all in God’s hands, as we know His timing is best. We look forward to 2010 with great anticipation as we walk in faith and trust that God will guide and direct. On December 30 we will be in Illinois to finalize Jackson’s adoption, and after that we continue with the process for our departure to Ethiopia in the early part of the new year. Please pray for us, as much needs to be completed in the coming months.

We hope that as you look back on 2009 you can do so with joy in your hearts knowing you lived it to the fullest in your passion for Jesus Christ. We hope you experienced His unwavering grace, always knowing He is faithful both through the pain and joys of life. As we celebrate a wonderful time of year, be grateful for what He has done. Take the time to thank Him for the abundant blessings He has brought in your life, and most importantly for the birth of Jesus so many years ago. We pray and hope that you have a joyous Christmas and are looking forward to a wonderful 2010 striving to be like our Lord.

Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for a Blessed New Year!

Craig, Amanda & Jackson Dyson

September & October 2009

Looking Back…

Those of you, who have had your share of hot summer days, can breathe a sigh of relief as September is here and soon the cool autumn days will take flight. It is hard to believe that summer has gone by so fast, yet here we are just three months away from Christmas. This summer has been a memorable one for Amanda and me. On June 22, Jackson Zane Dyson was born and on July 31, we celebrated ten years of marriage. The Lord has been faithful to our family over these ten wonderful years and we are truly blessed. Jackson is almost twelve weeks old and is growing so fast! Most of that growth has been in length, as his once long sleeve pj’s are becoming short sleeve! He is smiling a whole lot as well, which is so awesome to experience. Even if Jackson decides to wake up at 4 a.m. to tell us something he usually gives a great big grin. We are enjoying every second of this wonderful gift that the Lord has brought into our lives.

First Trip to Texas

During the third weekend of August I had the opportunity to present our ministry to a church in Texas that we had previously been scheduled to visit but unable to attend. Amanda and Jackson stayed at home as I went for the short weekend, which believe it or not, was our very first church in Texas! This month we will be presenting here in North Carolina before heading down to Florida in October

Shadles’ Arrive

As many of you know our teammates Eric & Amanda Shadle arrived safely in Ethiopia during the end of July. We have talked with them several times and they are doing well as they adjust to a new culture. The kids are in school, and they have been able to move into their house as well. Eric has mentioned that the prices continue to rise there, which can be an area of concern. Amanda and I have diligently been saving for our move, however we still need a great deal more when you add up all the numerous expenses. We have appreciated those that have given toward our moving expenses, and also appreciate all those who are considering giving in the future.

Enjoy the Season!

Amanda and I hope you have a wonderful fall as I am sure most are very busy during this time of year. Hopefully though you will take the opportunity to get out and enjoy the beauty and wonder that God has created. Enjoy the crispness that is in the air and find that family recipe for chili that you have wanted to make since March. Enjoy what God has graciously given you, soak it in, and as you do I hope and pray that you daily strive to live for Him.

Shadles in Addis!

We'd like to thank everyone on behalf of the Shadle's for your prayers! They have arrived safely in Ethiopia and are beginning the process of settling in. We have been able to talk to them on the phone a few times and were so encouraged to hear their voices! Please continue to lift them up in prayer as they are making an exciting but difficult transition. Please pray specifically for their kids, Kayla and Aaron, as they adjust to life in Ethiopia. We'll keep you posted...

We'd like you to meet our bundle of joy...

Introducing...

On June 15, Amanda and I left our home in Raleigh, NC and headed toward the Midwest knowing that when we returned our lives would never be the same again. At one time I imagined writing those words only in reference to us leaving for Ethiopia, and not the life-changing event that has quickly come before us. Our Ethiopia departure will be here soon enough, but for now I am trying to find time to catch my breath. What has specifically taken place in the last six months could only be orchestrated by God and for that I am in complete awe! The way this chapter of our lives is being written is not how I would have imagined it. Considering my lack of faith at times, I would have written it differently because often we think we know how our lives will unfold only to see God change the story line. Six months ago we were praying for God to show us a glimpse of His plan and now we are sitting here looking at a beautiful baby boy whom we would have never known if God hadn’t taken our precious Ava home. On June 22, 7 pound 12 ounce Jackson Zane Dyson was delivered by c-section, and by God’s grace we have the awesome opportunity to adopt him into our family. I pray every day that we will be parents who point Jackson to the Savior and help him see that God has a unique plan for his life. Six months ago I would have never dreamed of this experience and now I spend my days thinking about countless things in regards to Jackson and the faithfulness of God.

Some of those things I think about are temporal while others are of more eternal significance. Often I think about how our lives are going to be different as we drive home in a few weeks with a little guy in the back seat and how I long for that moment and will soak up every second I can. I think about Amanda being the wonderful mother that I know she will be and how excited I am to see her hold him close to her and rock him gently back and forth. I think about what it will be like for Jackson to grow up knowing that his birth mother loved him enough to find a family that would be able to raise him and provide for him. I also think about Jackson growing up in Ethiopia and the amazing opportunities he will have to learn about the world and just how big it is. There are so many things I have pondered in the last several weeks, most of which I never would have thought would be a part of this chapter in our lives. If you asked me a couple of years ago, this wouldn’t have been how I would have written this portion of our story. Thankfully though, I am not the one writing it, and honestly, I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Focusing On Him

It can be very overwhelming if one focuses on a future of questions and unknowns. True, if your chief desire is to love and please Christ, then you ultimately know that everything works together for good. However…it can be easy to look at what is ahead and forget that there is One who is in control! Plus, I am pretty sure that if we all were able to look ahead at the next ten years or so and could see the mountains and valleys the Lord will take us over and through it would cause us to breath a little heavier. Why? Well, I suppose since we are fallen men we tend to often forget that the God who created this entire, amazing universe can also handle our lives. That is much easier said than done - but it's all a process of growth. If I would have known ten years ago what roads He was going to take us on to mold Amanda and I, I would have been scared out of my “young” twenty-one year old mind. Thankfully, His faithfulness makes up for my lack of faith as He has taught us countless times to trust Him for what lies ahead.

On That Note…
After spending most of last year pleading with the Lord to show us a glimpse of what He is doing in our lives, Amanda received a gift box from one of our supporting churches in early January. Included in this box was a card from a young lady who was pregnant and felt that the best thing for her child was to find a Christian family to adopt her baby. After exchanging emails with her for several weeks, we went in March to meet her for the first time. Although we were more nervous than we have ever been, it was a wonderful trip and God gave us a sweet time together as we embark on this new relationship. We were very grateful to meet her and are humbled that she desires for us to adopt her baby. We are so excited to see what is in store! The baby is due this summer and I would ask that you would please pray for God’s perfect plan in this. Once again, He amazes us! Although we miss Ava greatly, there is no doubt that we would not have this opportunity before us if He had not taken her home.

The Future
As we mentioned in our last update, we are very close to our 100% support level, which is very exciting. As of right now we are planning on leaving in January 2010 as we have to stay a few extra months because of the adoption process. The extra time will help us finish our full support as well as raise funds for the many expenses it will take to move and settle in once we arrive in Ethiopia. If you would like more information on how you can give toward projects, please let us know. We are anxious to arrive on the field, but know that it is all in God’s timing, which is much greater than our timing! We hope that you have a wonderful spring as we celebrate Jesus’ victory over death, and as always may we strive to be more like Him every day.

Let it snow...let it snow...let it snow!

Well, we woke up this morning at home in Raleigh to a beautiful white blanket of snow covering everything! Now, being a Florida girl who went to college in Missouri, I STILL am not used to looking out the window and seeing SNOW! It was an absolutely beautiful day and reminded me so much of the goodness of our Savior! As our anticipated departure date is drawing closer, I seem to wax nostalgic in every little thing...this morning I thought to myself, "this is probably the last time I will see snow for quite a while"
...AND I'm okay with that! Though I find the snow extremely beautiful and nice to look at, I'm not the sledding, snow-boot wearing kinda girl. So, thank you, Lord, for calling us to a warm land!
Traveling is pretty slow this month but we will hit the ground running in February so we will keep you posted.
Craig is in Illinois this week with his family after his uncle passed away this past Sunday. Uncle Dale was a wonderful man and will be missed. Please keep the Norfleet family in your prayers.

Remember the REASON for this busy season...

Can you believe that it's almost 2009?!?! Where has this year gone?!

Reflecting on this year, the word that comes to our minds immediately is FAITHFUL. The Lord has, once again, shown Himself to be so faithful and true. His Grace is so sufficient and complete for us.

We pray that each of you are able to reflect on this year and give God the glory for what He has done and is continuing to do in your life.

Reflecting on His goodness...

It's so hard to believe that Thanksgiving is here and Christmas is just around the corner! In some ways, this year has flown by...
We have finished up our last conference for the year and are now looking forward to enjoying some time with our families through out the holiday season.
We will be able to spend Thanksgiving with Amanda's family in Florida and are hoping to have some warmer weather than what we've been experiencing here in the Carolinas!

Home in Raleigh

Amanda and I are back in Raleigh now, and I am finally back to "normal time". The trip went well, I really had a great time. We are in Kansas for the next couple of Sundays, I will be flying out there as Amanda just had dental work done and is still recovering. 

Ethiopia E-mail #1

I was so excited this morning when I woke up to see this e-mail!

"Amanda,

We are here and doing well. I slept well last night compared to 2004! Eric is my roommate. We had bugs in our bed, but other than that and an uncomfortable bed, it was ok. We are going to SIM today to see if they have any room, if they do than we might move. I am emailing you from Dawit's shop. The city has grown some and even looks more modern. The airport is alot nicer and there weren't as many beggars outside the airport. The city even has a McDonald's from what we here! It seems like it is a bit nicer than before. Last night when we arrive we ate injera. It was good! We ate outside by a fire. Today, we went to a cafe for breakfast...I got toast. The plane ride was long! We had NO layovers so it was about 15 hours on the same plane which included a refuel. It was okay...but very cramped and full!

Hope everything is going well. I love you and miss you very much. Tell M&M hello!"

...I am so thankful for the modern ways of communication like e-mail! I know that 20 years ago or so I wouldn't have had the luxury of talking to my husband who is half way around the world! I will keep you posted...

They have arrived!

I got a call tonight about 4:30pm from Craig...man, was it good to hear his voice!  The team arrived safe and sound in Addis Ababa and were getting ready to go to bed.  

Thank you all so much for you prayers for all of the men's safety!

And, of course, I will update the blog as Craig updates me via e-mail!

Next Stop: Ethiopia

It's hard for me to believe that it has been 4 years since we took our first trip to Ethiopia! Time has flown it seems. As most of you already know, Craig is on his way to Ethiopia in search of a home, a vehicle, and much, much more. I will try my best to keep the blog updated as to his travels and adventures. And there are sure to be adventures...he is making this trip with 6 other men!
Please keep them in your prayers and I know that you are...we have received so many precious e-mails and cards with encouraging words and prayers!
Waiting (anxiously, I might add) to let you know that they have arrived safe and sound,
Amanda

Delays...

I actually like sitting in the airport. For some reason it is enjoyable watching all kinds of people walk back and forth frantically trying to get somewhere. Perhaps home, or a vacation or even work. Last Saturday I was able to sit at the airport in Raleigh waiting for a flight to Texas to present in a church. Amanda dropped me off at the airport right at noon. I sat there...and sat there...and sat there some more! Finally, after sitting on the plane for two hours after I had waited in the terminal for 5,my flight was cancelled so I jumped off the plane and called Amanda have her come and pick me up.
Nothing like being at an airport all day and never actually going anywhere.
Oh well, it makes for a great story!
Craig

A long awaited update

Yes it has been a little under a month since we last posted, but it was also a very busy month! Amanda and I headed toward Springfield MO at the beginning of May for fellowship week and to visit a couple of church. First we headed to Illinois to drop the dogs off at my parents and then we had a great time at Fellowship week. We visited a church in Kansas City which was wonderful and then after a week in Illinois we went to Arkansas to present at another great church. That Sunday night after church we hit the road and drove thirteen hours and arrived home on Memorial Day around lunch. Overall we had a great trip toward the midwest and and now at home for a relatively quite June. My trip to Ethiopia is coming up quickly, we will continue to update as it gets closer.
Craig

Song of the Week

Here is another song that has always been special to me. Once again, powerful word. Amanda and I are doing good, we are getting ready to leave Friday to head to Springfield MO.

Sometimes I believe all the lies
So I can do the things I should despise
And every day I am swayed
By whatever is on my mind

I hear it all depends on my faith
So I'm feeling precarious
The only problem I have with these mysteries
Is they're so mysterious

And like a consumer I've been thinking
If I could just get a bit more
More than my 15 minutes of faith,
Then I'd be secure

(Chorus)
My faith is like shifting sand
Changed by every wave
My faith is like shifting sand
So I stand on grace

I've begged you for some proof
For my Thomas eyes to see
A slithering staff, a leprous hand
And lions resting lazily

A glimpse of your back-side glory
And this soaked altar going ablaze
But you know I've seen so much
I explained it away

Chorus

Waters rose as my doubts reigned
My sand-castle faith, it slipped away
Found myself standing on your grace
It'd been there all the time

Our God is Mighty to Save!

Over the last several months, this song has been a source of encouragement to Amanda and I. We are so amazed at how good God is in giving us what we need right when we need it. That's how it was with this song. The first time we heard it, the words spoke to us right away. We had no idea at the time how much it would speak to us and is still speaking to us now!

Mighty to Save
Everyone needs compassion
Love that’s never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Saviour
The hope of nations

Saviour, He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever, Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

So take me as You find me
All my fears and failures
Fill my life again
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in
Now I surrender

Shine Your light and let the whole world see
We’re singing for the glory of the risen King

Back Home

Amanda and I had a nice visit with her family and now we are back in Raleigh. This weekend we will be in Columbia SC and then we will be at Mid-Way's Missions Conference. Last weekend we went to the Passion Conference in Atlanta GA. We really had a great time.

Craig