It has now officially been summer time at CSC for a few weeks now. Today marks the start of the second week of summer activities. I have had the privilige of being directly involved in activities this year, as I volunteered to be the cooking class teacher. There are 7 children in my class, 6 girls and one boy, all under 12! It is an energetic bunch to say the least! We meet 3 times a week, with a different cooking theme each week. Last week, we learned all about cake. On monday, the children spend time in the library on the school computers, looking up different kinds of cakes and their recipes. They each were to choose three favorites, and share them with the group. We then examined different aspects of cake making through videos (which of course they love!). The day was concluded by a fresh-made snack; on Monday it was carmel popcorn! On Wednesday we met again, and prepared to go grocery shoppping. The kids each had their own assignment for what to find at the store, which was exciting for them. On Friday, all of our hard work culminated into our baking experience. Last week, our recipe was a layered rainbow cake. It took about three hours of hard work and fun, and the product was quite incredible. Don't you agree?
Also this summer, I have been able to have small groups of the teenage girls over for overnights at my apartment. The girls are always super excited to find out who is next to sleep over. The evening begins with a shopping trip at a local grocery store. We purchace all the ingredients for dinner and snack that evening. Once we arrive at my apartment, the girls are in charge of making dinner. The last few times, the girls have decided on sloppy joes - an unfamiliar dish for all of them! Once dinner is over we do a variety of activities, ranging from: zumba, painting nails, watching youtube videos, and singing. We close the evening by watching two movies, projected on the wall, and having a snack. The girls are especially excited because they get to stay up late! When they get up in the morning, they are treated to chocolate chip pancakes before packing up and heading back to the shelter.
The kids at CSC are having a blast this summer, and can't wait to start each new day to see what it will bring. Please continue to pray for the safety and health of our kids as they go about their summer activities.
Tammy Vosika Winds Down
It is with a mixture of sadness and appreciation that we announce that, after eight years of teaching at Children of Hope School and being a member of our Cebu staff, Tammy Vosika will be ending her service with CSC. Tammy has been such an important part of our school and will be very much missed by the students at CHS, as well as the teachers, CSC workers and staff members.
Tammy has taught in Level C at CHS and has handled American Studies for the students who are going to the U.S. for adoption. She has worked with the Foster Friends program and headed up the Day of Hope program for CSC in Cebu.
We are so thankful to God for Tammy, and the way that she has used her talents though our ministry for the past eight years. Many children have been impacted by her.
We look forward to seeing what God has in store for Tammy in the next chapter of her life.
Habitat for Humanity Partnership
We are proud to announce a new partnership between CSC and Habitat for Humanity (HFH). It means new homes for 20 CSC employees!
The partnership is due to the hard work of our own Joel Reasoner, and especially his dad, Dr. Paul Reasoner of Bethel University. Paul has been raising money, and he and Joel have made excellent connections with the leaders of HFH in the Philippines. We are thankful for the eager support of Habitat's leadership. They have joined Paul and Joel to provide a great blessing to the people who care for CSC's precious children.
You might wonder why any CSC employees would need HFH homes. The number one factor is the cost of land in the Philippines. For many Filipinos, that land cost eliminates the ability to own their own home.
Habitat for Humanity has jumped in and provided land and expertise. Paul is hard at work raising funds to build. These great partners are hoping this is just the beginning, and so are we!
Thank you Paul, Joel and Habitat for Humanity. We are proud to be associated with you.
We Now Take Vehicles!
Donating a vehicle has become a popular way for Americans to support their favorite charity. Now CSC can accept these donations...from anywhere in the US! Simply visit our V-Dac Vehicle Donation page to give this unique gift to CSC. We don't have to manage any of the donation process, but the funds from your donation will go to work for our children in Cebu!