13. May 2012 by admin.

Hello everyone,

First of all I’d like to say Happy Mother’s Day to our daughter Nadia who went missing on 3 November 2008 in Homewood, Alabama.  At the time of her disappearance Nadia left behind her then one year old son Christopher.  Since then he has been separated from us.  As his family we are committed to Nadia and him to do all we can to ensure his safety and welfare.  We ask if anyone has any information about Christopher and how he is doing to contact us throught this website or the Alabama Department of Human Resources.

Nadia was so dedicated to her son.  She loved him so much!  We spoke with her about him several times a week either by email or phone.  I remember her saying, “I’m raising him just like you raised me mom!”  Those words touched my heart and still do for I know Nadia was doing all she could to be the best mom she knew how to be.  She adored Christopher and sought to provide him with a stable homelife.  We were so proud of her.  She talked a lot about moving home with Christopher and so we planned for them to come in November 2008.  We were so excited we were going to see them!!  She talked to her brother John about playing games and going out to the movies.  She wanted to “babysit” him because she said, “I want to give you and Pop a night out together.”  That was just like her.  She was so thoughtful of others, giving and giving from her heart.  Thinking back on those memories reminds me of how proud I am of her.

Because at the time we lived just outside Washington DC, Nadia wanted to take the short trip to Connecticut to see her grandma…she missed her and wanted to tell her in person how much she loved her.  Remembering our conversation tugs at my heart and once again brings about the pain of missing her.   She never did get a chance to come home to us.   She never had an opportunity to tell her grandma how much she loved her.   Our grandson Christopher never had an oppportunity to meet Nadia’s grandma and to get to know her.

To Nadia, Happy Mother’s Day!!  We miss you terribly!  We are committed to you and we will do all we can to protect your “little man” (as she would call him) from the darkness of this world.

As mothers many of you can relate to wanting to protect your children and your family.  So once again, I ask if you are aware of any information regarding Nadia’s disappearance or our grandson’s situation and/or wellbeing please let us know.

We wish everyone a wonderful Mother’s Day and ask you not to forget Nadia and her son Christopher as you celebrate the moment.

His Blessings,

Nancy

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6. May 2012 by admin.

Hello everyone,

It has been three and one half years and searches continue still for our daughter Nadia Kersh who disappeared on November 3, 2008 from Homewood, Alabama.  Search professionals have located yet another area of interest based on information provided by anonymous tips.  They plan to expand our search efforts to take a closer look at this area.  Please if you have any information that would lead us to Nadia contact us through this website or you can leave an anonymous message with the search team at (205) 305-6555.

Last week Alabama’s Jefferson County Victim’s of Crime and Leniency held a vigil for those who have been lost and/or murdered.  Nadia was among those victims remembered. Her absence tugs at our hearts and thoughts of what may have happened to her continue to plague our minds.  We hope one day we will find her and bring her home to rest.

It is important to remember even though we as Nadia’s family are considered victims of crime, our grandson (Nadia’s son) is also a victim of crime.  Since her disappearance, he has been separated from us and from our love, security and understanding.  It’s twice as disturbing to mention this since Nadia had planned to bring him home (to us) in three weeks when she vanished. As a result of our continued separation we worry about him endlessly.  Should anyone have any information about his welfare please contact us throught this website or contact the Alabama Department of Human Resources.

Given all, we ask for your patience and understanding as we move forward in our search for our daughter Nadia.  As many of you know, with the commitment and aid of Nadia’s search team we have been looking for her for well over three years.  Our eternal thanks to the search team volunteers who have given so much of their time to look for Nadia.  Our heartfelt thanks to the property owners who have given us access to their land and areas identified as potential search spots.

In His Love,

Nancy

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6. April 2012 by admin.

As Easter draws near it is a time to refresh our hearts and minds that our Lord died for us…He paid the ultimate price.  Some people in this world take His sacrifice as a given or entitlement and have strayed from Him and His way.  This has caused turmoil, confusion and discouragement for many.  I believe it may have led some people away from sharing what they know about our daughter Nadia who went missing on 3 November 2008.

If you have submitted to this darkness and the intimidation of others I ask you to get right with God. Intimidation, discouragement and hopelessness compromises what we know to be right.  Don’t be afraid to come forward.  Remember intimidation usually comes from people who are immature and have a wicked heart.  These people will accuse you of the weaknesses they seek to hide in themselves.  The Lord gives you authority to confront this darkness.  Once you do and stand your ground you’ll find a peace in your heart…that is God’s presence.  Listen to your heart and come forward with information to help us find our daughter Nadia by contacting us through this website or the Birmingham, Alabama FBI office.

As it is with you, I believe it is my God given responsibility to protect our grandson (Nadia’s son) in his mother’s and father’s absence. As a result I’ve asked people to come forward with information about his welfare and help us protect him from the darkness of this world. I’m grateful for those who have contacted us thus far but I believe there are many more who can help shed light on what is happening to him. Please do not be afraid but come forward with what you know and contact us through this website or the Alabama Department of Human Resources.

As you gather with your families this Easter we ask you to remember Nadia and her little son Christopher for they are not home with us.  We ask when you look at your family members you look at them with a sense of gratefulness they are there with you.  Appreciate and love them in His name.

We wish all of you God’s Peace this Easter season.

In His name,

Nancy for all

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11. March 2012 by admin.

Hello everyone,

Today I’d like to talk to you about issues concerning our missing daughter Nadia that may have caused confusion to many who knew her either in passing or who may have spent some time with her.  As you know, Nadia was adopted from Russia almost 20 years ago.  At the time we didn’t know of the trauma and neglect she suffered during her life there.  Over the years and after seeing numerous doctors and therapists we learned Nadia suffered abhorent conditions in Russia including severe and continuous abuse and neglect.  We eventually learned she had brain dysfunction, memory and emotional issues, and more.  Taken collectively Nadia dealt with many overlapping issues simultaneously but was not considered disabled.  Shy as a child, she eventually learned to become more outgoing and to make people feel at ease with her.  She was determined to be as independent as possible, dreaming of a career as a chef.  However, traumatizing childhood experiences continued to plague her throughout adulthood.  I’d like to take a moment and speak briefly about some of them.

Nadia had difficulty with confabulation and lying, a characteristic of yet another disorder she came to us with from Russia.  She lied often but she didn’t necessarily know she was doing it and much of it eventually became habitual.  She made up and/or changed stories to help fill in the voids of her life in an attempt to make her Russian upbringing seem more socially acceptable and also as a strategy to survive in a world she viewed as threatening.

Nadia was extremely impressionable and vulnerable to suggestion from others as well.  Many times, with enough repetition, those suggestive thoughts became the truth to her, confusing her world even more.  Nadia spoke a lot about maddening abuse and neglect, subjects she was personally familiar with given her horrific life in Russia.   Many people have talked about her in terms of being painfully truthful for she was very convincing.  In an attempt to solicit assistance and empathy she began to tell stories blurring the edges of what happened in Russia and her life in America. Her dearest friends who have known her for many years and understand her limitations know how terribly confused Nadia was during her stay in Alabama. My apologies if her stories mislead anyone.  Nadia could not and did not understand possible ramifications or long term effects of fabricating events and factititious storytelling.

In terms of her relationships with men, she moved quickly from one to another thereby avoiding her fear of commitment.  I can only imagine how this may have caused jealously among her male partners.  I’d like for you to understand Nadia could not comprehend cause and effect relationships and so could not connect how her uninhibited and many times impulsive actions could lead to hurtful feelings on behalf of someone else.  She just didn’t have that capability.  I’m so sorry if her actions caused anyone heartache.  There was no malicious intent on her behalf.

Nadia strived to be the best mother she could be to her infant son.  She desperately looked for Mr Right in her life although she knew she could not commit to a lifetime relationship.  She did all she could to ”fit in and be normal” (as she would say).  She loved life and was devoted to her baby son.  In terms of her relationship with God she believed she was “saved” and did all she knew given her capabilities to follow the Lord’s word.

We’re thankful for those of you who have read this through. We hope you’ll go away with a clearer understanding and appreciation of who our daughter Nadia was. She was a very confused, gentle soul who wouldn’t intentionally hurt anyone. We want you to know she did everything she knew to make a better life for herself and her son. We miss them both terribly.

Just prior to Nadia’s disappearance, we had not seen Nadia for a couple of years as we were stationed overseas in Guam and our respective military positions did not allow much flexibility for travel back to the mainland of the US.  We did fly back to see family members who were terminally ill.  One of them, my brother in-law, passed away while we were in Guam.

While in Guam we sent Nadia money and gifts and we talked numerous times each month.  Things seemed to be going well for her.  Nadia was afraid of long flights so we agreed to wait until we returned to the mainland to get together.  We moved back to the mainland and were unpacking our household goods shipment when we received the call (three days after she disappeared and her son already given away) that Nadia had been reported missing.  We had just received a phone call from her the day before she disappeared.  She was expected home in three weeks with the baby…a much anticipated reunion for all of us.  But as you all know that didn’t happen.

Please if anyone has any information regarding her whereabouts or if you have any information about what may have happened to her, please contact us through this website.  Your comments will be kept confidential.

We continue to have grave concerns about our grandson (Nadia’s son) who is not home with his family.  Nadia would go mad knowing this.  We are extremely worried about him.  If anyone has any information about his status, please, please contact us through this website.  Again, your comments will be kept confidential.  Thank you all who have already responded.  Your comments and information will help build a better future for him.

Thank you all kindly.  We’re so grateful for your suppport.

Our love and God’s blessings to you all!

In Christ,

Nancy

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3. February 2012 by admin.

Hello everyone,

Searches lead by the Walker County Search and Rescue team continue for Nadi.  As many of you know we will continue our efforts to find her as long as leads come in to us.  The rescue squad has new equipment and is excited to begin using it.

In Nadia’s disappearance, case we’re still waiting for outstanding DNA analysis results from the FBI lab.  Some test results are already in but more work still needs to be done.  We hope to hear more within the next couple of months.

Once again we ask if you have any information regarding Nadia’s whereabouts or if you have any information about our grandson (Nadi’s 4 y.o. son) please contact us through this website.  Just register and send us a message.  Your personal information will be kept confidential.

For Nadia and our grandson, Happy Valentine’s Day!

In His Love,

Nancy

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3. December 2011 by admin.

Hello everyone,

What a wonderful remembrance there was for Nadia in celebration of her life.  As most of you know she disappeared three years ago on November 3, 2008. The remembrance was held at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens on November 5th with the coming together of about 50 of Nadia’s family, friends and supporters.  We were so blessed to have Nadia’s closest friend Jacquie join us.  She shared some of the most touching words about her…it warmed our hearts and left us teary eyed.  The photo is of her and Nadi at school.  Jacquie and Nadi graduated high school together and remained close until Nadia disappeared.  Nadi is blessed to have such a dedicated and loving friend.  Thank you all for coming, especially those close to her.  Nadi would’ve been very touched.

On Veteran’s Day (November 11th) the military customarily holds a ceremony setting a table, an empty place for missing veterans, those missing in action and those who have died, reminding us of their great sacrifice so we can have the freedoms we possess in this country.  As we watched the ceremony we’re reminded once again of Nadi and her son.  This year as in the past three we set our Thanksgiving table and leave two places empty in their absense and honor.  

We ask you all not to forget our daughter Nadi and her son.  We ask you to lift them up in prayer.  We pray for the darkness to be lifted, we ask for protection and safety and we ask for the courage to more forward.  Our pastor reminds us that “courage is an aspect of hope we don’t often dwell on.  We think of the possibilities of hope, the desired outcome of hope, even the distractions of hope that are often a diversion in the midst of diffcult moments.  Courage…is vital to hope, for it sustains the dream when all else fails and empowers meaningful action when settling for so much less would be much easier.”  I believe as Christians we’re called to come together in this effort of intersessionary prayer.  We especially ask you to devote a special time for our daughter and grandson until they can come home to us.  

In His loving Grace,

Nancy

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3. November 2011 by admin.

Hello everyone,

Today marks the third anniversary of our daughter Nadia’s disappearance.  May the Lord bless and keep her.  May He shine His face upon her and give her Peace.  We love and miss her so very much!

This Saturday family and friends will gather at 12:00pm in Birmingham, Alabama for a remembrance and a celebration of Nadia’s life.  Her friends and family friends are traveling from out of state to be here.  We look forward to sharing stories and beautiful moments of Nadia’s life with each other through good food, fellowship, pictures and music.  For those of you who are unable to come we ask you to lift Nadia up in prayer at noon and remember her as someone who loved life but  still remains missing.

It has been three years since Nadi went missing.  If anyone has information about where she is or maybe has heard rumor about where she may be, please contact us through this website or contact her search team, Central Alabama Search and Rescue at (205) 915-8936. 

Thank you all so very much for your continued support and prayers.

In His Love,

Nancy for all of Nadia’s family who love her very much

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10. September 2011 by admin.

Hello everyone,

Our daughter Nadia Kersh vanished after she left work for lunch on Monday, 3 November 2008.  We miss her so very much!!!

Nadie where are you? Nad?  I ask myself that question each and everyday as an eternal emptiness surrounds me reminding me she is not here.  I turn to her son who will be four soon and want to tell him about what has happened to his mama but I don’t know that answer.  Nadia’s brother John frequently asks Kevin and I about the searches for his sister and whether the volunteer searchers have found any sign of his beloved sister as he continues to struggle with her disappearance.  With grief and heartache we continue to look for answers about what happened to Nadie and where she is.

The accumulation of persistent torrential rains of last weekend and the week before have delayed a search for Nadie this weekend, although others (not dependent upon the weather) will continue as planned.  We are extremely grateful not only for the search and rescue crews but also private/commercial property owners who have given us access to their land, loaned us equipment and personnel in our search for her.  This great outpour of generosity from empathetic people and blessed more who have given of themselves over time is overwhelming to take in all at once and has often brought me to my knees in thanks to our Lord for putting them in our path in hopes of finding our loving daughter Nadia.

Nadie where are you?  Mom is here.  Your pop, John, Charlie and I are here.  Your little man is waiting for his mommy…he’s waiting for you.  We’re all here waiting for you to come home.

On behalf of our family I ask people of the Birmingham, Alabama area again to please come forward if you have any information about our daughter Nadia’s whereabouts.  You can reach us directly through this website, contact Central Alabama Search and Rescue at 205 915 8936 or Homewood Police Department at 205 332 6262. 

Someone called Homewood Police Department many months ago with a “credible lead”.  I believe you know who you are.  Please, please call once again and leave that information again and any additional information you feel comfortable sharing to help us understand what happened to Nadie and/or where she can be found.  Now is your time to step out of the darkness and shed light on Nadia’s missing person case.  Take hold of courage and come forward.  It will all be okay.

For anyone else who has any information about Nadia’s whereabouts please let us know.  We very desperately want to find her and bring her home.

Thank you all for your prayers as we continue on our search.

Blessings to you all,

Nancy

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29. August 2011 by admin.

Hello everyone,

Capital murder charges against Joacquas Haywood, suspect in our daughter Nadia’s disappearance, were dismissed today.  He has been released from the Birmingham, Alabama jail.

Two weeks ago the judge in Nadia’s case denied the assistant district attorney’s (DA’s) request for a continuance of Mr. Haywood’s murder trial scheduled to begin 19 September 2011.  As I understand, the DA’s request was based upon DNA analysis test reports not yet received from the FBI lab in Quantico, Virginia.  The DA considers these reports to be important to the case and did not want to proceed without the FBI lab findings. A second request for continuance was denied today.  The DA then requested charges against Mr Haywood be dismissed.  This request was granted.

We support the DA’s decision to request charges against Mr Haywood be dismissed as we wait for the DNA lab reports.  This move by no means indicates a final chapter in the case.  As we understand, once the results of the DNA tests are in the DA will revisit options and then make a determination of what course of action they will take.

During this time of waiting we ask people of the Homewood/Birmingham, Alabama community to come forward with information about the whereabouts of our daughter Nadia.  We have been searching for her for almost three years and desperately want to find her.  Please feel free to contact us at this website or call the Jefferson County District Attorney’s office and ask to speak with the assistant DA assigned to Nadia Kersh’s case if you have any information.

As her family we will continue to pursue leads in an attempt to find her.  A number of search crews will be out this Saturday and Sunday once again looking in several newly identified areas in hopes of locating her.  New equipment has been brought in to assist them.  Central Alabama Search and Rescue (formerly Walker County Search and Rescue) is the lead team in the search for Nadia.  They recently spoke about how they do what they do at a Victims of Crime and Leniency meeting in Jefferson County in Alabama (click on link). http://www2.alabamas13.com/news/2011/aug/18/ker-ar-2293944/

Thank you all for your continued interest in Nadia’s case.  We appreciate your emails and words of encouragement.

His Blessings to you,

Nancy for all

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6. July 2011 by admin.

Hello all,

This month is Nadia’s birthday.  She will turn 26 years old on Monday, 18 July 2011.  I’ve asked folks to submit comments about her and how she may have impacted their lives to this website or the Alabama Walker County Rescue Squad’s Facebook site: Nadia Kersh - The Search Continues Until She is Home.  I will post comments on this site as a tribute to Nadia on her birthday (18 July 2011). 

As some of you may know we have stepped up our efforts trying to find Nadia.  The search and rescue team members have been a true inspiration in the search by continuing to donate time and resources as they pursue their calling to find our daughter.

We also continue to press forward to do what we can to bring our grandson (Nadia’s son) home.  It has been a long and tedious effort working through issues in a complicated legal system.  We have worked this issue since his mom (Nadia) disappeared, two years and eight months ago.

Thank you all once again.  We are blessed to have you support us along this journey.  May the Lord bless and Keep you.

In His Name,

Nancy for all

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