Staff Blog
A few weeks ago, we held a heartwarming and successful fundraising event for the Children's Shelter of Cebu (CSC) in Minnesota. The event saw nearly 300 attendees come together, with about half being former residents or adoptive families and the other half being supporters of our work. This gathering was not just a fundraiser; it was a celebration of 45 years of ministry in the Philippines.
The weekend began on Friday evening with a special gathering exclusively for adoptive families and former residents with current and former staff. We also had a video call with the houseparents, staff, and kids at the shelter in Cebu so former residents could connect with them. This intimate start set a warm and personal tone for the rest of the event, allowing old friends to reunite and new connections to form.
The highlight of the event on Saturday was hearing from former residents of the shelter, Angillo and Rhoella, and our Program Director, Eunice Guinanoy. The powerful testimonies from Angillo and Rhoella illustrated the profound impact that CSC has had on their lives. Eunice shared about specifics from the program team that cares for the children, including the residents who will benefit from our new program for young adults and how we admit children and assess their needs. Their stories and experiences brought to life the mission of CSC and underscored the importance of our work.
We are excited to announce that we raised just over $100,000 during the event, bringing us close to our goal of $115,000. The funds raised will go directly to benefit the children at CSC, providing essential food, clothing, medicine, and other necessities. The generosity of our supporters ensures that we can continue to offer a safe and nurturing environment for the children who need it most. Donations are still being accepted, and anyone who wishes to contribute can do so at https://cebushelter.org/give?p=projects-111.
Seeing so many supporters gathered in one place was a testament to the strength and unity of our community. After the isolation and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, this event was a poignant reminder of the power of coming together. It was not just about raising funds; it was about reaffirming our collective commitment to the children of Cebu and celebrating the progress we've made together.
Whether you gathered with us in person in Minnesota, watched online, or are reading this from around the world, your gifts make an impact. We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to the event. Your support makes a tangible difference in the lives of the children at CSC, and we look forward to continuing this journey with all of you.
We thank God for His guidance and blessings over these 45 years and for bringing together such a dedicated and compassionate community. Together, with God's help, we will continue to make a difference in the lives of the children we serve. Thank you for being a part of our community and for helping us create a brighter future for the children we serve.
It's More Fun at CCHS!
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.
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!
-Rhasie Gantuangco, Instructional Assistant
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Thomas is One!
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!
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Cool Babies
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
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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