Visitors and Guests
After being in Cebu for a little over four months, I have
realized we welcome lots of people. Some people include the many
visitors and supporters of CSC. Over five years ago, I was
welcomed to CSC in a very different context. I came with the Central
Baptist Church work team. I was embraced by not only the staff members
here, but also the kids. I remember stepping out of that van for the
first time and being rushed by about 50 smiling and laughing children.
Four
months ago, Peter and I were welcomed in a much quieter setting. Joel
greeted us at the airport and we then had a quiet lunch with the staff. After packing up all of our belongings, saying our sweet and
lengthy good-byes to family and friends, and traveling for over 24 hours,
I needed a tranquil welcome. I'm thankful for the low-key greeting we
received.
As I think of the many people I've met since
December who have visited CSC, I can somehow relate to a piece of their
experience. Here they are, for maybe the first time, or the first time
in many years, stepping foot onto the campus, seeing the grounds and the
people and the kids for real, and taking it all in. When I came the
first time, it was all so overwhelming and fun and awe-inspiring. It was
also emotional as I thought about and processed the lives of the kids:
where they lived, what their lives were like before CSC, how hard so
many people work to take care of them, and how they are resilient in
incredible ways. I know visitors and guests don't all experience CSC in
the same way, but I know people leave impacted by what they saw and
experienced. I imagine many leave with a lot to process and
digest. It's enlightening for me to reflect back on my time from a few
years ago and think about where I've been and how I've changed in light
of my experiences.
Soon we will welcome a young lady who
will work with us for about 10 days. It will be exciting to have her
here and hear her perspective on her time and experience at CSC. I hope she,
and other visitors, have a vivid and meaningful understanding of the
work God is doing through so many people and how he is touching so many
lives through this ministry.