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I was reading recently about friendships and how as adults we often do things--knowingly and unknowingly--that put on our friends an unnecessary responsibility. Maybe we say something in hopes of getting a response. Maybe we do something and then later wonder if it was done with the right motive.

Children demonstrate a refreshingly different perspective than adults on friendships. I see this as I watch my own children relate to their friends. Sure, they experience ups and downs, good feelings and hurt feelings, but they also have this way of demonstrating spontaneous, unfiltered and unconditional love to those they call friends. There is a lot of laughter involved more often than not.

A childlike perspective is likely what we all need as we view life with those in community with us. It reminds me of words that Jesus spoke that says, "anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it" (Luke 18).

Pictures from the last two blog entries -- Sports Fest 2023 and Toddler Playground -- remind me of the friendships our CSC children have with each other and the joy they can experience as a part of the CSC family. They are an inspiration to us all!

Today I plan to think about my friendships--the new and the old--and to consider how I approach them...hopefully with a childlike perspective.

Our Spring 2023 issue of News from Cebu was mailed this week. It's so exciting to see the Mission of CSC -- for nearly 45 years now -- being fulfilled as we provide the loving, Christ-centered home that provides a strong foundation for healthy friendships.

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Grace and Peace,

It's More Fun at CCHS!

Aug. 5, 2014By: Featured Guest

When I first came to CCHS, it was for my interview with the principal and the consultant. I was so nervous because it was my first time to be interviewed. I prayed and tried to be optimistic no matter what happened. My prayer was granted.

I am now part of the CCHS faculty. The people at CCHS are so great because they make me feel comfortable. I have learned a lot of new things from them. I am so thankful that I have been able to meet happy people. Everything happens for a reason.

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The students are so energetic. Each child has his own unique personality and skills. Every afternoon the kids bring flowers they have picked for the teachers. How sweet these students are! Every time the school has a special event, they are excited for the games, activities and especially the snacks. They participate and enjoy the activity.  It’s More Fun at CCHS!

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-Rhasie Gantuangco, Instructional Assistant

Thomas is One!

Aug. 3, 2014By: Joel Reasoner

Thomas is one amazing young boy.  He is one resilient and persevering boy.  He is one happy and upbeat boy.  And now he is one year old!

Thomas has been through more in his life than most people, and he just turned one.  He has had several surgeries and spent lots of time in the hospital in his first year of life.  Through it all he keeps his spirits high.  Even when in the hospital feeling bad, it is rare that he is in a bad mood.

Over the past couple months he has been healing up after a major surgery.  Now that he is healthier, the child care workers can give him more freedom to satisfy his inquisitive mind.  He is loving it!

He really likes books.  He looks at them so intently that some of the child care workers joke that he already knows how to read.  Recently, he has started to learn how to walk.

Many, many, many people have prayed continually for him and his recovery and development.  So celebrate with us as Thomas turns one.  It is great day!

Cool Babies

Aug. 1, 2014By: Joel Reasoner

One baby’s smile is extremely contagious.  Multiply that by 17, that is the current number little cute babies at the shelter.

My wife and I are expecting our first child in the next few weeks.  In the past months I have been spending more time with the babies at the shelter.

Each little one is cool in their own ways.  One little girl loves playing “peek-o-boo.”  A little boy shouts out my name when he sees me.  Another girl has a squeal of excitement that goes along with a huge smile.  A little boy will talk to me when he wants to, not necessarily when I want to talk to him.  And another girl has been calling me “Auntie Joel” for a long time and last week she actually greeted me as “Uncle Joel.”

Just trying to take a picture of five little ones can be a great moment.  Smiles, silliness, seriousness, and shyness can all fill one picture.

God has created each child to shine on their own.  It is a pleasure and honor to get to know each child at the shelter. 

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Full Cup of Water

Hi, I’m Michelle.  It’s a blessing for me to be a part of Cebu Children of Hope School.  This is my second year working as an instructional assistant in the school ministry and I’m glad I am working here.

I’m Wilmar’s Math teacher.  Part of our studies in Math have been about spatial concepts like full and empty (just sort of a review), and for him to understand more about it.  For a recent lesson, I prepared one empty cup and one full cup of water.  (We had done this before and Wilmar drank the water!)  I pointed to the cup without water as I said to Wilmar, “This cup is empty.”   Then I pointed to the other cup full of water and said, “This cup is full of water.”  I was expecting Wilmar to drink the water, but to my surprise, he didn’t.  This young man has matured a lot.

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A Blessing to Us

Jul. 24, 2014By: Joel Reasoner

Today new three new kids came to CSC.  It is another great day!  Of course these siblings are apprehensive at first, but are quickly warming up to the caring people that surround them.

Uncle Don Don is the house father of Eicher home where the new siblings will live.  Yesterday he shared with the child care workers, "We have three new kids coming tomorrow!"

Auntie Amy quickly bombarded him with questions.   "There are new kids Uncle?  How old are they?  Will there be kids in the nursery?"

Auntie Helen put it well, "Well, if we still have extra room, let them keep coming. Everybody is welcome!”

Uncle Don Don summed it up, "Of course!  These new kids are a blessing to us."

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