Staff Blog
In this season marked by gift giving and receiving, I've been reflecting about a significant gift that I received earlier this year. In July, I travelled to the Philippines and had the opportunity to spend 6 days visiting CSC.
While I've had connections to CSC for almost 15 years, this was my first actual trip there – not for lack of desire to have made the trip earlier, but working within the realities of parenting and being an at-home mom with our 4 young kids. Being there was, of course, amazing, and a true gift. The life-giving ministry that takes place there came alive for me in a whole new way. I don't want to lose that deepened sense of connectedness that I brought back to Minnesota with me, and as part of that desire to hold onto connection I recently revisited some of the journaling that I'd done during my week at CSC. I'd like to share a few excerpts from my journal with you – in hopes that you also will feel a rekindled sense of connectedness to the truly life-altering work that takes place every day, hour by hour and minute by minute at CSC.
From our first day at the shelter – Wednesday, July 19th
It is emotional to be here with the kids! To see little babies who don't belong to anyone-yet here belong to everyone, sweet toddlers who remind me of Berit (our 2 year old daughter) who have already lost someone for a lifetime, preschoolers coming close or slipping in a hand to be held who don't know what it's like to be someone's child, busy elementary schoolers curiously and boldly saying hello – their life stories already so complicated, and tall, growing-up pre-teens who act like they are at camp, yet don't have family to return home to. I've gotten lots of tears welling up in my eyes – for the kids, when seeing Paul being tender and familiar with kids of all ages, and in thinking about life and all of its complexity. So thankful to be here, and so aware that life can be hard.
From Thursday, July 20th
I've seen lots of poverty today while driving, especially on the city tour with Marlys. It's so surreal to drive by it and then to be done with it, while it is remains someone's total life and story. I like to imagine that all of the kids I see who are way too close to the moving cars in the street have a parent close by, or that they are just going for a walk, but I know that isn't true. Especially aware today of CSC as a SHELTER.
From Tuesday, July 25th
CSC is impressive. The physical campus, the stories behind the campus coming to be, the contrast for the kids between what was and what is – as well as new potential for what might be, the many aunties and uncles, the holistic set up that addresses so many important parts of each child's experience, the team of leaders that is both forward thinking and evaluative... and of course the kids themselves. I'm struck today by the RESILIENCY of the kids. Each child here carries with them a heavy, heart-breaking story, but they keep going.
While on the airplane as I journeyed home, as part of my processing of the days at CSC, I made two lists in my journal. One of the lists was titled "Hard Things", and the other was titled "Joyful Things". I'll share a few of the items that were part of each list.
Hard Things – Hearing kids who had been matched for adoption talk about where they would be going when they joined their new families (Australia, Tennessee, Italy), knowing that other kids listening had no adoption plan. Seeing endearing, funny, smart and talented older kids who don't have much time left until their adoption window closes – knowing that their amazing personalities could never be captured on paper and that their age would likely be what would speak loudest to potential adoptive families. Wondering if the CSC kids were wondering if I was "sizing them up" and considering the possibility of adding them to our family, and even choosing what to say about themselves based on that. Thinking about how quickly childhood passes, and "biding time" while waiting for a family. Hearing babies cry and seeing toddlers sitting in highchairs... even when being carefully tended to by aunties, as Paul would say, "It's not the same as being in a family."
Joyful Things – Bright smiles and sparkling brown eyes. Hearing the house parents lead the kids in devotions before breakfast and after dinner. Listening to the kids sing songs of worship – the sound of their voices floating out from the homes and through the campus. Seeing the kids smartly dressed in their matching school uniforms and getting to walk with them up the hill to school. Visiting Jacob and Ginda's rooms, specially created for them, and seeing how CSC is absolutely committed to them as valued family members. Getting to pray a prayer of thanks and blessing with the overnight workers one night as they started their shift. Being surrounded by a group of 11, 12 and 13 year old girls who just wanted to hang out and talk. Genuinely feeling that there are capable, thoughtful leaders in place. Seeing the employees call out, hug and playfully tease the kids. Sensing real openness from the staff to work together for the children.
Those are some excerpts from my CSC experience. It was truly such a gift to be able to spend those 6 days in July immersed in the daily life of CSC. I'm grateful in a deeper, broader way for this ministry as I'm reminded of both hard and joyful parts of CSC. As a CSC board member, I am especially thankful for the community that supports CSC. To know that children's lives are being changed each day is truly amazing and inspiring, and I'm so thankful for all of you who make that possible!
Love is a verb
Actions speak louder than words...
I see this adage lived out every day by our workers. They care for our kids in a way that goes above and beyond what is outlined in their job description. They do their job---whether it is preparing a meal, overseeing bathtime, homework time, changing diapers, or making sure our vehicles are safe and in good running order---with heart and dedication to the ministry of CSC. They love these kids and it shows!
How our Uncles love...
Taking care of our homes
Celebrating a special day
Playing with them
Holding them---even though it means you will get sticky in the process!
Praying over them
Helping them play safely
How our Aunties love...
Helping with homework
Meeting a need
Encouraging cooperative play
Laughing with them
Being one of our children's first teachers!
Providing one-on-one attention
And the list goes on....
I believe we learn how to love and how to be kind to others from how we are loved and treated by those around us.
It warms my heart every time I see one of our kids loving another one of our kids, but what else would you expect when they have such good teachers? :)
How our kids love each other...
We love because he first loved us." 1 John 4:19
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Snack Time
Every day after school the kids come home and eat a snack before going out to play. I was in the Eicher home today while snack was being made and thought I would show you some photos of snack time. Cheese bread is always a hit!
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Happy Birthday!
"Happy Birthday!" is something that we say a lot at CSC. We work hard to make each birthday a special occassion for each of our kids. Really, all our kids have of their own is their name and their birthday, most other things have been taken from them.
We have the big event on the exact date of their birthday....even if that means we have three different birthday parties in one week. The kids know exactly what to expect. They like to wear red on their birthday. Their birthday will be celebrated in their house, all the staff are invited and each of the kids get to invite two more people...usually one kid from each of the other two houses, but sometimes they invite their teachers from school. If we happen to have two birthdays on one day that just means the party doubles, we usually have it outside because all the kids from two houses are included. Most often the first thing that happens is the kids are presented with a printed copy of all the greetings that were posted on FaceBook for their Birthday - they especially love looking at each of the tiny FaceBook profile photos! They do read the notes as well. We always have a rousing (read LOUD) birthday song and lots of table banging (trust me - it goes with the song). Following that we all have to tell the birthday child "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" and expect a "Thankyou" in return. Then is time for a special prayer for the birthday child, the child gets to chose a staff person to pray for them. We are always certain to thank God for bringing this child to CSC and for each of the talents that we know this child has. Then...time to eat. The kids love to have chicken and spaghetti! Sometimes the menu varies (and that makes the staff happy.) After everyone has eaten all they want (and that usually does not include vegetables when they get to fill their own plates) it is time for Ice Cream and Birthday Cake, but first they have to have their picture taken with their specially ordered birthday cake. The birthday child is usually the first one done eating. The last big event of the evening is getting their gift! They are so excited to get their birthday gift...CSC kids are appreciative and happy with what they receive. It is a blessing to watch their face as each thing is pulled out of their bags...okay, clothes usually get tossed aside rather quickly, but they are happy to wear them the next day! Then it is time to pack everything back in the birthday bag and bring it upstairs to their bedrooms to find special places to keep each thing (usually that will be in their bed with them for a few nights at least). Yep, we love birthdays at CSC. Each and every one of them.
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Recent School Activities
There are always lots of activities going on at the school. Conferences, morning meetings, and programs. It has been a very busy last few weeks. Here are some of the programs we've had lately!
Level A2 Morning Meeting:
Two weeks ago Level A2 presented a morning meeting about different types of weather! They did a cute skit in which a boy took pictures of the kids acting out all of the seasons. That was followed up with the students explaining several different types of weather. Then they danced to the song "Beautiful Day" before closing up the morning with a game. For the game, two kids had to form a house with their arms. A third child sat inside as the "baby". Whenever there was a storm, the houses fell apart and everyone had to run around to form a new house with a new baby. There was a bit of confusion during every "storm", but lots of laughter as well!
Science & Math Day:
Last Thursday, our school held our annual Science & Math Day. The program was split into two different parts. The first part was the math quiz bowl. The kids were all quite excited about it and many had asked their teachers in advance to PLEASE help them practice. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, number comparison, and fractions were just a few of the topics covered. They all did a great job and it was fun to see the teamwork and encouragement that went on within the teams! The second part of the program included presentations from each of the science classes. Group 2 shared about plants and how they grow! Group 3 explained potential & kinetic energy. Then they used a roller coaster to demonstrate those types of energy. Group 4 showed examples of energy transformation! After all of the science presentations, the kids were clapping and spontaneously yelled out, "Science rules!!" It's fun to see their love for science! The day ended with two math dances put on by our older kids! Here is a short video that we showed about group 4's energy creations. They had to create something that would move a Ping-Pong ball as far as possible!
Level B Morning Meeting:
Last Friday, Level B presented their morning meeting. It started off with the girls performing a fun dance to the song "Show Jesus" by Jamie Grace. Then they did a cute skit about camouflage. The rabbit kept running into things that were hidden in the grass, trees, and flowers! The program ended by acknowledging the March birthday celebrants!
Check out more pictures from these events!
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Math Girls
I never loved math as a student, but every year my love for teaching math grows a little bit more. And this year my love for teaching math is at an all time high because of my hard working and motivated students! I have never had students who are so excited to not only know if they got it right or wrong, but WHY they got it right or wrong. Sometimes they interrogate me - in a good way - "Why, teacher Lindsay? Can you show me number 6 again?" It's like a teacher's dream come true.
Not only do they love to work on their assignments in class, they will gladly accept homework and even get excited about "extra challenge" assignments. They truly hunger for knowledge and academic challenge, and it's such a privilege to be their teacher.
They even sing songs about math!
I'm so proud of these girls. :)
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