Staff Blog

The Filipino flags were flying from each house.  The jello and maha was in the shape of the same flag.  CSC celebrated Filipino Independence Day on Thursday.

It was a fun evening full of food and laughter.  The kids kept going back for more hot dogs, jello and maha, and chips.  Even though the stuffed themselves, they still found room for ice cream.

Each home gave a patriotic presentation.   Eicher home presented a speech.  Cherne sang a patriotic song.  Duterte reenacted the history of Filipino Independence Day.

When I got up in the morning, out the window was an interesting site.  A rainbow was hanging low over Banawa, Cebu City.  The arch that usually spans the sky was down among the people.  I walked toward the next room, again looking out the window.  Now I noticed something amazing.  The end of the rainbow was resting over the shelter.  Well, there are many buildings, homes, and business in that line of sight, but naturally I noticed the shelter situated just beyond the orange and yellow cranes.

God has the shelter in His hand.  He holds so much in his hand.  New children arrived at the shelter just last week, finding a safe place.  Children who were sick have regained their strength.  Children who were burdened not so long ago with responsibility beyond their years are laughing and playing on the shelter’s playground.

The shelter is a special place because God is holding it in the palm of His hand.

You gave me time when no one gave me the time of day,
You looked deep inside while the rest of the world looked away,
You smiled at me when there were just frowns everywhere,
You gave me love when nobody gave me a prayer.

Chorus:
That's why I call You Saviour ..... that's why I call You Friend,
You touched my heart ..... You touched my soul,
And helped me start all over again,
That's why I love You, Jesus ..... that's why I'll always care,
You gave me love when nobody gave me a prayer.

You gave me laughter after I cried all my tears,
You heard my dreams while the rest of the world closed it's ears,
I looked in Your eyes, and I found the tenderness there,
You gave me love when nobody gave me a prayer.

Chorus:
That's why I call You Saviour ..... that's why I call You Friend,
You touched my heart ..... You touched my soul,
And helped me start all over again.
That's why I love You, Jesus ..... that's why I'll always care,
You gave me love when nobody gave me a prayer.

Arlene stood up in church today and sang this song. She sang beautifully. The song, You Gave Me Love, is especially meaningful for Arleen's life. She came to CSC as a five year-old orphan whose mom had just died. She is blind, and had nobody to take care of her. But as the song says, God, through CSC,touched her heart and her soul, and gave her love when society simply wasn't able to provide her with anything. In many ways, she didn't have a prayer.

As she stood up there singing I thought of the blessing that she has been to so many people over the years, using her musical talents to inspire, convict and bless.

Please pray for Arleen as she is waiting for a job as a music teacher. She has recently graduated from college and is very much hoping to get a job soon. Thanks for all who have supported her over the years through gifts and prayers.

What time of day would you most like to be at the Shelter?

Early morning is a good time. The children are up early and having devotions in their homes with their house parents. You could stand outside in the playground and listen to them singing and praying.

Right after breakfast is another good time. During the school year the children are getting ready to head up to school. Some are just finishing up their chores, perhaps watering the plants. The toddlers are going out to play.  There is lots of anticipation of the day ahead.

Mid-morning is Toddler Time, with special play and learning activities planned for the kids who are too young for pre-school. The kids are amazingly cute and really enjoy this time of learning and exploring.

Lunch time. The school kids head home to eat and discuss the morning school activities.

Afternoon. Things are pretty quiet with the younger children taking naps and the older ones at school. But there is a lot going on. The washing ladies are doing load after load of diapers and clothes for the children. Maintenance staff are doing gardening, cleaning screens and windows. The cooks clean up the kitchen and start the preparations for dinner.  Meetings are going on in the child care and medical offices.

After school. This is the noisy time as all ages of children attack the playground. Some ride scooters around the sidewalk circumference. Some play basketball or soccer. The younger ones use the swings and slide. Babies in strollers go up the driveway. Older children organize games of tag and dodgeball.

5:00 p.m. A bell is rung and the children wind down their games. (At least in theory, they do!) The younger ones have their baths. The older children do their chores around the grounds. Its fun to watch them work together, enjoying each other and learning about responsibility and work.

6:00 is suppertime. Some of the kids help set the table, others will clean up and do the dishes. Good nutritious food is served and the children are thankful. They will do a unison "thank you auntie" for the cook.

After supper its time to do homework or, if none, to play board games or read. On weekends the kids will watch a DVD or be allowed to play outside. The house parents or staff members will pray with the kids after homework is finished. By 9:00 everyone is in bed and, not so much later, sound asleep. It is great to walk around the grounds and marvel at what God is doing at CSC.

Summer is a fun change of pace for the children at CSC.  They get to take a break from homework and play all day.  Well, there are still chores to do, so it is not all play.

Each summer, some of the children get to participate in an activity.  The children ten years old and above got to pick between soccer, baking, and music lessons this summer.  Eight children jumped at the chance to play soccer, which has become one of the favorite games at the shelter in recent months.  The children join other kids at the city sports complex to learn from a local coach.  Three children took the opportunity to learn how to bake with Teacher Jam.  They have already made chocolate chip cookies and  a carrot cake for Uncle Mitch’s birthday party.  Music lessons attracted thirteen children to sign up.  They are learning a variety of instruments from Teacher Ricky.  He is teaching most of the children two different instruments. Two instruments is big for one summer.

The soccer coach just extended class for another week and the soccer players cheered.  Now, all three classes will end at the end of May.  The children’s excitement it fun to see.  There are good smells coming for the kitchen, sweet sounds from the music room, and improved soccer skills on the playground.