As the eldest of nine siblings, I was always responsible for most of the household tasks. I used to whine
about the chores my parents gave me. But then my father told me that no matter how simple a task is,
like picking up a spoon, if you don't put love into it, it will be difficult.
From that point forward, I used that simple concept to accomplish my goals, and I was pleased that I
was successful in several ways.
In my teaching career, I apply this through our morning meeting activities in the classroom. Morning
meetings are a school-wide classroom management strategy that meets kids' social-emotional learning needs regularly. Every morning, teachers assemble their students in a circle for 15 to 30 minutes to socialize and start the day. This classroom management technique is a fantastic help for us teachers as we transition students to their goals in class. I can tell which students require more time to code-switch
their feelings into a learning mindset, transforming negative emotions into positive ones.
In my eight years of teaching at CCHS, I've noticed that kids who are emotionally preoccupied with
unnecessary thoughts are unable to comprehend the concept being taught and it is challenging for them to retain the information.
To assist the students, I allow them time to process their feelings/thoughts that were unrelated to the
classroom discussion and be ready once they are inside the classroom, or I explained their role
through pre- or post-class discussion. Then, tell them that there is a time for everything, and to set aside
what initially bothers them and focus on the purpose of their coming to school and deal with their other
thoughts another time.
I believe success occurs when you have a positive attitude, choosing to love, and be cheerful in all that
you do. Being happy and contented in our daily interaction leads to great things in this world, no matter
how challenging the circumstances are.
Proverbs 15:13 says: "A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit."
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!