Good News Break | May 2015

“Some good things fall apart so better things can fall together.”

– Marilyn Monroe

Dates To Remember

May 5th: Cinco De Mayo – Commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5th,1862 during the Franco-Mexican War.

May 10th: Mother’s Day – Honors your own mother! Make sure to call her and wish her a Happy Mother’s Day!

May 25th: Memorial Day – Remembers the people who died while serving in the United States of America’s armed forces.

Social Worker Finally Adopts Boy Who Begged Church For A Forever Family in 2013

Davion Navar Henry Only, a sixteen year-old boy from Florida has been asking for a forever family since he was seven years old. He once stood up in front of his church congregation to plea for a family to adopt him. After his story received media coverage, ten thousand families reached out about possibly adopting the young teen. He finally found a home with a Reverend’s family and moved in. Unfortunately, after a few fights broke out in the house, he was rejected and sent back into foster care.

Following these events, Davion lost all hope and spirit. He telephoned his social worker, Connie Bell Going, whom he call “Miss Connie,” and asked the question he had been asking for the past nine years; “How do you feel about adopting me…?”

For a long time, Connie, being a single mother of three children already, didn’t want to adopt him because she was hoping to find a forever family for Davion with a father. She decided it was time to adopt him though and he started spending weekends with her three children.

Davion moved in December and the legal adoption process began. Sharing the same birthday in February, Connie and Davion celebrated this adoption by signing the papers together. On April 22nd the adoption became official as if they were always meant to be together.

Read more here: http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/social-worker-adopts-boy-who-begged-church-for-a-forever-family-in-2013/

Sweet Soldier Cooks Year’s Supply of Meals For Wife Before Deploying

It has been said many times over the years that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. One Chinese man has turned this adage on it side. Yin Yungfelt, a Chinese soldier who because of his military deployment is away from his wife for all but a few days of the year did one amazing thing for his wife.

When he discovered that his beloved wife was not eating well when he was detached, he began the arduous task of making her enough meals to last until he could return. He made one thousand dumplings and about 40 gallons of noodle soup and then stored it at his home and also at some friend’s houses.

His wife Zhao is a teacher in the city of Ansul and was so dedicated to her job that she was not eating properly. Yin was upset with Ansul about missing meals that he took it in to his own hands. He secured her meals for the next year he’d be missing and also went one step further. Yin hid certain sweats in various spots in the house and when communicating with his wife would tell her where to look, such as under a cushion in the sofa.

This sacrifice and effort is really quite amazing and his love and dedication to his wife should serve as an example to us all.

Read more here: http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/soldier-cooks-years-supply-of-meals-for-wife/

Restaurant Owner Leaves Note For Dumpster Diver Promising Free Meal

Dumpster diving has become the only way for some people to eat if they are homeless and broke. In Oklahoma City an owner of a sandwich shop named P.B. Jams noticed that someone was “diving” into her dumpster at night after closing and instead of becoming upset or calling in the authorities, she decided to help this person and not judge them. She had a rough time in her life and did not want to judge someone else without more information.

She posted a sign which reads as follows; “To the person going through our trash for their next meal, you are a human being and worth more than a meal from a dumpster. Please come in during operating hours for a classic Pb&j, fresh veggies, and a cup of water at no charge. No questions asked.”

Ashley Jirion, the owner, had received food stamps in her life and knew the power of giving. Ironically no one has come forth to claim their free lunch yet, but the attitude of Ashley has become contagious in the community.

A campaign was started called “ShareTheNuts,” which allows patrons in the shop to pay or donate for those less fortunate. As Ashley stated, “Sometimes something as simple as even just a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is very comforting to somebody and maybe even offering them a few words.” One person with a giving spirit can start a whole community on the path of compassion and service, and this story involves an example of the power of one becoming the power of a community.

Read more here: http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/restaurant-owner-leaves-note-for-dumpster-diver-promising-free-meal/

RECIPES

Banana Coconut Pecan Muffins

Ingredients:

• 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup raw sugar
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/4 cup So Delicious® Dairy Free Original Coconut Milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole pecans and/or pecan pieces
• 1/2 cup coconut flakes

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line muffin pans with muffin/cupcake liners. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. Stir and set aside. In a larger bowl, mix sugar and oil together then add mashed bananas. Note: I didn’t want to dirty another bowl so I peeled each banana and squished them individually with my clean hands right into the bowl. This ‘technique’ makes for a chunkier banana consistency, which I like for a breakfast muffin. If you do not like that, mash the bananas in a separate bowl then add to the sugar/oil mixture.
• To your wet mix also add coconut milk and vanilla, stirring until everything is thoroughly combined. Add flour mixture to wet mixture and stir lightly, then add pecans and coconut. Stir until everything is just combined. Note: the batter will be fairly thick. Spoon batter into muffin tins about 3/4 full.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes until muffins are golden brown on top.

Recipe found here: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Banana-Coconut-Pecan-Muffins/Detail.aspx?soid=carousel_0_rotd&prop24=rotd

Fajita Quesadillas

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
• salt to taste
• 4 flour tortillas
• 1/2 pound cooked steak, cut into 1/4-inch thick pieces
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

Directions:

• Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat; cook and stir onion and green bell pepper in the hot oil until onions are softened, 5 to 10 minutes. Season mixture with salt and transfer to a bowl.
• Brush 1 side of each tortilla with remaining oil. Place 1 tortilla, oil-side down, in the same skillet; sprinkle with 1/2 the steak, 1/2 the onion mixture, and 1/2 the Mexican cheese mixture. Place a second tortilla, oil-side up, onto cheese layer, pressing down with a spatula to seal.
• Cook quesadilla over medium heat until cheese melts and tortillas are browned, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove quesadilla from skillet and cut into wedges. Repeat with remaining ingredients for second quesadilla.

Recipe found here: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Fajita-Quesadillas/Detail.aspx?soid=recs_recipe_5

A Note From The Author

Summer is quickly approaching, meaning hotter weather, fun concerts, and a lot of ice cream. My favorite ice cream place in Nashville is Mike’s downtown. I recommend it to everyone and especially try the Tennessee Fudge while you are there. I have a few concerts on the books already, including the Luke Bryan concert with a bunch of special guests in July and of course CMA Fest in June. This summer I will be taking two courses, working one, hopefully two, internships, and I also have a part-time job at a restaurant that just opened up in Hillsboro Village, called Double Dogs. Doing all this obviously means I won’t be sleeping in or probably even getting much sleep in general.

Unfortunately, summer coming also means that my time at PLA Media is coming to an end. I will be sad to leave the company because I have learned so much and met so many lovely people. Everyone here is wonderful and made me feel like I was really a part of the team. I know I have made friends here and hope we will all stay in touch. I want to quickly thank them for giving me this amazing opportunity and hope I did a good job. I wish them and all of you the best and to always remember to experience as much as you can in this life. If you ever see a girl with blonde curly hair, either at Double Dogs, Mike’s Ice Cream, or anywhere, please do not be afraid to say hello.