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hug - [pronounciation: hugh]

verb; used with object

1. To clasp tightly in the arms, especially with affection; embrace.

2. To cling firmly or fondly to; cherish.

 

Synonyms:

verb : embrace - clasp - cuddle - enfold - inarm

noun : embrace - cuddle - clasp - squeeze - grip

 

And there ends the English lesson on parts of speech and definitions.  It was really just a refresher course...  :)

 

I'm writing about hugs because they are an everyday occurence for me and have been since I arrived August 2011.  They were an unanticipated perk of the job and are a daily blessing!  How love and care is communicated through their hugs is so touching to me for many reasons.  Firstly, I am away from the friends and family who would normally hug me.  It is honestly hard to feel lonely when you have 5 children waiting in line for a hug from you!  :)  Secondly, they mean it.  We have some of the sweetest kids here.  Despite the things they have seen or the things that have been done to them, they have learned to trust and love others.  That is the third reason.  And they want it too--the fourth reason.  When I am able to comfort a hurting or sad child by my presence or with a hug, I am so humbled.  I am so grateful that God has allowed me to serve in this way, to love on these kids, and for some it is the first time they have been treated this way.  Check out the pictures below of some of our most stellar huggers!  :)

 

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 This lil' dear hugs me whenever she sees me and rubs my back---can you say heart-melter?

 

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 One of our newest tikes---he is a cuddler!  And I am just fine with that...

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 This sweet girl, everyday, yells out a greeting to me from wherever she may be and then runs with arms open wide!!!

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If I am sitting anywhere, this one is likely to be in my lap!  :)

 

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 Legs count, don't they?!  :)

 

 "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love." 

1 Corinthians 13:13

 

 

 

 

CSC Hiring Teachers

Jan. 31, 2013By: Matt Buley

We can't tell you it would be easy, but we can tell you you'd be changing lives...including maybe yours.

Children's Shelter of Cebu is looking to hire two new teachers for our Cebu Children of Hope School, an elementary school, in the 2013-2014 school year. These positions begin in June. Teachers are hired for a one-year contract. They must be licensed and have experience in a school with an English-based curriculum. We have a strong staff of Filipino teachers, but also like to have teachers who have taught in the US as most of our school-aged children are adopted there.

We expect a lot of our teachers, excellence in the classroom and more. You would raise funds prior to going to Cebu for the majority of your salary. You'd take part in activities at the shelter and school beyond school hours. You'd be asked to help host frequent visitors to Cebu. Most importantly, you'd be asked to be part of a loving family to children who have lost theirs.

We offer health insurance and travel, and an experience you'd remember for a lifetime.

Think you might have what it takes? Application instructions follow the position description here.

Three Generations of CSC Lovers!

Jan. 16, 2013By: Paul Healy

227321Back in the '80s, Warren and Marie Hagfors were in Cebu as volunteers with the Evangelical Free Church. While there they got to know the CSC staff and were frequent visitors to the shelter. Warren helped as a computer instructor to the staff. Within a few years, they were back in Cebu, this time as CSC short-term staff. Upon returning to the U.S., Warren served on the CSC Board and Marie cross-stitched over 40 designs for the houses in Cebu.

 

 

DSCN8253Pat Hoeft learned about CSC from Warren and Marie, her parents. She became a loyal CSC supporter and friend to the staff. She is a medical doctor, and the hospital that she works in donated lab equipment to CSC several years ago. She went to Cebu to help get the equipment set up and running. Just this week she went to Cebu to visit her daughter, Lindsay, who is working on the CSC staff as Director of Counseling as a part of our childcare team. Lindsay is a third generation CSC lover from the Hagfors line!  We were recently overjoyed to learn that Lindsay has committed to a third year with CSC in Cebu!

CSC 2012 Highlights

Jan. 15, 2013By: Joel Reasoner

Children's Shelter of Cebu has come through another amazing year with the Lord's guidance.  Fifteen children joined their adoptive families while twenty-nine new children came to CSC in 2012!

Continue to pray for the adopted children, newly admitted children, and all those at the shelter as we enter this new year.  Please pray for the Lord's continued protection and love for all in our care.

 

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Morning Presentation Features Students' Creativity

Jan. 14, 2013By: Paul Healy

At a recent school presentation, Level B students presented art, drama, and dance numbers that showcased their creativity. The dance number was choreographed by Sarah and featured moves and formations that celebrated Jesus' death and resurrection. Eugene narrated an original script for a stick puppet show. "The Monkey and the Squirrel" was the name of Eugene's masterpiece, which talked about respect and cooperation. Epifanio drew a picture of people around the world, all accomplished during the playing of the song, "Imagine." It was a great presentation all around, and showed what our kids can accomplish when their creativity and imagination are encouraged.

Click Here to see photos from the event.

Science Group Looks at Emotional Health

Jan. 14, 2013By: Paul Healy

tammy_venusTammy Vosika's science group has been learning about what it means to be an emotionally healthy person and how that includes having a positive view of oneself and others. She gave the kids an assignment to come up with at least one positive thing about each person in the class. Click here to see what they came up with!