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!