Staff Blog
Change is inevitable in life. Some changes are good---they are pleasant and easy to go along with. Others are hard to come to terms with--they are a challenge and they sometimes bring pain. I want to tell you about some recent changes in my life...
Many of you already know that Teacher Tammy's 8 year run at CSC and Children of Hope School has ended. She has been gone for 2 weeks--and kids and adults alike are mourning the loss.
Tammy is missed for many reasons:
Tammy was a good co-worker. She was helpful, reliable, and thorough. She was quick to jump in if something technological was going haywire---an asset on days of school programs. :) Tammy was true to her word. She promised the kids that she would take each of them out for something special before she left and SHE DID! If she had a job or a task assigned to her, you never had to worry about it getting done in an organized and timely fashion! She was hard-working and did whatever was in front of her---and did so with a smile.
But Tammy is also a good friend. She is someone I OFTEN laughed with, went on adventures with, confided in, celebrated holidays with...and the list goes on. She is a good listener and a Godly woman. She has become family to me and you can't help but miss family when they are gone!
Tammy, myself and Amy were quite the terrific trio, however, at this time, Amy and I are down to just a dynamic duo....
The upside of change:
We recently admitted a new child. She was afraid of the change, of me, of our counselor and our social worker. She was hesitant, quiet and reserved. And who wouldn't be? She knew something big was happening in her life but she had no idea what it meant.
But oh to see her now! How happy and animated and secure and playful she is! She is grateful for the life-changing experience she has had and WE are so happy to have her with us where she is safe and provided for.
God is the god of everything in our life and everything happens for His purpose and good. And that includes changes. I am happy for Tammy and all that God has in store for her back in MN. I miss her, but am grateful for her continued friendship---thank goodness for Skype! :) I am also happy about our new arrival and for her safety and health and the fact that she FINALLY gets to be a kid.
Please join with me in praying for Tammy as she transitions back to living in the US and for our newest one and all of those that will come through our doors in the future. because no matter your age or the type of change you are facing, its always easier with God.
We're baack!
We are back in Cebu safe and sound. It has been a joy to see the kids and staff and re-learn how to navigate here. Lots of changes, but the ministry remains the same. Thanks to all who prayed for us and gave encouragement during our extended furlough.
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How Does My Hair Look?
“How does my hair look? Does it look cool?” As I turn around, I see hair standing straight up, styled with gel, and filled will many different colors. Underneath it all, there is a young boy’s smile staring up at me. Many of the boys at the shelter enjoy styling their hair (sometimes even more than the girls do!). It has been fun to see all the “cool” hairstyles at the shelter. Even more than the hairstyles, the smiles on each face are priceless. Enjoy these pictures of some of the coolest hairstyles here at CSC!
Coloring and styling each other's hair
Purple hair!
That hair stands up so tall!
Look at those orange streaks!
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The Dream Class
The school days after Sports Fest have been filled with preparation for third quarter tests. Teachers are busy preparing for the exams and pupils are busy studying their previous lessons.
During one review session, one pupil told me, “Teacher, I am so excited to know who will get the highest score on our exams in all the subjects and, hopefully, it will be me.”
I smiled and told her, “Oh, that’s good. Maybe you will get the highest score or maybe one of your classmates will get the highest score. All of you have a great chance of getting the highest score if you listen to the teachers during the review and study hard.”
This conversation
happened in Level A-1 (kindergarten). The Level A-1 pupils are very amazing. We call them “the dream class.” These eight little girls follow instructions,
listen attentively, and they are adorable. It’s stress-free teaching. They’ll do a great job on their quarter
tests!
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A Special Friend
You guys all know Wilmar. You see him playing basketball, riding a bike, holding a toy lion, crocodile or a dinosaur or you see him just sitting and singing a song or two. Wilmar receives a lot of support at the school and shelter.
At school, Wilmar has three different teachers and one physical therapist. Yup, we make sure these kids get what they need. So yeah, Wilmar has teachers supporting him, but what about a friend? Who plays with him at the shelter? Who helps him line up? Who holds his hand during school programs?
Well, there is one special friend and classmate who assists Wilmar in all of these. This girl sang a duet with Wilmar in the last music recital. She holds Wilmar’s hand when going up and down to the stage; she walks with him to the next class and works on classroom activities with him. Even her classmates know who Wilmar should sit with. And she is very happy to do all of this. No complaints.
This girl is also close to the rest of the special needs kids/adults in her house. She sees them as equal. She has a big heart for them. Now, that’s one special friend!
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Sportsfest 2016
Sportsfest 2016 is officially over. A great day of fun, athleticism, and sportsmanship was had by all! The day started off with a parade,cheers from each team, reciting of the sportsmanship pledge and the lighting of the torch. Then the games began!
Enjoy some fun photos of the day! 
The Torch
Getting Ready
Hula Hoop
Sack Race
Hurdles
The Aqua Blue Team
The Green Team
The Royal Blue Team
The Gray Team
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