Searcy Living Issue 4 2015 by Searcy Living

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2 Your Hometown Magazine

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4 Your Hometown Magazine

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issue 4 2015

Out & About At Summer Fun Fest 24 Financial Moves For A Growing Family

Searcy For Africa 44 Camp Quality USA 56 Searcy Children’s Homes 62 Kyle’s Journey To Victory 66 Roo And You 76 The Labyrinth 90

Publisher’s Note 11 Hope Believe 12 Fashion Fun 20 We The People 26 Over The Counter 74

“A good life is when you smile often,

Fab Do It Yourself 92

dream big, laugh a lot and realize how blessed you are for what you have.”

Dinner And A Magazine 94

–Unknown

Living Near Searcy 78

Games And Puzzles 96

On the Cover Glenn Boyd and Tom Carr (IHCF - African Christian Hospitals) SearcyLiving.com 9

Publisher Christine Walker Art Director & Webmaster Garrett Johnson Graphic Assistant Ikey Ray Editorial Assistant Cherie Sewell Makeover Coordinator Christine Locke Office Manager Chasity Thomas Contributing Independent Photographers TJ Boarman (501) 416-7034 Kimberly Brackins (501)279-1515 George Dillin (501)268-9304 Cassie Jones (501)230-0539 Candace Skarda (501)281-6297 Taylor Howard Photography (870)917-8012 Feature Writer Cecelia Wilson

Searcy Living Locally Owned and Operated 812 South Main Street Searcy, AR 72143 searcyliving@yahoo.com (501) 368-0095 SearcyLiving.com For subscription information go to SearcyLiving.com

Copyright 2015 Shark Promotions LLC. Searcy Living, Cabot Living, and Your Hometown Magazine are trademarks of Shark Promotions. All rights reserved. Ownership, rights, and logos are property of their respected businesses. No part may be reproduced without written permission. Shark Promotions LLC is not responsible for claims, misprints, discrepancies, advice of any kind, or content in advertisements or editorials, but will rectify errors in forthcoming issues.

Searcy Living Magazine is a subsidiary of Shark Promotions LLC.

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If you’ve read Searcy Living for any amount of time, then you know I love reading quotes. I just ran across this one the other day and thought you would like it, too!

7 Rules in Life

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Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.

What others think of you is none of your business.

Time heals almost everything, give it time.

Stop thinking too much. It’s alright not to know the answers. They will come to you when you least expect it.

Don’t compare your life to others and don’t judge them. You have no idea what their journey is about.

No one is in charge of your happiness, except you. And, as always, thank you for reading Searcy Living. :)

Smile. You don’t own all the problems of the world.

Find Us On

Remember The Extras On Searcy For Africa

Searcy Children’s Homes

Kyle’s Journey To Victory

“Certainly, most people travel to Africa to help in some meaningful way, but there is so much that can be learned from the citizens there.”

of Searcy for the past 40 years and are looking forward to serving our wonderful community for another 40 years.”

“When I get really sad thinking about his last two days on earth and having to let him go, I try to do something nice for another precious child that has cancer.”

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“We have been blessed to be in the city

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Hope Believe

Foster Care and Adoption Boutique

* The Searcy Living Foster Care and Adoption Boutique is simply a room in the Searcy Living business office that we have dedicated for use in helping foster & adoptive families, and sometimes emergency situations. Our awesome Searcy Living readers bring in donations and foster parents are able to â&#x20AC;&#x153;shopâ&#x20AC;? for what they need for foster, adopted and disadvantaged children, at no cost. Our office is located at 812 S. Main Street in Searcy. We welcome gently used or new items. Thank you, Searcy, for your generosity and time spent to support the Foster Care Boutique!

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Although Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not their birth mother I care for them each day, I cuddle, sing and read to them And watch them as they play

Thank

I see each new accomplishment I help them grow and learn I understand their language, I listen with concern They come to me for comfort, And I kiss away their tears, They proudly show their work to me, I give the loudest cheers! No Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not their birth mother, But my role is just as strong. I nurture them and keep them safe, Though maybe not for long. I know someday the time will come when we will have to part. But I know each child I cared for IS FOREVER IN MY HEART! ~Author Unknown Fact: Children enter foster care through no fault of their own. Most are in care due to experiencing abuse or extreme neglect.

Thanks

Thank Y o

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Hope Believe As the old Proverb says, sometimes it does take a village to raise a child. Not one entity can provide the resources and support for all the children in need, but we can pull together and do our part. The children that the Foster Care Boutique helps are sometimes the most extreme needs in the community. Thank you for the clothing, diapers, and volunteer hours you have provided to this project.

We need diapers in all sizes!

Thank

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want you to share your bread with the hungry, open your homes to the homeless poor, remove the yokes of injustice, let the oppressed go free.â&#x20AC;? ~ Isaiah 58:6

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Congratulations to the Plunkett family! Foster and Adoption

Blood may be thicker than water but LOVE IS THICKER THAN ANYTHING!

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A Special Thank You To Jim & Tammy Dixon SearcyLiving.com 15

Hope Believe A Big Thank You! Elks Lodge Danny Hobbs E.R. Pam Boggan Anita Varnell Michelle Rodgers Martha Hayes Jamesina Henry

Thank Thank you to Doris Pruitt

Thank you Mallory & Angela!

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Thanks

Congratulations to the Bass family!

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A Big Thank You! Fellowship Bible Church

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Hope Believe

A Big Thank You! Harding University Uplift

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Before

After

Our summer makeover, Kristie Weeks, wears an outfit styled by Amanda Taylor at Hays. Doris Yates of The Cosmetic Studio applied Kristie’s makeup, and Kim Grimes of Symmetrix Salon and Day Spa did her hair. Kristie received her manicure from Sheena Jackson of Bliss Salon. Our own Christine Walker commemorated the day in portraits. Many thanks to all our generous sponsors for making Kristie’s experience special!

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Christine Locke Makeover Coordinator

3005 E. Race St. • Searcy (501) 268-0800

By Doris

Yates at

In the Heart & Soul Plaza 1623 E. Beebe-Capps • Searcy (501) 279-2526

By Kim

Grimes

2904 Hawkins Dr. • Searcy (501) 268-4540

By Sheena Jackson at

Turn the page for more fashion & beauty retailers.

> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

219 W. Market Ave. Downtown Searcy 501-279-2544 SearcyLiving.com 21

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Fernando Farfan and Vickey Haycox load a free computer into Alicia Donnelly’s car after she completed the two-day computer training with Connect Arkansas.

   Computers Donated Through Connect Arkansas’ Computers 4 Kids Program Connect Arkansas, a project of the Arkansas Capital Corporation Group, announced the donation of 44 Internetready computers to families who completed the Computers 4 Kids program held at Searcy High School. Computers 4 Kids is a two-day digital literacy program that educates Arkansas children and families about the Internet and its relevancy in today’s society. Connect Arkansas received state funds to increase Internet awareness, education and use in Arkansas. As part of those grants, Connect Arkansas partnered with the University of Arkansas at Monticello to develop the Computers 4 Kids program and worked with Arkansas-based computer distributor, eSCO Recycling, to provide refurbished, Internet-ready computers. Since the program’s inception, nearly 2,800 families have received digital literacy training and free computers. “We are very pleased with the success of the Computers 4 Kids program,” said Sam Walls III, president of Connect Arkansas. “The families who receive the computers are now better equipped for success in today’s educational environment.” The Arkansas Capital Corporation Group of companies empower entrepreneurs by providing capital in conjunction with community banks to businesses through its capital

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availability products and advocating for entrepreneurs through capital, educational, and technological improvements. The Arkansas Capital Corporation Group serves as the platform from which new opportunities are launched. In addition to the flagship company, Arkansas Capital Corporation, there are seven affiliate and partner companies, including Six Bridges Capital Corporation, Arkansas Capital Relending Corporation, Arkansas Economic Acceleration Foundation, Heartland Renaissance Fund, Connect Arkansas, Pine State Regional Center, and SouthWind Analytics. To learn more, visit www. arcapital.com. Connect Arkansas, established in 2007, is dedicated to increasing high-speed Internet subscription and improving and sustaining Internet adoption throughout Arkansas. The Connect Arkansas Broadband Act was signed into law on March 28, 2007, with the goal of improving personal lives and creating economic opportunity for Arkansans. Act 604 of 2007 states that Connect Arkansas’ mission is to “prepare the people and businesses of Arkansas to secure the economic, educational, health, social, and other benefits available via broadband use.” Connect Arkansas seeks to advance that goal through community-based initiatives.

National Nursing Home Week From the Crossing at Riverside

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The Unity Health Foundation recently announced the 2015 Foundation Auxiliary Scholarship recipients at the annual Auxiliary Awards Luncheon held at Unity Health’s White County Medical Center campus. Recipients include (standing): Erica Peters, Erin Hendricks, Emily Parker, Traike Elliott, Baelynn Polk, Delaney Hoofman, Sydney Smith and Erin Inman. Seated: Eric Ramsey, Asher Beard, Stephanie Williams, Sarah Sanford, Sydney Brewer and Blake Shourd. Not pictured: Landon Ashby.

Nevaeh Poteat • Judsonia Prospect Bluff Junior Miss Queen - 6 yrs old

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Unity Health Welcomes Dr. Ron Wauters Unity Health is excited to welcome psychiatrist Ron Wauters, M.D., to the local medical community. Wauters will join fellow psychiatrists Herman Clements, M.D. and Scott Stanley, M.D. at the Unity Health – Clarity Health and Wellness clinic, located at 2908 Hawkins Dr. in Searcy. He will also see patients at Unity Health Courage, an adolescent behavioral health unit for those ages from 1217 who are still in school, located on Unity Health’s Specialty Care campus. Wauters will serve as Unity Health’s Behavioral Health Medical Director. He completed medical school at Texas A & M University College of Medicine and is specialized in child, adolescent and adult psychiatry. In his spare time, Wauters enjoys hunting, fishing and restoring old cars. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call Unity Health Clarity Health and Wellness at (501) 203-0055.

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Award & Scholarship Searcy pediatric cancer survivor Heidi Abston received the CARTI Kids Memorial Fellowship Award along with a CARTI Kids Dennis Jungmeyer Scholarship valued at $2,500 during a special ceremony at the Arkansas Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mansion recently. (Pictured, from left: Arkansas First Lady Susan Hutchinson; Heidi Abston; fellowship award sponsor Lisa Gondek; and Dennis Jungmeyer.)

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The White County Cyclones Thank you for your support!

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Searcy SWAT 8U girls bring home 2nd place in Guy, AR tourney

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Hamburgers for Homelessness The second annual Ultimate Hamburger Grill-Fest: Hamburgers for Homelessness event raised $9,825 to benefit Jacobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place Homeless Mission, which provides housing and support for White County families in need.

Searcy & Area Families May Participate In Cultural Exchange ď&#x192;&#x161; Searcy resident Beth Huddleston is interviewing families in this area interested in participating in a cultural exchange experience by hosting an international high school student for the coming academic year. Ms. Huddleston serves as Community Coordinator for PAX, a non-profit foundation which provides a U.S. high school and homestay program for students from over 70 different countries in Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia and Latin America. PAX students are between the ages of 15 and 18, speak English, have full insurance coverage and their own spending money. Students from different countries look forward to living like American teens for one school year - joining sports teams, studying for exams, and participating fully in family life. PAX families are asked to provide students with meals, a place to sleep and study, and a warm, supportive environment. Private rooms are not required and single parents, young couples and retirees are welcome to apply. PAX also sends American students overseas. Inquire if you have a student between the ages of 15-18 who would like to travel abroad. For information call Beth Huddleston at 501-230-4255 or the PAX national office at 800555-6211 to find out how easy it is to host an exchange student. Share your home and family with a young person for a year, a semester or as a welcome family.

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Junior Golf at the Searcy Country Club

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Paul and Jo Ford enjoy a copy of Searcy Living Magazine in Brazil!

Sherwood Urgent Care Offers Sports Physical Give Back Program Sherwood Urgent Care, an affiliate of Urgent Team, one of the largest and fastest growing independent operators of urgent care centers across the Southeast, is currently offering a program that not only promotes sports physicals for local high school athletes but also gives back to the schools which they attend. Sherwood Urgent Care is offering a great opportunity to raise funds for high schools’ athletic programs by giving back $5 for every local high school athlete receiving a sports physical from a Sherwood Urgent Care Center. The program will run June 1stSeptember 30th, 2015. All athletes or parents of athletes will have to do to ensure the $5 donation is given to their school is to tell the Front Desk which high school the athlete attends and fill out a brief form during the patient intake process. Mike Dupuis, Division Vice

President for Sherwood Urgent Care says, “Sherwood Urgent Care places great value in positively impacting the communities where our Centers are located.” “This program allows us to do that by not only helping athletes prepare for their upcoming sports seasons but also give back to the high schools,” said Dupuis. Sherwood Urgent Care can provide sports physicals at any of our Centers and no appointments are necessary. For a complete list of locations and hours, please visit our website at www.SherwoodUrgentCare.com

Against the Odds In retrospect, it wasn’t an easy thing to

do. “Start a school based solely on Biblical principles…can it be done? Educate children and instill values that America was founded on…impossible this day in time! It takes dedication to have a Christian school…Do we have the dedication it takes? Who will take responsibility for the children? WHO is the question!” These were some of the questions in the minds of the founding group of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Academy over 7 years ago. The answer to all these questions is the same, “No, we can’t do it.” Seeming to be a dooming decision for the idea of a Christian school based out of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in rural Searcy, the idea was all but totally dismissed. The disciples of Jesus faced related questions that would have caused a dismissal of their ideas as well, had it not been for a very simple explanation by Jesus. “And Jesus looking upon them saith, with men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” -Mark 10:27 This is the answer to all of the questions of those founding members. Now, on the dawning of our eighth school year at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Academy, we continue to be amazed at God’s providence and protective hand. Man alone cannot build and maintain a school based on Christian principles. Man alone cannot

allow this Christian education to remain affordable in this economy. Neither can man alone place the joy of the Lord and a love for children into the hearts of teachers, faculty, administration, and school board members. Man alone cannot, but God can and He is daily proving it to us, our students, and their parents. We are not only Christians, but educators; and not only Christian educators, but also parents. So, if you find that Christian education may be the choice for your family, we extend a personal invitation to you to visit our facility at 559 Clay Road in Searcy, Arkansas, attend one of our church services, or contact us to inquire about enrollment or pose any other questions you may have. E-mail us at mpba1611@gmail.com. Most important of all, remember: With man it is impossible, but with God all things are possible. James Vanoven, Administration

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Harding University President’s Council

2015 Meeting & Dessert Reception Harding University’s Office of University Advancement recently hosted its Spring 2015 President’s Council Meeting and Dessert Reception. Both events were held on campus in Cone Chapel overlooking the iconic front lawn. A variety of desserts and heavy hors d’oeuvres were offered by Classic Fare Catering, all set in a serene environment of green and white linens from In Any Event party rentals, jazz piano music by Dr. Scott Carrell and beautiful flower arrangements by Carren’s Flowers. Many Searcy residents, faculty and staff, as well as President’s Council members from across the nation, attended the events where they connected with old classmates, met new acquaintances, and learned of the latest happenings and fundraising opportunities for the University. The President’s Council will meet again in October 2015 for Homecoming festivities and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Council’s inception. Since its beginning in 1965, the President’s Council has provided energy, fresh ideas, and a distinguished record of sacrifice and faithful support to the University. Membership includes men and women who are committed to the mission of Harding University and Christian higher education. The Office of University Advancement seeks additional individuals for Council membership to continue this legacy, upholding the values and traditions of Harding. For a minimum of $600 per year, one can join the President’s Council to become a part of this group of dedicated supporters of Harding University. For more information about the President’s Council or the Office of University Advancement, visit http://www.harding.edu/advancement, email advancement@harding.edu, or call 501279-4312.

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 Junior Golf League at The Course at River Oaks

Favorite Facebook Quotes

Confessions of a Real Person

I screwed up last night. I yelled. Actually, I think I snapped. Remember that Bill Cosby bit about the chocolate cake for breakfast? I think I looked a lot like his wife in that bit. I lost all ability to parent, or even to be the adult. My poor kids! I am praying that they do not grow up to be as warped as I must be molding them to be. ***insert sad and heavy self-loathing sigh here*** So, this morning, I had to apologize. It’s humbling to apologize to your little people. It feels way better when you think they think you have it all together. (They probably know the truth anyway.) Children are so gracious and forgiving. They just said, “It’s okay, Mom. We forgive you.” They even fessed up and apologized for pushing my buttons. We regained peace, even for just a little while. That’s what GRACE does. It restores things. We get to go back to square one and start over. Grace lets go. Grace forgets. Grace moves forward. Today, I celebrate GRACE, and a fresh start.

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Vice President For Alumni & Parent Relations  Congratulations to Liz Howell, who was named to the newly created post of Vice President for Alumni and Parent Relations of Harding University!

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When you add a child to your family, either through birth or adoption, it’s obviously an exciting and joyful time in your life — and it’s also a busy one, as you deal with all the challenges and commitments faced by all parents. However, hectic as your life may be, you’ll still need to think about making some key financial arrangements to accommodate your new child.

Here are some suggestions to consider: ■■ ■■ ■■

■■

Get a Social Security number. You’ll want to obtain a Social Security number for your child as soon as possible. Speak with a tax advisor. If you’re adopting a child, you might be eligible for federal income tax credits. Build an emergency fund. Obviously, a new child may mean a variety of new expenses. If you aren’t prepared for these costs, many of which may crop up suddenly, you might be forced to dip into your long-term investments. Such a move could slow your progress toward your important goals, such as a comfortable retirement. To avoid this potential problem, try to build an emergency fund containing six months’ worth of living expenses. Put the money in a liquid account so you can access it quickly and without penalty. Research options for a special needs child. If you have a special needs child, you may want to explore any available government benefits and consider speaking with an attorney about your legal options. Consider disability insurance. You may want to purchase disability insurance, or review your current policy, to ensure your family’s needs are covered should you become ill or disabled and cannot work for a while. Review your life insurance. It’s essential that you maintain adequate life insurance to cover your family’s future financial needs, including education costs. While your employer may offer you a group policy, it might not be sufficient to keep up with your growing family. There’s no one “formula” for determining the appropriate amount of life insurance, but a professional financial advisor can review your family situation and recommend suitable coverage. Save for college. Given the high costs of higher education, it’s never too soon to start putting away money for college. You may want to consider a tax-advantaged account, such as a 529 plan, which offers high contribution

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■■ ■■

limits and provides you with the flexibility to switch beneficiaries, if necessary. Review/add beneficiary designations. You may want to change or add beneficiaries to your IRA, 401(k), life insurance, annuities and other accounts. Explore a custodial account. You might want to consider a custodial account, such as an UGMA or UTMA, that allows you to transfer assets for the benefit of a child under 21. (Consult with your tax and legal advisors before making this move.) Of course, you don’t have to take care of all these items at once. But by methodically working your way through this list, you will eventually adjust your overall financial strategy to include your new child — which means you’ll be helping your growing family make progress toward its important goals. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

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Tom Carr, Executive Director IHCF - African Christian Hospitals

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IHCF - African Christian Hospitals

By Cecelia Wilson Searcy Living recently sat down with Tom Carr, Executive Director of the International Health Care Foundation (IHCF)-African Christian Hospitals. As stated on their website, IHCF “is the supporting/ facilitating organization for seven medical mission points in Africa.” Specifically, IHCF is involved with three projects in Nigeria, two in Ghana and, most recently, two partnerships in Tanzania and has recently participated in projects in Swaziland, Burkina Faso. Long before he was offered the position of Executive Director, Tom Carr was familiar with IHCF. Employed in Virginia as a college Vice President, Carr already had 20 years of nonprofit work under his belt, but was not necessarily looking for a career change when the Board came calling. However, the Harding University and Florida State graduate decided to accept the position and was eager to move back to Searcy where his parents lived. That was ten years ago and he has had no regrets. Dr. David Staggs and Glenn Boyd recruited Tom to join IHCF and return to Searcy. Tom and Glenn’s paths had crossed at various times through the years and they were well aquainted. Glenn served as president of IHCF African Christian Hospitals for 20 years before Tom joined the organization in 2005. Glenn continues to help by serving on the organization’s board of directors and working two days a week as a volunteeer heading up the African Scholarship Program which helps send 30 young Africans to medical, nursing and other health related schools. Traveling to Africa two times each year, Carr checks in on the hospitals and clinics supported by IHCF. The facilities are managed and run on a daily basis in Africa, but his job is to make sure they are helped, they run smoothly and that they have enough infrastructure and funds to do so. Not only are those trips necessary to evaluate each location’s needs, they also serve to inspire him and the individuals that travel with him. “I don’t think anything can prepare you for seeing Africa for the first time,” he shares. From the extreme poverty of the population to the sights and sounds of the exotic nature – it can be overwhelming to the senses. And while most volunteers go with the

best motivation, a few well-intentioned Americans misunderstand their contribution to the continent. Certainly, most people travel to Africa to help in some meaningful way, but there is so much that can be learned from the citizens there. “Most Americans understand it is a two-way street…Our clinics and hospitals are open yearround. They are taking care of the sick every day whether or not Americans ever visit. Right now, at all the hospitals and clinics we are associated with, only one American doctor [is] working on a full time basis.” The point is that African doctors do especially well with the diseases they see very day. After all, the average American general practitioner rarely sees a case of malaria or typhoid during his/her entire career. African doctors, on the other

“ The entire United States is relatively rich. In fact, America’s bottom ventile is still richer than most of the world: That is, the typical person in the bottom 5 percent of the American income distribution is still richer than 68 percent of the world’s inhabitants.” ~ Tim Worstall - Contributing writer Forbes Magazine SearcyLiving.com 45

mbaise christian health center – Nigeria

 Student nurses helping with babies.

hand, may see up to 20 or more malaria cases each day. So, while specialists in surgical procedures from the U.S. may deliver an expertise uncommon to the hospitals in Africa and save countless lives by going, it is fair to say that the doctors native to Africa are certainly capable of treating their own people with their local diseases. As is often the case, the bottom line is that there are lessons American health care professionals can learn from Africans and African health care professionals can learn from Americans. The Nigerian Christian Hospital began 50 years ago, in 1965, when Dr. Henry Farrar was making plans to go to China as a medical missionary. Having difficulties with the Chinese logistics, a group of missionaries in Nigeria contacted the doctor and suggested he look at West Africa instead. Treating wounds and providing basic firstaid had become part of those missionaries’ daily routine, but as the numbers seeking medical attention began to grow, the missionaries realized there was a greater need for more formal medical practitioners in the area – they had to do more for the sick and learn more about how to care for people’s basic healthcare needs. They needed help and they looked to Dr. Farrar. Many older Searcy Living readers may remember Dr. Farrar. He served as a physician (surgeon) in Searcy for many years. He was also a long-serving member of Harding’s Board of Trustees and was an Elder at the College Church. Exploring the opportunities in the impoverished nation, Dr. Farrar traveled to Nigeria, began doing clinic work there almost immediately and soon thereafter started making plans to build a hospital with like-minded missionaries. Fifty years later, that hospital still stands and has helped untold numbers of sick and poor in the African nation during its tenure. “It’s a very African hospital,” Carr says of the facility in Nigeria. “It doesn’t look at all like an American hospital. Most Americans are used to a hospital being shiny,  New convert receiving Bible.

 Mobile clinic in Ghana. 46 Your Hometown Magazine

 Dr. Henry Farrar and wife Grace. Dr. Farrar started the Nigerian Christian hospital 50 years ago.

 Young Dr. Farrar

bright, perfectly clean…but, nothing in their society is like that. It’s the tropics, for one thing, so if you’re not power washing with a bleach solution every two or three weeks, the tropics take over anyway.” But though the façade or décor may not adhere to most American’s mental picture of a medical facility, the Nigeria Christian Hospital is still a booming facility – even 50 years later. Though he is obviously more often stateside, Carr finds his job assisting the work in Africa gratifying. He specifically points to a clinic in Ghana that was overwhelmed with a rapidly growing number of patients over the years. About a year ago, IHCF built a better, more suitable facility equipping the clinic to more easily serve the poor patients that flock to it from surrounding areas. And those patients that are served are extremely grateful. While it is difficult for some patients to pay for the services, approximately 85 percent of the patients do pay something for the care they have received. An additional 15,000 patients each year are not able to pay anything - not even the equivalent of a penny. Some patients (or their families) who are unable to pay the hospital charges will return to the hospital at a later date to perform tasks around the hospital as a way to express their gratitude for the medical help received. With the Muslim faith prevalent in many pockets of Africa, healing and spreading Christianity may be a challenging goal, but it is a labor of love and one that IHCF takes seriously. The theme of Christ’s love permeates the lives of the doctors, nurses and workers; it permeates their daily activities at the hospitals and clinics in West Africa and East Africa. And that love is returned by appreciative patients and a citizenry longing for healing and a helping hand in life. The Nigerian Christian Hospital’s motto sums up IHCF’s work best: “We treat the wound; God heals it.”  American nurses at a health screening.

How your group can help: Medical Mission-in-a-Box 1. Purchase a plastic footlocker from any

discount retailer. ■■ Available in Automotive Department. ■■ Meets airline standards. ■■ Has silver clasps on each end and a place for a padlock in the center.

2. Collect

The following supplies are always needed: Bandages of all styles Adult multi-vitamins Children’s chewable multi-vitamins Benadryl New reading glasses Triple antibiotic ointment Pre-natal vitamins First aid or any medical tape Exam gloves Hydrocortisone cream Gauze pads Cotton balls & Q-Tips Tylenol or Tylenol PM Finger splints Aspirin Imodium Cold & flu tablets Antifungal cream Eye drops Pepto Bismol (tablets) Cough drops Ibuprofen Iron tablets Ziplock bags of all sizes

3. Take pictures

■■ Enclose pictures of your group participating in this project.

4. Pack & check weight

 Dr. Al Jones at a remote clinic.

To learn more about the organization & how to support its work: IHCF African Christian Hospital 102 N. Locust St. Searcy, AR 72143 Questions? Call Tom or Fleta 501-268-9511 Website: www.ihcf.net E-mail: tom.ihcf@sbcglobal.net

■■ Each footlocker must weight 50 lbs. or less, ideally 40-50 lbs. and full. ■■ Mix heavy items like vitamins and cough drops with lighter items like cotton balls and Q-tips to achieve ideal weight.

5. Re-pack & Inventory

■■ List quantity and type of each item. ■■ Place this list on top of items. ■■ Secure trunk and lock with a padlock.

6. Pray

■■ Pray for the trunk to arrive safely and in good shape. ■■ Pray the doctors and nurses will have wisdom as they help the sick in the name of Jesus. ■■ Pray for the patients that they will be healed physically and that they will experience the love of Christ.

7. Collect shipping cost & send

■■ Make collecting shipping costs part of the overall project. ■■ Shipping is approximately $150 to Africa. ■■ Ship or bring the trunk to our Searcy office. ■■ Don’t forget the padlock key. SearcyLiving.com 47

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Malnutrition caused by poverty is nearly non-existent in the United States. Deficiencies normally are the result of the type of food consumed.â&#x20AC;? ~ Robert Rector Contributing writer for The Heritage Foundation

Coming back from a well.

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Lisa Carr teaching a Bible lesson.

Village woman pounding yams.

How we walk with the broken speaks louder than how we sit with the great. â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Bill Bennot

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Placing scripture signs around a hospital.

 Cases of African language Bibles for distribution around the clinic.

 Teaching a Bible lesson before a mobile clinic.

 Tom delivering cases of Kon Komba Bibles to evangelist Niipaak Laar.

 Regent (King) of the Dagomba Tribe in northern Ghana.

 Delivering a box of over-the-counter medicine from children of Searcy. 52 Your Hometown Magazine

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 A mission team including Searcy residents.

 Dr. Bob Whittaker examining an eye patient.

 Dr. Marty Farrar with a baby. 54 Your Hometown Magazine

 Palmer hospital in Nigeria.

 Jesse Carr entertaining village children.

 Dr. Mike Glover examining a patient at a mobile clinic.

 Tom helping people with reading glasses.

 Dr. Gene Egli of Mississippi at a mobile clinic.

Glenn Boyd and Tom Carr

Glenn Boyd (pictured left) served as president at IHCF African Christian Hospitals for 20 years before Tom Carr joined the program in 2005. Glenn continues to help by serving on the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s board of directors and working two days a week as a volunteer, heading up the African Scholarship Program. SearcyLiving.com 55

A summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with cancer. Many difficult physical and emotional challenges face a child, and his or her family, when battling cancer. At our summer camps we have developed an important type of “therapy.” We like to call it Smile Therapy! With a laugh in their hearts and smiles on their faces, Camp Q. kids find themselves capable of more than they may have dreamed possible. Pictured are a few of the Optimist Club Volunteers.

Arkansas summer camp is held each year at Camp Powderfork in Bald Knob, AR. Each year we hold a Fall Reunion, Spring Retreat, Teens Leadership Weekend, and Christmas Parties. These yearround area activities occur at different locations around the state.

Activities vary according to the camp location and include swimming, fishing, arts and crafts, and campfires–all of the activities of a summer camp experience.

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Camp Quality had its first camp in 1986. The Optimist Club of Searcy has been a part of the camp since its inception. That's 29 years. It is one of our programs that has touched each and every one of us. There’s a saying in the club: If you ever attend one time, you will never miss another one of our trips to camp. We have anywhere from 6 to 15 people from the club who participate each year, and in the past have also had members from the Batesville and Jonesboro clubs travel to Camp Powerfork to help us. We try to furnish a craft project over most of our days there. We even furnished rodeo events one year, and have had entertainment of some type. This year it was Jon Bucher the magician. We have helped the children make birdhouses, treasure boxes, peg boards,

wooden boats, and so many things it’s too numerous to remember. We also furnish the evening meal on Wednesdays. Usually we do hotdogs, hamburgers, chips, beans and dessert. However, we keep trying to expand our menu. The last 2 years we have added macaroni and cheese, which has gone over big time. We have also served our world famous fair BBQ, which was a big favorite of the adults. Most years we have also made a monetary donation which has ranged from $300 - $500. This is one project that will always be a first with us. To go and see those children, some for the first time, just get to be normal kids is so awesome. Some will break your heart, and some you will rejoice with. But this project is definitely a must for most of us.

Wizard of Oz theme this year.

“ Camp Quality was another success.

We were privileged to be able to cook and serve dinner for 39 clients, plus their sponsors and staff, which numbered about 140. This was a really a good year for us: It didn’t rain [and] the temperature was great. Our job was made easier by Randy Jones, who brought the Centennial Bank cooker, plus he and David Cramner did the cooking. (David was also the official food taster, but that’s all I’m gonna say about that.)”

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began in 1974 as a result of Christians in our community seeing the needs of children that had been abused and neglected and wanting to do something about it. Searcy Children’s Homes is a local faith-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization licensed in the state of Arkansas as a child placing agency. The agency is overseen by a Board of Trustees made up of various Christian men and women in our community who have a heart for children. Searcy Children’s Homes is truly a ministry to children and families. We receive calls sometimes daily from the Department of Human Services about children needing a foster home. In the state of Arkansas, per the most recent published statistics, 7,700 children were placed in foster care. The need is tremendous! We provide “A Clean Start” services to White Co. DHS, providing for the immediate needs of children that have been removed. Those services include providing children with a bath/shower, lice treatment (if needed), clothing, shoes, toiletries, a toy, a stuffed animal, and a snack. I remember once when two little boys came to receive “A Clean Start” services. They arrived with no emotion on their little faces and they were filthy – they even had dog feces under their toenails. After being bathed, dressed in clean clothes and cared for, they began playing, smiling and laughing, and they looked and acted like little children again. We recruit and provide training for Christian families interested in becoming foster and/or adoptive families. We provide a support group for our moms (H.O.P.E. – Hearts of Purpose & Encouragement) and a support and education group for our families (Renewal). These groups provide opportunities for our families and staff to encourage and support each other, to laugh and to cry with each other, and to develop close and caring relationships with each other. We recently received a sweet letter from a child of one of our foster families after a foster child was placed in their home. She wrote, “Being a foster family is fun… God has a great blessing in Heaven for all of you.” We love our foster families! We can provide maternity services for those who are experiencing unplanned pregnancies and who are trying to decide if they want to parent or if they want to create an adoption plan for their unborn child. If they choose to parent, we will provide information about resources that may be available for them and for their baby. If they choose to place their baby with an adoptive family, we assist them in creating an adoption plan and will walk with them through their journey of adoption.

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We provide a child development center for our foster children from birth up to age five that live in our community when their foster parents both work outside the home. Our professional staff are trained to address the special needs of foster children and understand their need for stability, consistency, and lots of nurturing. Recently one little girl said to her teacher, “Let me tell you about Jesus!” Seeds have been planted and now that she has been reunited with her mother, we pray that those seeds will continue to grow and blossom as she shares Jesus with her mom and others. We offer G.A.P (Grandparents As Parents) services which involves outreach to grandparents that are parenting their grandchildren. We provide information packets which include resources that grandparents may find helpful, as well as opportunities for education and support. We provide opportunities for individuals, businesses and churches to support this ministry to children and families. The Sharing Shoppe is a local thrift store that supports Searcy Children’s Homes. The Max Clark Memorial Golf Tournament is an annual event that many in our community are involved in either as volunteers, golfers, or as sponsors, which was held on May 8th this year. Today’s Family Dentistry raised funds through a 5K in April to provide scholarships to Camp Wyldewood for school-age children in our care. Also, a Searcy Kids Triathlon was held on June 6th to raise money for the agency. Many local businesses have Searcy Children’s Homes donation cans by their cash registers which provides their customers with the opportunity to contribute to this work. “Seeds of Hope Sunday” is our annual fundraising campaign that encourages churches to set aside the first Sunday in December to provide their members with the opportunity to contribute to Searcy Children’s Homes. We do what we do because, as Christians, it is what Jesus calls us to do. We have been blessed to be in the city of Searcy for the past 40 years and are looking forward to serving our wonderful community for another 40 years. For more information about how you can become involved with this ministry, please contact us at office@searcychildrenshomes. org, visit our website at www.searcychildrenshomnes.org, or call us at (501) 268-3243.

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know the title is sometimes confusing. But let me

explain Kyle’s Journey. On July 25, 2013, at the age of 16, Kyle was told he had Cancer. It all started with a swollen calf muscle. We thought it was probably strained or pulled due to his dance in the C.O.R.E. drama team at church. He was always such a healthy kid. A parent never thinks that their child can be affected by cancer! I know I never dreamed of it! On that Dreadful day our lives were turned upside down. It’s a Mother’s worst nightmare coming true. It was like the Breath was knocked out of me. You don’t know what to do or say and you just feel completely Helpless. That is how my husband (aka Pops) and I felt. Now Kyle, on the other hand, was like, “We are going to beat this. I know God is a healing God.” That was Kyle’s attitude from the Very Beginning to the Very End. He never doubted God one time in the entire 15 months! He never said one time, ‘I’m in pain’ or ‘I’m hurting.’ He never complained or said, ‘Why me?’ Matter of fact, Kyle never really believed the report of the doctors; he was believing in the report of the Lord. He trusted God and his faith never wavered! When I was at my weakest, he was at his strongest! Kyle was immediately put in the hospital, enduring a bone marrow biopsy, CT scans, heart tests, blood tests, an MRI, and a port put in his chest for his chemo treatments, and then they started his first chemo treatment. Kyle didn’t eat for 10 straight days and got very sick. This was just one of many times he didn’t eat for many days. The test results showed Kyle had cancer in his calf muscle and both lungs. It took several months to really determine exactly what type of cancer he had with the help of several different teams and from different cancer research centers. The Monster was eventually diagnosed as Pleomorphic Sarcoma. The exact name of his cancer is CIC-DUX4 Positive Round Sarcoma. His first stay in the hospital was 10 days. He endured a total of 24 admittances to the hospital for 24 complete rounds of Chemo, with the regimens being changed up about 7 different times. Finally, on January 6, 2014, they made their first attempt to try to remove a portion of the Monster that had invaded his body. They performed a Thoracotomy and took out a Large Tumor and a smaller one. With this surgery Kyle endured a drain tube and 66 Your Hometown Magazine

epidural, only requiring a two night stay in the hospital. We truly are Amazed at how God was in the midst of his healing process. Even the doctors were amazed at how quickly he recovered. Next, he started Radiation Treatments 5 days a week for 6 weeks. After his lung surgery and the radiation treatments, they started his chemo treatments back up. Kyle’s body became very weak and fatigued from all the poison that was being pumped into his body. At this point in the journey we were learning a new normal. Kyle had to sit up a lot more, even to the point of sleeping in the recliner. After several months of this, I posted on Kyle’s Facebook page that we were going to try to raise the money to get him a TEMPURErgo bed, as he felt he could rest better if able to incline the bed. He thought it would really help him to be able to get comfortable. Within probably an hour a sweet family friend, Debbie Harrell, called me and said she wanted to donate the full $1,200 for the bed! Kyle was so excited! We set his new bed up in the living room so he could be comfortable and be able to sleep or watch TV, and I could sit with him. This resulted in a lot of Mother & Son movie time, memories that I will forever cherish.

ily kyle & fam

in japan

In June 2014 Kyle, Pops and I went to Japan for Kyle’s Make a Wish Trip he was granted. We were there for 10 days. It was a Wonderful Experience where we made some Precious Memories that we will Treasure forever. The Southside High School raised the $5,000 to grant the wish, and the Make a Wish Foundation supplied the rest. The entire Trip was completely paid for. All we had to do was to go. It was Amazing, absolutely Amazing! Around September, Kyle’s health begin to decline. It just seemed that no matter what chemo change they did, it just wasn’t working. The cancer was just continuing to spread and cover his lungs. His Oncologist, Dr. Kimo Stine at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, said he threw everything at Kyle but the kitchen sink. The cancer just kept growing and spreading. It was so overwhelming, and it felt like my Heart was being shattered day after day for really the entire 15 months! No matter what time of day or night, I had a social worker, Carolyn McCarley, that I could call when I got scared or didn’t know what to do. I cannot tell you how much this woman did for Kyle and our family. She was always there to help us in any possible way she could. We were truly blessed to have had her. She truly is an Amazing woman. She always went above and beyond anything and everything that was required of her for us. She truly Loves the Kids she helps.

Kyle went in on the 15th of October for his next round of chemo and more scans. Kyle’s heartbeat was very elevated and his oxygen level was staying way too low. His heart was working so hard. The cancer was so massive in his lungs that it was putting tremendous pressure on his heart, esophagus and lungs. Our heart is naturally on the left side of our chest, but Kyle’s was pushed to the right side. On this day Dr. Stein took us to another room and told us, “I think we’re losing him.” These are words that no parent wants to ever hear. My heart just felt like it was shattering when he spoke those words. This round would require 4 nights of a new regimen of chemo. So I just said, “God, You are going to have to help me, because I don’t know what to do.” I told God I trusted Him, even though I did not understand, and I put my trust in Him. I had to put it in God’s hands, because I was just not able physically or mentally to deal with such pain and heartache. On the 18th of October, Kyle turned 18! The nurses on K4 had him a cake made, presents wrapped, signs made & balloons. They literally threw him a party on his 18th birthday! We were all in awe! As weak and as frail as Kyle was, he managed to smile while he opened up the cool gifts they had for him. On this round of chemo, Kyle had an MRI and CT scan, along with blood work. The test results showed his lungs were completely

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full of cancer except one very little spot. When Dr. Stein asked Kyle how he was feeling, Kyle said he felt good. The doctor flipped the monitor around with the scan on it, and said, “Kyle, I don’t know how you are feeling better!” While my Heart was breaking into a million pieces, Kyle kept looking at the monitor and looking away. Looking back at the monitor again, Kyle said, “Well, the radiation hasn’t had time to work yet.” I knew what these results meant, but I just would not let myself believe it! I would not let my thoughts go there. I just couldn’t. I just trusted God, that He would give us the miracle that we had been praying for. I just couldn’t believe He wasn’t going to answer my prayer, or at least the way I thought He would. God’s will was a little different than what we had expected. I held Kyle’s hand every night and prayed for his healing. Kyle didn’t want us to worry. We discovered later that earlier, when he had made us take him to his Uncle Gary & Aunt Jurenda’s and leave him so he could visit, he had asked them to please take care of Pops and Momma if anything ever happened to him! My precious, sweet boy! We left the hospital on Sunday October 19th. At this point, Kyle was on Oxygen non-stop and it was all we could do to get him into the house to his chair. He was supposed to start radiation again on his lungs on Tuesday, but he did not have the strength or energy to even change his shorts. It took him an hour to take the pair he had on off. He had not eaten anything for 10 days at this point. The cancer had his esophagus pushed so far over, with so much pressure being put on it, that he just couldn’t eat. It was just heartbreaking. I noticed through the night that his ankles were swelling. Every 4 hours I was giving him pain meds, and his ankles kept swelling. That morning they were absolutely huge! I called my sister Selena, who is a nurse, and she said his heart was failing. So, I got really scared. Kyle could not get enough air in his lungs. It was just So Heartbreaking. I felt like I was dying inside. I would have done anything to have taken his place. But that wasn’t God’s will. Dr. Stein said there would come a time when we would be scared and not know what to do. Well, this was that time. We told Kyle we were taking him to Children’s, one way or another. We knew he would be better taken care of there, as far as pain and things go. So my husband, his ‘Pops,’ said, “We can either pick you up and carry you to the car or call an ambulance.” When he said call an ambulance, we knew it was bad! When the ambulance arrived, the EMTs had to pick him up and put him on the stretcher because he wasn’t physically able to stand. Then, just a short distance after we hit the blacktop, Kyle stopped breathing. There was not a sound or noise of any kind. He was just ‘Gone.’ I believe an Angel grabbed Kyle by the hand and led him home to his Heavenly Father. Of course, they did CPR all the way to White County. After 45 minutes they got his heart to beat one time, and they slapped life support on him and flew him by helicopter to ACH. We would have never wanted this, of course. Kyle would have never wanted on life support. But at that moment and time, my mind was going in so many directions, and I couldn’t think clearly. That was the worst pain I had ever felt. I felt like I was dying inside! I couldn’t tell them not to do CPR or put him on Life Support, even though I knew it wouldn’t and couldn’t help. It wasn’t like he was going to come back to me. It was a Horrible thing to see the machine pumping air into my son’s lungs, where there was nowhere for it to go. It just jolted his body so hard. My heart was shattered into a million pieces. I felt like I’d had a head on collision with a brick wall! I knew what I had to do, even though it was the hardest thing I ever had to do in my entire life. I knew I had to let them turn the machines off, and let him go.

So that last night, as I sat by his bedside, I held his hand while my sister was at my side and while my 2nd Mom and his Nana was holding his other hand. I just told God, “You have got to get me through this because I am just not physically able or mentally able.” It was a very long and emotionally draining night. The only time I left his side was for a restroom break. When I did, I had my sister Selena hold his hand while I was gone. There were so many of our church Family there, it was amazing. Some of our church family are like real family to us, and they had been there for Kyle from the Beginning to the end. That morning I knew what I had to do, and I knew God would be right there by my side to walk me through it. So, we told the Doctors it was time. Dr. Stein, Carolyn, the Chaplain and many family members were in the room when they started turning off all the medicines, and then finally the machines. Kyle’s body gasped 3 times, and he was gone, and so was a piece of my heart. At that moment I just kind of collapsed. My sister assured me Kyle was not feeling anything, that it was just his body getting rid of the air that was being pumped into his body. After a few moments of despair and crying, my husband started singing “Amazing Grace” and everyone joined in. We released Kyle into God’s arms. He was a gift that had been given to us for a little while, and now it was time for him to return to his Heavenly Father. I will never think of that song the same way again. Now I will tell you where his Healing came in, and our Miracle began. Kyle’s real Journey to Victory. He doesn’t have to endure any more needles, or chemo, or radiation and the burns that are caused by it. No more hospitals, no more nausea & sickness, no more fatigue, no more weakness, no more blood transfusions, no more neulasta shots. He is healed in Jesus’ Name! He received his Heavenly healing. We wanted his earthly healing, no doubt. But God’s ways and God’s thoughts are higher than ours. He had a different plan. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, it was His Perfect will. Kyle is always in my Heart and on my mind, every day that goes by. There is a void that he filled. When I get really sad, thinking about his last two days on earth and having to let him go, I try to do something nice for another precious child that has cancer. This puts a smile on my face, and gives me a little joy, knowing that I helped put a smile on that precious child’s face. Our Miracle. We had no burial insurance. Most people don’t for their 18 year old. So, we just put it on a credit card and trusted God. We believed God would Supply our need according to his riches. The day after we lost Kyle, the Superintendent of Pangburn Schools, Kathy Berryhill, was at my house with paper plates, napkins, paper bowls, coffee, tea, cold drinks, solo cups, and a $1,000 check. The Pangburn High FBLA gave $500, the High School gave $175.93, The Middle School gave $170, and the Elementary School gave $191, and on top of all of that The Pangburn School gave $500 for the 2015 scholarship named after Kyle: the Hands of Kyle “aka” Batman award. We started the Scholarship in Honor of Kyle this year so one of his Classmates would receive the first one. The Lucky winner of the first Hands of Kyle “aka” Batman Scholarship went to Summer Dunaway! I was so excited, because I felt that if Kyle could have picked, he would have picked Summer!

The family used money given from Kyle’s birthday to donate a camouflage glider rocker and ottoman to ACH in memory of him. It is in Room 18, where Kyle had his first chemo treatment.

Pangburn Schools reserved seats for the family and a special chair complete with Kyle’s cap, gown, and diploma. Graduates each gave roses in his honor. SearcyLiving.com 69

The Lucky winner of the first Hands of Kyle “aka” Batman Scholarship went to Summer Dunaway!

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Some of the other people who donated are: The Mt. Top Cowboy Church, $250; McJester Baptist Church, $500; Keep The Faith, $1,000; Alfonzo, owner of San Diego Mexican Restaurant, $500; and a few organizations that Mrs. Carolyn contacted. One of these was the Hemoc Oncology Family Fund (which is through the social work department) from ACH, who gave $1,000. Hemoc-Oncology Grant gave $1,000 and ACCOAR (American Childhood Cancer Organization of Arkansas) gave $1,200, and many friends also gave in Loving memory of Kyle. So, with all that being said, when the credit card bill came in we were able to Pay it Off in Full! Now that is a miracle, my friend! Amazing! Kyle had collected about $344 for his 18th birthday. Since Kyle didn’t get to spend his money, I wanted it to go to a worthy cause. So we bought a camouflage Glider Rocker with a matching Ottoman and donated it to ACH, in memory of Kyle. We had a plate made with his name and the dates on it and attached it to the rocker. They put the rocker in Room 18, because that was where Kyle had his first chemo treatment. I also gave his unopened gifts to other cancer patients on K4. This last May would have been Kyle’s High School Graduation. He would have graduated with the Pangburn Class of 2015! Even though Kyle is no longer with us, they still went all out in including Kyle in their Graduation Ceremony. They had reserved 14 seats at the very front for family members. They had placed his cap, gown and his diploma in his chair on stage. They had his pictures in the slide show with a tribute to Kyle at the end of the slide show. As each graduate walked up to receive their diploma, they got a red rose for their Parents and a white rose for Kyle and put his in 2 vases to present to us, his parents. Kyle was a big part of graduation, if only in spirit. I wish every school who loses a classmate like Kyle, for whatever reason, would do this for that sweet Graduate. People don’t realize how hard that special day is for those that have lost their child. To have him recognized and remembered in such a special way was so very special to us! It meant more than anyone will ever know. I wasn’t able to be there because I lost my Step Dad, “aka Big Daddy,” and was in Texas helping my Mom with all the funeral arrangements. But my Husband, family and Friends were able to be there and see it all. It touched my heart with all they did for my Sweet Boy! It truly amazes me how

the Pangburn Public Schools went above and beyond anything I could ever imagine, not only at Graduation for Kyle, but from the Beginning of his diagnosis to his Home Going. They are truly an Amazing school! They have so Many Wonderful teachers that Kyle and my other son Larry Loved so much! The school sent 2 teachers out twice a week to help Kyle with his studies. There came a time when they were just coming out to visit. Once, the entire school came together during a pep rally to Skype with Kyle. They designed Team Kyle shirts and wore them in his honor. Proceeds for the shirts went to Kyle. This is why I drove my kids 45 minutes one way to school for so many years! It was so very worth it, and I would do it all over again! I’m very Thankful for the Pangburn Public Schools! Now you know why the title is Journey to Victory. In the end, it was all Victory, because Kyle is now resting in the arms of Jesus. And all our expenses are paid in full with the exception of his headstone, and that should be ready any day. We almost have that paid for, too! Praise God, our God is Good and He is Good all the time!

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Kyle’s headstone

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When I first met him, he was in a different group of people from which I had normally talked to at school, but anytime I heard him speak, it piqued my interest. There were many people who would say the first thing that came to mind, but not him. I’d never heard him say anything that wasn’t thought through beforehand. Once we had the chance to be around each other and talk, we quickly became friends. I would even say that we became more than friends, we became like brothers. Throughout our friendship he was always so full of joy, and anywhere he went he would fill others with joy, too. When I heard that he had developed a rare form of cancer, it hit me like an unexpected bullet to the side. I was unsure and confused at first, but as I lifted my hand to see the wound, I quickly saw that I had taken a major blow. And it hurt. I had to see him as soon as possible, but I was afraid of what he would be feeling. I assumed the worst. I expected to walk into his house seeing him sitting, with tears in his eyes as he worked up just enough strength to greet me with a handshake. Boy, was I wrong. I remember walking in, being greeted with a firm hug and seeing his big and joyous grin. The same one he would wear on his best days, and the same one he wore on his worst.

I say all of this to say that despite his life taking a major turn, I never once saw him doubtful. Throughout the time he was taking chemo and throughout the time he wasn’t, he never once said that God had abandoned him. Despite the weakness he was feeling from the chemicals that were being pumped through him to fight off the cancer. Despite the onlookers around him saying he didn’t stand a chance. He kept his head up. He knew that that wasn’t what was important. He knew that God had a plan and that no matter what, God was going to use him to encourage others and to give them hope. I know he did just that for me. He was not only an amazing friend, but he was an amazing person. I feel extremely honored to have been his friend. I can truly say with all honesty, that I am a better person having met him. And I know there are many others who can say the same.

...causing me to look at how I lived my own life. The way Kyle had handled his journey spoke volumes to me, showing how even when times seem the most challenging, the way we handle the challenge is ultimately up to us. The way we handle challenges can be broken down into two general areas. We can either give up hope and question why God would give us an “impossible” task, or we can rise to the occasion and not let it change who we are. Kyle had lived his life by the latter, not letting his journey affect his attitude in a negative way. Troubling news only made his attitude and faith grow stronger. Throughout his journey, Kyle maintained who he was, not letting bad reports bring him down. He, instead, decided to focus on the things in his life that were going right, the things that made him happy. In that way, Kyle inspired me to not let circumstances define who I will be, but take on the circumstances head on, and with a positive attitude, despite how insurmountable they may seem.

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Over the Counter Rodney G. Richmond, RPh, MS, CGP, FASCP Harding University College of Pharmacy

The Importance of Medication Adherence By William Doles, PharmD and Rodney Richmond, RPh, MS, CGP, FASCP

f you are like many people this area, including me, then you probably have been prescribed a blood pressure medication that you should take every day. Well, we are all human and we all make mistakes, so you have probably forgotten to take your medications when you are supposed to. Speaking as a patient and a future pharmacist, I can assure you that it is important to have a schedule that you follow every day. Daily medications should be taken just as the name suggestsâ&#x20AC;Śdaily. High blood pressure is a serious and usually life-long condition that can cause future problems such as kidney failure, blindness, heat failure, and stroke. Medications used to treat high blood pressure are designed to be taken on a

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regular schedule to prevent changes throughout the day. If you are having trouble remembering to take your medications, try placing the bottle near something that you use every day, such as your car keys or wallet. People that need to take a large number of pills may benefit from using a weekly pill organizer to prevent any mistakes. These organizers are inexpensive and can be purchased at any local pharmacy. Alarms and reminder notes may also be helpful in remembering when to take your medications. Taking your medications correctly today may help reduce the number of medications you need to take in the future, so add your medications to your daily routine today and encourage others to do the same.

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Roo &You! anti-bullying campaign Follow the progress on SearcyLiving.com and

Facebook!

Congratulations! Congratulations to the winner of the Roo & You contest! This is our model for the next cover of Searcy Living!

Her story on why not to be a bully will be in the next issue of Searcy Living! 76 Your Hometown Magazine

Congratulations! Second Place! We have a special surprise for our second place contestant! We will announce in the next issue.

Thank You! Thank you to ALL who participated in the Roo & You Anti-Bully Campaign! We are SO PROUD of each and every one of the contestants!

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by C. Walker

Tucked away on a corner of Lake Barnett not far from Searcy is the home of Roland and Indy.

first met Roland and Indy when they bought the building behind the Searcy Living office. Over the next six/ seven years or so, I got to know the Kovacs in small increments. Just a short conversation here and there, and a wave almost daily coming in to work. I've enjoyed having them as office neighbors (they own Indland Automotive) and have always felt that our business neighborhood is a little safer and even friendlier with them close by. I’ve also enjoyed watching their family grow over the years.

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One day they invited my family to come over for dinner. We arrived after a beautiful country drive, and I knew I wanted to ‘feature’ this home as soon as I walked in. The clean lines and happy decor made me feel instantly welcome. Originally, Roland Kovacs is from Hungary and Indy is from the Searcy area. Somehow, they both ended up in Florida. One day Indy's car broke down and, not knowing who else to call, she called a friend at work, who immediately sent her brother to help. And as Indy says, “The rest is history.”

They decided to build about three years ago, and did almost all the work themselves. Indy says of her husband, “He is just amazing,” as she describes the many aspects of the process and how Roland would work all day, and then go to the property in the evenings to build. The couple collaborated on ideas then Indy designed and made the plans then they hired a Structural Engineer. The last few years, the Kovacs have traveled to Hungary to visit Roland's family, and Indy tells how she loves the architecture and interior design there. But, her decorating is not really planned; she just picks pieces that she loves, and they really just happen to work together. Her favorite ‘theme’ in decorating is to bring nature indoors; and from the pictures to the windows that look into the

“ There were two words she went by in

designing the house. They were togetherness and minimal.”

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The Kitchen

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The Kovacs hung the lights in the dining area to look as if they were part of this picture. Indy chose this particular photo because of the mystery and imagination it evokes. wooded trees with glimpses of Lake Barnett, the home does have that feeling of outdoor harmony. Indy says she likes to refer to it as their “tree house.” The family picture album is made up of photography by Rafael Orczy of Hungary, taken during one of their visits. And the food. Indy says that is one of her favorite things also about visiting Hungary. I have to agree, after being invited over for dinner. Hungarian food is spectacular! Although winter is not her favorite time of year, it does provide a better view of Lake Barnett, and the summertime is great for using the binoculars to seek out more unique views of birds and other animals in their habitat. The property was bought from an aunt of Indy's, and she has wonderful memories of her dad taking her fishing on Lake Barnett. It was the first place she saw a Bald Eagle as a child, and now as an adult her family occasionally will see one fly by the living room window. “A lot of birds are really cool, but there is something amazing and majestic about a Bald Eagle,” says Indy. The Kovacs home is fun, eclectic and full of family memories. This home they call The Tree House is full of hard work, family memories and, to compliment it's name, full of nature.

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ď&#x20AC;ł Master Bedroom

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“Her favorite ‘theme’ in

decorating is to bring nature indoors; and from the pictures to the windows that look into the wooded trees with glimpses of Lake Barnett, the home does have that feeling of outdoor harmony.”

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Although winter is not her favorite

time of year it does provide a better view of Lake Barnett, and the summertime is great for using the binoculars to seek out more unique views of birds and other animals in their habitat.â&#x20AC;?

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The Living Area

Bath

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Child’s Bedroom

“This home they call The Tree House is full of hard work, family memories and, to compliment it’s name, full of nature.”

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Traces of Hungarian culture show throughout the home.

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At First Presbyterian Park by Patsy Pipkin Members of First Presbyterian Church have just completed the 26th Labyrinth within 100 miles of Searcy. Located in Presbyterian Park, next to First Presbyterian Church in the 400 block of Arch Street and West Race in downtown Searcy, the Labyrinth is for everybody who would like to experience a walk toward the understanding of life’s journey. The church hopes it will become a public place for spiritual growth and meditation, not only for members, but for the entire community for years to come. Reverend Kade Curry, pastor of the church, describes the three paths of a Labyrinth as: “The Inward Journey, The Center/ Sacred Space, and The Outward Way.” He asks the church family, and/or anyone who walks the path, to think about and possibly remember an inward or reflective time in their life when they grew in awareness of self, and/or of God, or to think about answering this question: “In what spaces have you felt closest to God?” Labyrinth walkers might also, “Summarize a time when you found yourself passionate about an outward mission, when you gave a helping hand, or felt lead to serve others in some way.” The actual building of the Labyrinth, by men and women of the church, which occurred over several weeks during our ‘recent’ rainy season, drew many comments and questions. Many wondered what was going on under the tall trees in the park. Some asked, “What do you think those people are doing out there? Playing in the sand? No. They are laying brick! No! It must be something like those alien crop circles! No! Surely not!” According to the pamphlet prepared to explain the Labyrinth, it is, “A public place for prayerful meditation, and an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness.”

The circular path marked with stones and made of sand and pea gravel spirals to form a meandering path meant to bring meaning and understanding into the walker’s life. The word, Labyrinth, is an ages-old metaphor for life’s journey. One early Labyrinth is thought to have been constructed by Christians, who placed stone in the unusual design in the floor of Chartres Cathedral in Paris, when it was founded around 1200 AD. The Labyrinth at First Presbyterian Park is a replica of the Chartres design and consists of concentric circles, spirals, with an inner ring in the center. But the Chartres Cathedral Labyrinth is 42 feet in diameter, while the one in Searcy is 50 feet. There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to walk a labyrinth, but one should try to quiet their mind and open their heart as they enter. A Labyrinth walk is sometimes referred to as body prayer or walking meditation. First Presbyterian Church has placed pamphlets in the park, near the entrance, which give suggestions for meditation while inside the intricate design, and describe the Labyrinth as: “An ancient symbol that relates to wholeness. It combines the imagery of the circle and the spirals into a meandering, yet purposeful path, while representing a journey to one’s center and back again out into the world.” A journey through a Labyrinth with thoughts centered on God and themselves is said to be an inward trip where people begin to recognize “that which is within” themselves. Sunday, May 17, First Presbyterian members and friends enjoyed a slide show of the actual building of the Labyrinth. Now they, and the entire church, welcome anyone who would like to take a walk through the Labyrinth to:

Enter into Labyrinth Time, Ponder on your life’s design. Spiral down into the core, Determine what your life is for. Stand here now in sacred space, God is Spirit in the place. Spiral out back to your world, Be not seduced by maddening swirl.

In our busy lives, how many of us take the time to “Ponder” on our life’s design? How often do we try to determine what our life is all about? If we actually experience God’s spirit in this place, will our lives change? Will we no longer be seduced by the “maddening swirl” of life as it goes on? (That, too, is in the pamphlet, along with three Bible verses: One, for the “Inward Journey,” the second 90 Your Hometown Magazine

for the “Center Space,” and the third for “The Way Out.” It is suggested that one reads these verses while walking the spiral-filled path. Another question answered during the dedication ceremony was: “Can more than one person walk through the Labyrinth at a time? The answer is yes, and members of First Presbyterian Church hope many will learn to use the closeness of kindred spirits as they walk the path. The following words were penned by the Reverend Curry for the Dedication of the Labyrinth at First Presbyterian Church, Searcy:

The Dedication of the Labyrinth In Presbyterian Park at Searcy

We dedicate this sacred space for the Spiritual growth and nourishment for all who seek God here, to our Church and its members, to our community and our neighbors, to any and all who seek God through Jesus Christ. Let all who walk here be reminded that life is a sacred journey, it is about change, growth, discovery, movement, transformation, continuously expanding your vision of what is possible, stretching your soul, learning to see clearly and deeply, listening to your intuition, taking courageous challenges at every step along the way. We are on the path... exactly where we are meant to be right now. And from here, we can only go forward, shaping our life story into the magnificent tale of triumph, of healing, of courage, of beauty, of wisdom, of power, of dignity and of love.” All SEARCY LIVING Readers who are even ‘slightly curious,’ are welcome to come by Presbyterian Park, sit upon a bench, gaze above at the birds and squirrels, pick up a pamphlet, read a bit, watch the traffic on Race Street, and/or take a stroll through the Labyrinth. You are most welcome.

“A public place for prayerful meditation, and an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness.”

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Fab

DIY Farm table One of the more popular trends in design right now is the “farmhouse” style. I love this style for the casual and “lived in” look it conveys. At the heart of the farmhouse style is the farm dining table. To achieve this style there is no need to go and buy new furniture. With a few steps, any dining set can have a farmhouse transformation.

1 I began the transformation of my very “traditional” dining set with the chairs. I simply painted the chairs, using classic cream paint, and distressed them with a hand sander for a more casual and weathered look. I then re-covered the seats, using a large floral print in muted tones.

2 I painted the legs and apron of the table in the same cream color as the chairs, and distressed them. Before

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3 For my table top I used reclaimed wood from a 1940â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house. I prefer reclaimed wood for its imperfections and character, but new wood works as well. I cut each board the length of my table and then nailed them directly into the existing table top. (Loweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s will cut all boards to size free of charge if purchased there.) I also attached wood around the sides for a more finished look.

Next, I sanded all of the boards with course grit sandpaper, and then a second time with a fine grit for a smooth surface.

Tip: When using the course grit, sand down the sharp edges on the corners of the table.

Make sure the table is clean of all debris from sanding. If using new wood, you may choose to stain the top at this point. After the top is clean and dry, apply polyurethane. At least 3 coats are recommended.

The finished product is a custom piece that adds loads of character and farmhouse charm! SearcyLiving.com 93

Mexican Sour Cream Rice I have never been a fan of Mexican rice dishes; it was the only thing I ever got punished for not eating as a child. I felt certain the sun would rise on another day and I would still be sitting at the dinner table staring at the miniscule pile of reddish colored rice that was the the source of my nightmares. Alas, and yet I was allowed to go outside (that’s what we did in the 1960’s) about an hour after dinner was over. Still don’t like it. All that said, I was pretty pumped when I found this delightful recipe recently. I have served it alongside BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, as well as Mexican Casserole, and I can honestly say it was as good as the entrees. Hooray for sour cream! This is the PERFECT dish to take to a potluck, especially if it is Mexican fare. Go ahead and take a photo of the recipe on your phone, because you will likely be asked for the recipe. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS 1 c. uncooked white rice (it smells like popcorn when cooking!) 14 ounces of good chicken broth 1 c. sour cream (Daisy brand is good; simple ingredients) 4 ounces (or more!) diced green chile peppers 8 ounces pepper Jack cheese, shredded (not processed cheese product) 1 1/2 c. frozen whole kernel corn 1/4 c. fresh cilantro, chopped (the flavor is in the stems) salt and pepper to taste

Boil

In a large saucepan combine the rice and broth and bring to a boil; reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 20 minutes.

preheat

Preheat oven to 350° and lightly coat a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish with butter or coconut oil.

add

Add to the rice (in the large saucepan) the sour cream, green chile peppers, corn, cilantro, and HALF of the shredded cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

transfer

Stir well to mix, and transfer to the prepared casserole dish; top with remaining cheese and bake in the 350° oven, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cheese on top is hot and bubbly.

Tanya Turner Leckie’s cookbook Cartwheels In The Kitchen, is available at Tonya’s Consignment, Midnight Oil Coffee House, as well as through Tanya by e-mailing her at lazydaygourmet@sbcglobal.net. Partial proceeds through sales benefit the Makonde Team mission work in Tanzania, Africa.

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Across

2. The supporting/facilitating organization for seven medical mission points in Africa. 5. Popular style in interior design. 8. Roland originally is from _____.

How many seconds are there in a year?

Down

1. An important type of therapy developed at Camp Quality. 3. A public place for prayerful meditation. 4. In the state of Arkansas, per the most recent published statistics, 7,700 children were placed in _____ care. 6. The Hands of Kyle scholarship was awarded to _____ Dunaway. 7. In June 2014, Kyle and his family traveled to _____.

What has a bed but never sleeps, can run but never walks, and has a bank but no money?

Find The Answers On

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Keep your head up. God gives His hardest battles to His strongest soldiers. Show your support for life and help raise money at the same time! Purchase an Official Choose Life Arkansas License Plate for the rear of your car. You can obtain one through direct purchase from the Department of Finance and Administration. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s make the readership of Searcy Living the BIGGEST supporters for life in the state! SearcyLiving.com 97

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