Parenting ● Education ● Assistance ● Support
Magazine/February 2013
www.peasintheirpods.com
TYLER THOMAS
FEBRUARY
featured missing children Monthly
MISSING 12/10 PERU NEBRASKA
PARENTING CORNER
recipes treats
GAETANE BORDERS
KIDS BE AWARE INC.
children’s holistic well-being IT’S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS FOUNDATION
THE P.H.A.T. KIDS
helps kids succeed
MENTORING PROGRAM
EMPOWER OUR YOUTH
FINANCIAL LITERACY FUNDRAISER (MANIFEST YOUR DESTINY)
protecting, healing teaching our kids 1
The Manifest Your Destiny Foundation, is a non-profit youth organization established by Ivy League actor Hill Harper. Despite his many accolades, or maybe because of them, Hill Harper made a commitment to work in service of our youth - to pass along the lessons he learned and to provide a foundation for young under served teens to use as a launching pad to academic success.
2
Peas In Their Pods Janice Lowery Chief Executive Officer Gaétane Borders President Training Specialist Denise Bethune Editor P.E.A.S. Magazine Publicity Manager Paula Whitebear Administrative Assistant Yolanda Butler Business Consultant Vickie Britton Researcher for Missing Children Anita Harris Parent Mentor Marcus Dent Guardian Angel Nancy Fairbanks Webmaster
Parenting ● Education ● Assistance ● Support Website: www.peasintheirpods.com
Mission Peas In Their Pods is an incorporated not-for-profit organization that provides a specific service to those who have missing loved ones. The organization is selffunded, and is comprised of a team of volunteers who work diligently to assist families during their time of greatest need. We are here to help parents find their missing children. We do not take the place of the Amber Alert System. We simply pick up where they leave off or never engage due to program criteria. Peas In Their Pods Organizational goal takes pride in helping to find missing children of color, fight against child abuse, and provide information to the public.
* FEATURED ORGANIZATIONS 8 KIDS BE AWARE Inc. children’s holistic well-being 18 IT’S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS FOUNDATION helps kids succeed 12 THE P.H.A.T. KIDS MENTORING PROGRAM protecting, healing teaching our kids * Monthly Contributors 4 Gaetane Borders Parenting Corner 16 Author Sharon Fox Comfort Food for the Mind, Body & Soul 22 Pat Holmes Monthly Treat 25 Paula Whitebear - Burton Encouragement 3
Parenting Corner Gaetane Borders President Peas In Their Pods
The N-Word
It’s February…the month in which we pay homage to the contributions that African Americans have made to the world. While it is nice to have a month set aside for such honors, it is obviously necessary to be cognizant of black history more than for 28 days out of the year. Undeniably, African Americans have a rich history in this country, and have contributed in monumental ways. However, in spite of all these great things, we continue to be plagued by the rampant use of the N-word. A couple of years ago, a well-known celebrity boasted to a magazine that that African Americans had accepted him and had given him a “hood pass,” and added, "If [I] really had a hood pass, you could call it a nig@er pass.” He later apologized for trying to “intellectualize” this offensive term.
The media, as well as everyday people, harshly criticized him for his insensitive remarks because most agree that the N-word is an obvious no-no. But…Why then do African Americans use this word? Baffling isn’t it?!? I’ve heard African American parents call their children “little ni@gas.” I also often hear students calling each other ni@ga in jest and out of anger in the hallway in between classes. I’ve even heard the word thrown around in professional settings by colleagues. What the heck is going on that the very race of people whose history involves slavery, lynchings, and Jim Crow Laws could use the one word that epitomizes hatred? ! I’ll NEVER forget the first time that word was aimed directly at me. I was in first grade, and a 6-year-old classmate decided that day that I could not go down the slide because “ni@gers” weren’t allowed to. Nor will I forget the wave of emotions I felt as a very young child while huddled around my family’s television watching the movie Roots, and seeing the hatred and brutality that the word represented. It was clear to me at that young age that this word was much than a mere 6-letter-term. Nothing positive….but an evil tool used to make me and others who 4
look like me feel inferior, worthless, and less than human. I strongly believe in the power of words. In fact, I work each day to help children cope with the pain that the words used to describe them have caused. I also believe that words are can be very limiting. Tell a child that they are something, and they will eventually believe it. So why would you tell them that they are lazy, stupid, dirty, and worthless (a.k.a a ni@ga)? NO.....the celebrity should not have made the highly publicized comments, but sometimes its easier to condemn others than it is to look introspectively. What kind of words are we using in our own homes? It’s 2013…we can stop this cycle if we focus on the long-term impact it has on children.? It, after all, must start with us!
Happy Black History Month
Missing/Silver Springs Maryland Books for Little Girls Erica Turay DOB: Nov 15, 2010 Age Now: 2 Missing: May 13, 2012 Missing From: SILVER SPRING MD United States Sex: Female Race: Black Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Height: 2'9" (84cm) Weight: 20lbs (9kg) She was last seen on May 13, 2012. Erica may be in the company of her mother. They are believed to be in Kenya. Erica's full name is Erica Esther Kensal Turay. ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 1-800-8435678 (1-800-THE-LOST) Federal Bureau of Investigation (Maryland) 1-410-265-8080 or Your local FBI
Samoya and the Bear Lisa Schwarz Samoya, a little girl, must over come challenges and ad versity for the first time in her life. With the help of her magic Teddy Bear, she learns a powerful lesson on faith and perseverance.
True Friends Stephanie Perry Moore
Missing/Detroit Michigan
Carmen Browne is a ten-year-old AfricanAmerican girl beginning fifth grade. With her family moving to a new city, Carmen is anguished to give up her friends and comfortable home. As her family adapts to a new location, Carmen learns that finding new friends and fitting in is not easy. Part of her doesn’t even want to try. Family I ssues become complicated when Carmen’s brother learns he is adopted. Will Carmen be able to cope with her unpopularity and the cultural differences in her new environment?
Bianca Jones DOB: Nov 26, 2009 Missing: Dec 2, 2011 Height: 2'5" (74cm) Eyes: Brown Race: Black Age Now: 3 Sex: Female Weight: 25lbs (11kg) Hair: Black Missing From: DETROIT MI United States Bianca was last seen on December 2, 2011. She was last seen wearing a pink shirt, pink tights, and a purple jacket. ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST) Detroit Police Department (Michigan) 1-313-596-2170 5
6
College Student Tyler Thomas Missing 12/10 Peru Nebraska Tyler Thomas, a Bellevue resident,
are asking their loved ones to please
is approximately 5-feet-5-inches tall, let someone know where you are, 140 pounds, with black hair and
your safety is the number one priori-
brown eyes. She was last seen
ty. No parent should have to go thru
wearing a teal shirt with green sweat so much pain and suffering. pants, a scarf and ear muffs If anyone has any information on the Every parents worse nightmare, re-
whereabouts of Tyler Thomas
ceiving a call that your child is miss-
please contact the local authorities
ing, no clues, witnesses or leads.
at once, every second is critical in
How does a parent even begin to
locating.
understand or even phathom the notion that someone is responsible in causing harm, or have information but will not come forward in helping. Tyler Thomas a college student on her way back to her dorm and suddenly disappears. It doesn’t matter if she was leaving a party, library, college game, she is missing and someone has information.
The mother of a missing Peru State
Case Type: Endangered DOB:
College student has sued the state
Sept 7, 1991 Missing Date: Dec
for allowing a known criminal to live in the same dormitory as her daughter. Tanya Thomas of Omaha alleges Joshua Keadle “abducted and killed” 19-year-old Tyler Thomas on Dec. 3, 2010. While Keadle has nev-
Case Number: 10-001133 Gender: Female Race: Black Complexion: Medium Height: 5-4
appearance or presumed death, he
Weight: 140 Hair Color: Brown
then she suddenly disappeard, she
souri River boat ramp near Peru on
was less than one mile from her
the night she was last seen. The wrongful death lawsuit names
To many of our children are missing, the State of Nebraska, Peru State this has gotten out of control. Every
College, the City of Auburn, Nemaha
single day reports of missing chil-
County, and the University of Ne-
dren are being reported the numbers braska Board of Regents as defendare getting higher and higher. Like
City: Peru Missing State: NE
er been charged with Thomas' dis-
Security cameras on campus record- has told authorities he left the college freshman at a secluded Mised Tyler walking across campus,
dorm according to published reports.
03, 2010 Age Now: 20 Missing
ants. It also lists Keadle as a de-
so many other families, communities fendant. 7
Hair Length: Shoulder Length Eye Color: Brown Wear Glasses or Contacts.
Teach Me about health so tomorrow I may teach others KID’S BE AWARE, INC.
Jeannete Bryant
While working as a medical assistant, Bryant re-
others. Furthermore,
alized the need to provide a full-service health
she utilized strategies
and wellness facility that will support parents
such as role playing,
and children in living a healthy life. She then de-
empowerment strate-
signed the Kids Be Aware program to increase
gies, and educational
parental awareness about chronic diseases and
materials to serve as
their alarming effects on children. The program
comprehensive health
was later presented to complete her practicum
education interventions. In fact, she is the in-
for a Master’s degree program at Walden Uni-
spiring author of several health books (My Little
versity in 2009. Shortly after its inception, Kids Brother has Asthma, TB and My Mother, and I Be Aware, Incorporated received recognition as
Say No to Abuse) that aim to equip readers, par-
a 501 (c) (3) organization from the Internal Rev- ticularly children with significant information on enue Service in 2011. It continuously serves the
how to prevent and reduce chronic diseases.
community in alleviating infectious and chronic diseases with its unique programs and techniques. To learn more about Jeannette Bryant’s work please visit: http://www.kidsbeaware.org
Enthused with the importance of promoting good
Email: jbryant@kidsbeaware.org
health and alleviating chronic diseases among children, Jeannette Bryant dedicated her time, effort, skills, and expertise in serving individuals and families who are struggling from infectious illnesses. Thus, her work as a medical assistant and asthma trainer ignited her passion and eagerness to focus on learning and promoting preventive ways to uphold children’s holistic wellbeing. She developed unique strategies to empower parents and children in increasing their knowledge and understanding of chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, hepatitis, obesity, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and salmonellosis among
8
9
Missing/New Jersey Sierra Thomas
Celina Mays
DOB: Dec 12, 1982 Age Now: 30 Missing: Nov 21, 2002 Missing From: ATLANTIC CITY NJ United States Sex: Female Race: Black Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Height: 5'2" (157cm) Weight: 150lbs (68kg)
DOB: May 28, 1984 Age Now: 28 Missing: Dec 16, 1996 Missing From: WILLINGBORO NJ United States Sex: Female Race: Black Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Height: 5'0" (152cm) Weight: 120lbs (54kg)
She was last seen on November 21, 2002, on North Maryland Avenue in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Sierra may be in the company of an adult male. She was last seen wearing a black Guess jacket, a multi-colored scarf, a dark blue shirt, and light blue sweatpants. ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT National Center for Missing & Exploited Children - 1-800-843-5678 Atlantic City Police Department (New Jersey) 1-609-347-5780
10
Celina's photo is shown ageprogressed to 26 years. She was 9 months pregnant at the time of her disappearance. It is believed she has given birth and may be in need of medical assistance. Celina's eyebrows grow together. ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 1-800843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST)
11
THE P.H.A.T. KIDS MENTORING PROGRAM PROTECTING, HEALING, TEACHING OUR KIDS Pebbles McClain Pebbles McClain, founder of The P.H.A.T. Kids Mentoring Program began this journey in 1998 after working in a daycare in Montpellier, France. Upon returning to the States, she tried earnestly to start own daycare. Because of many obstacles, she had to make this a dream deferred. She knew that she wanted her daycare center to be more than just a parent dropping off their children for 8 hours a day. She wanted to do more! After the death of Derrion Albert in Chicago in 2009, the time for thinking about helping youth ended. It was time to put those thoughts into actions. With the help of Denise Morgan, she decided to begin researching mentoring and the benefits of being a mentor and low and behold she decides to not only be a mentor but to start her own mentoring program. After putting her plan into place Pebbles decided that more assistance was needed and hired two others
to work alongside herself. With her background in Social Work, she was just what we needed to complete the team! In January of 2010 they were given space to work at Saint Augustine’s College, her Alumni. They officially launched the mentoring program on March 6th, 2010. Since that time the PKMP has partnered with Garner Parks and Recreation and are providing the Mentoring Program at Avery Street Recreation Center in Garner, NC. Training for the Mentors is provided at the Saint Augustine’s College Gateway Lifelong Learning Center, in Raleigh, North Carolina on the 3rd Saturday of every month! Currently there are almost 30 kids enrolled in the PKMP and she could not be happier! The program has their meetings and events at the Avery Street Recreation Center. In her free time Pebbles enjoys spending time with her friends, family and performing poetry. www.phatkidsmentoring.org 12
Missing/St. Louis Missouri Kelly Allen
Shemika Cosby
DOB: Dec 4, 1986 Age Now: 26 Missing: Mar 13, 2007 Missing From: BERKLEY MO United States Sex: Female Race: Black Hair: Brown Eyes: Hazel Height: 5'4" (163cm) Weight: 165lbs (75kg)
DOB: Oct 1, 1992 Age Now: 20 Missing: Dec 30, 2008 Missing From: BERKELEY MO United States Sex: Female Race: Black Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Height: 5'5" (165cm) Weight: 160lbs (73kg)
Kelly's photo is shown ageprogressed to 25 years. She was last seen leaving a friend's home in Berkley, Missouri, on March 13, 2007, but she resides in Saint Louis, Missouri. Kelly has a tattoo of brown eyes and a flower on her left shoulder and a tattoo of a half moon behind her left ear. ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT National Center for Missing & Exploited Children - 1-800843-5678 Saint Louis Police Department (Missouri) 1314-444-5338
Shemika 19 years. She is believed to be in the local area. Shamika's ears are pierced. She may go by the nickname Mika. ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST) Berkeley Police Department (Missouri) 1-314-524-3311
a "blackprint" for strong children: self-identity builds self-love builds self-esteem builds self-development builds self-sufficiency . . . that's how we change the(ir) game they want our kids to live and die by, and make our own rules . . . our children should be worth alot more to us than to others . . .
13
Looking Down at the Storm by Clarice Miller Co-Founder of Deshalamar (C) 2010 that starts with her childhood sexual abuse by the pastor of her church, the pain of having a mother who was diagnosed with Huntington's disease, follow her through her teenage years of self destruction, into her abusive marriage that ended in the supreme court issuing identity changes for her and her children, this story of survival that ends in realization that with faith and hard work nothing is impossible when we believe!
14
Remembering Violets © 01.16.13 (Dedicated to the memory of every missing brown child) Delicate African Violets Plucked from the cracks ... Of the playground’s concrete As mothers’ hearts weep And futures’ ambitions leak Into oblivion The night catches a glimpse Of tenderness as darkness Rapes hope from a Father’s soul Navy blue soldiers scour Back alleys, dank hallways And the corridors of familiar An ever present glowing box Chronicles the story of dead flowers Gone to glory too soon And time stands still For memories embedded Into brown generations Decades forget And a death is born The beginning of endings Life swings on The pendulum of sorrow Yet the Heavens continue To breathe the story
15
The Gift of Greatness Author Sharon Fox - Comfort Food for the Mind, Body and Soul When we think of those who demonstrate greatness, we usually think of those whose achievements effect generations or millions. Rarely do we consider those who in the small hub of their communities are life changers.
ties and see only their ability. Maybe it's working with the elderly or speaking to the masses. It can be almost anything.
To others it may seem a Greatness simply means simple thing but to the that which is beyond the one on the receiving end ordinary, exceeds norof your gift they know malcy and is unique in that it is much more. comparison to most or They view you as Godthe best amongst its kind. sent, a precious gem, We all were born for someone they absolutely do not want to do without. greatness, to push past the average wave but most They honor and treasure you. And if you were not of us are quite content with getting by. We are perthere for them their lives fectly fine with just enough. Making waves is risky. We are in awe of those who stand out among us; attributing their greatness to some special talent or gift and every now and again we wonder what it would be like to be able to do something like that. But I believe God has placed in all of us, something exceptional and significant. It's that part of us that makes us singular and distinctive from the rest. It is often dormant for a time and for many of us it rises up on occasion, but never reaches any pinnacle. It's that part in us that, when it is in effect, we move effortlessly. When it is working, we lose track of time and place because we are doing what we are born to do. And then it happens, we hit a snag, we have a setback and we renege, settling comfortably back into mediocrity. This thing, this piece that's innate can be almost anything; the ability to comfort or give. It could be the capacity to encourage or serve like no other. It may be the gift to work with children with disabili16
Author Sharon Fox, Food Editor for P.E.A.S Magazine, Tru Magazine and Latino Connection Magazine, also named The Official Culinary Artist of the Social Networks. would not be the same. Allow your uniqueness to take root. Watch it ascend. Don't be ashamed because it is livelier or more colorful than your surroundings. Don't mute your gift because others don't get it or are uncomfortable when you are moving in it (remember God gave this thing to you, for His purpose). Flow in it, embrace it. It is the greatness in you.
Dinner For Two
Strawberry Shrimp & Scallops 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup light brown sugar 3-4 large strawberries, stems removed and sliced (or quartered) 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup thinly sliced shallots 6 cups (lightly packed) arugula or spinach leaves (large stems removed)-- I prefer spinach* 2 Tbsp. grape seed oil or light olive oil 4 extra jumbo scallops 6-8 uncooked jumbo (or larger) shrimp, peeled & deveined Coarse sea salt or Kosher salt
scallops until you can see a brown edge forming around the bottom (about 2 to 2 1/2 minutes.) Carefully lift one scallop -- if the surface has a nice caramelized color, turn them over. Cook for just another minute until the scallops are springy but not quite firm. Remove the scallops and keep warm. Wipe out the pan, then add the strawberries and vinegar. Remove the strawberries after they are heated through (about 30 seconds) and let the balsamic cook down briefly until thickened to a syrupy consistency. To serve, place the green on a plate, top with the scallops, shrimp, and strawberries, then drizzle the balsamic reduction over the scallops and shrimp. Makes 2 servings
Individual Chocolate Lovers Cakes
1 box Devil's Food cake mix + ingredients to make boxmix 7 oz. sweetened condensed milk 6 oz. caramel sauce 1 fun size Heath Bar per cake, crushed, Cool Whip
In a bowl, stir together the vinegar and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Fold in the strawberries, cover, and chill for at least one hour. Remove from the fridge when you're ready to start cooking. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute the shallots until softened, then add the spinach leaves or arugula and turn until well mixed. Cook just a minute or two until all the leaves have wilted but are still fully green. Remove greens to a strainer and keep warm.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees . Grease 8 ramekins and place on a cookie sheet. Bake cakes according to directions on package, until done. Cool cakes on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Poke various holes in cakes with fork. While cake is cooling, heat conDry the scallops and shrimp well and sprinkle with the coarse densed milk and caramel over low heat; stir until combined. salt. Heat a skillet or saute pan over medium high heat until Pour over cakes and generously sprinkle with crushed candy quite hot. Add the grape seed or light olive oil, let oil heat a mo- bars. After cake is completely cooled, garnish with a dollop of ment, then carefully add the scallops and shrimp (there will be whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel, and a few pieces of some spattering.) Let the shrimp sear for about 1 minute per crushed candy bar. Makes eight 10 oz. cakes side until just opaque. Remove and keep warm. Don't move the 17
ITS ALL ABOUT THE KIDS FOUNDATION It's All About the Kids Foundation is a 501 c [3] non profit organization that helps kids SUCCEED! Founded in 2004 by Angela Brannon and Shawn Heyl, the Foundation has created and provided unique programs to enhance the lives of less fortunate youth and their families. The Foundation is committed to the advancement of children through the joining of music, the arts and the generosity of corporations and individuals. Over 1000 children and their families with HIV/AIDS, victims of crime, and orphans in Baja Mexico are helped each year. www.ItsAllAboutTheKids.org
holiday toy drives and other special events in her spare time. On her birthday, April 20, 2003, Angela decided to take Party for a Purpose to the next level and become Partying For A Purpose, a charitable organization. She realized that this was the way to combine her passion for helping children and her ability to produce spectacular events. As Executive Director, Angela is living her dream of enhancing the lives of children and those who are less fortunate and in need. In March 2004, she and Shawn Heyl formed the It’s All About the Kids Foundation. With Shawn as Board of Director President and Angela as Executive Director, the new Foundation will continue to develop the much needed programs for San Diego’s kids and create more exciting events. She was Executive Director from 2004-2012.
Angela Brannon has been a San Diego resident for over 15 years. After completing her Bachelors of Arts at Arizona State University, she began her successful journey in social services through the WIC [Women, Infants and Children] and Commodity Supplemental Food Program. After translating federal regulations into local agency protocol and converting the distribution system to save tens of thousands of dollars annually, she went into the trenches. As a Nutrition Education Coordinator, Angela expanded nutrition classes and made a difference in the lives of over 5000 San Diego women and children. After owning two of her own businesses, she then designed the interior theme decor for corporate events with budgets ranging from $5,000 to $250,000. In 1997, she formed Party for a Purpose as a way for her to produce 18
Angela was nominated for the 2005 San Diego Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business Award and received the Channel 10 Leadership Award in March 2006. In 2007, Angela received the prestigious Pierre Toussaint Award from Father Joe and St. Vincent De Paul and the Legacy of Hope Award from Christie’s Place. Also in 2007, she was chosen by San Diego Magazine as one of San Diego’s ’50 People to Watch’ and she was nominated for the Art in Living Foundation’s Heroes of Humanities Award. In 2008, she won the Molina Healthcare Community Champions Award in Education. Angela was nominated for San Diego Magazine’s Women of the Year in 2010 and 2011. In January 2013, Angela was honored as Hero of the Month from San Diego North County Kids Magazine.
RILYA Alert Criteria• *The abduction is of a child age 17 years or younger. The parent must have contacted law enforcement to report child missing. *A RILYA Alert may also be issued if the child is classified as a runaway by the police. If the parent has reported missing child and has convincing evidence that child does not have a history of running away, an alert will be initiated within the 1st hour. *We recognize that at times, not all information is readily available (ie. license plate numbers, name of abductor, or witness to abduction. In such cases, the available information will be reviewed and verified prior to RILYA Alert. *The law-enforcement agency believes the child is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death. *All children of color meeting the criteria for the Amber Alert will also receive the RILYA Alert If these criteria are met, alert information is assembled for public distribution. This information may include descriptions and pictures of the missing child, the suspected abductor, and a suspected vehicle along with any other information available and valuable to identifying the child and suspect.
19
20
21
Chicken Tortilla Soup Pat Holmes 2 Chicken breast with bone on 1 stick of butter ½ cup of flour 1 onion 2 Cups ½ n ½ 2 Cups Broth from chicken (you may want more or less depending on the thickness of the soup you desire) 2 Cans Rotel 2 Cans of chopped chilies 1 Can drains and rinsed black beans Season with salt and pepper to taste 1 ½ teaspoon cumin Condiments: sour cream, cheese and tortilla chips Cover the chicken breast with water and cook for at least one hour. Shred the chicken breasts or cut them up to the desired size. If I have extra vegetables like onions, carrots celery I add them to the chicken to make the broth tastier. Melt the butter in a large pan and then add the chopped onion. Cook the onion until soft then add flour mix until combined. Add the ½ n ½ and mix well and slowly add the broth. Begin to add the Rotel, chilies and black beans. Season with salt/pepper and cumin to taste.
22
23
Missing/Marietta Georgia Lauren Ekeleme Case Type: Family Abduction DOB: Aug 12, 1998 Sex: Female Missing Date: Sep 9, 2005 Race: Black Age Now: 14 Height: 3'7" (109 cm) Missing City: MARIETTA Weight: 50 lbs (23 kg) Missing State : GA Hair Color: Black Missing Country: United States Eye Color: Brown Case Number: NCMC1119183
Madeline Ekeleme DOB: Apr 28, 2001 Age Now: 11 Missing: Sep 9, 2005 Sex: Female Missing From: MARIETTA GA United States Race: Black Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Height: 3'1" (94cm) Weight: 35lbs (16kg) Circumstances: Lauren and Madeline were last seen on September 9, 2005. The photos shown were taken after they went missing, in 2009. Lauren is shown age-progressed to 13 years, Madeline is shown age-progressed to 11 years. They are believed to be in Nigeria with an adult female relative. The height and weight for the children are approximations. Lauren's nickname is Ada and Madeline's nickname is Ogadi. ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST) Federal Bureau of Investigation (Atlanta, Georgia) 1-404-679-9000 we better start better caring for our children, because they are the only ones who are going to repair our broke communities of broken men . . .
Missing/Creswel Oregon Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Height: 5'2" Weight: 124lbs Age: 15 Missing since: 1/11/13 From: Creswel, Oregon Bedria went missing from home on 1/11/13. She was last seen in Sacramento, California on 1/19/13. She may have traveled to California, Oregon, or Washington. She could be in danger.
FOUND SAFE
2 /9/2013
Anyone who has seen or may know Bedria Williams whereabouts please contact the following: Sacramento Police Units or call 911. Sacramento Dispatch Unit: (916) 264-5471 Sacramento Detective Unit: (916) 808-0560 24
Bedria Williams
25
Still Standing Where does your faith lie…is it in
and not at the past as the past is nothing
your own actions, in the actions of others,
that we can change. Even when you are
or is it in God? This is a question that we
down, you are not out; even when you’ve
all have to and should stop to think about
felt alone you are not considering none of
because this is what determines the out-
us are immune to the trials and tribula-
come of every situation that we encoun-
tions of life. Victory is the prescription
ter. It is the ending result in where we fall
that we all posses and that is something
in line when it comes to a resolution of
that we must hold fast to.
the trials and tribulations that we experi-
As we crossover into the month of
ence no matter how great or small that
Thanksgiving, we all have a lot to be
they are.
thankful for even when it feels like we are
For me, writing the encouragement
at our wits end. We have our life to be
letter “Just Stand” said it all, and so now
thankful for as many did not make it to
I’m telling you all that I’m “Still Standing”
view the day that we are able to view, to
…has it been easy…no way, and every
take in the sights around us that God has
day that I go through is a challenge, but I
shared His grace with us to experience.
know in my heart of hearts that I can’t
No matter what we go through, no
give up, that I have to keep going. Chal-
matter how hard it may get, even in the
lenging my storm is what I do daily, and
moment where we feel that things haven’
while it’s hard, at the end of the day I say
t worked out as we’d hoped, even when
“thank you Lord anyhow” and I know that
we say there is so much to shake our
the good Lord knows what that means
heads on when we think about the things
and where my heart is on that. I know
that we’ve had to deal with in our lifetime,
that the Lord knows me better than I
some more devastating than others; the
know myself and He knows exactly what
reality is that we’re here, we have been
I can and can’t handle even when I say I
blessed to see another day and make it
can’t.
through another storm...we are Still Standing.
A journey is what we are faced with on a daily basis and our inclusions not
Paula Whitebear-Burton
exclusions to the obstacles that the journey will bring is not a recipe of defeat. We have to look towards the future 26
27
PEAS IN THEIR PODS KEEPING OUR CHILDREN PRIORITY
www.peasintheirpods.com
28