Staff Blog
A toddler proudly rushes to show her Sunday school artwork to her big sister. A school-aged child scans the audience to see his parents watch him perform. A teen gets emotional over the applause she receives after delivering a heartfelt speech. You and I, whether we admit it or not, also long to be lauded, validated, or acknowledged for some of our accomplishments or for simply doing a good job. Be it on birthdays, special events, and occasions—like being on stage to get a diploma—we all want to be recognized or appreciated.
When it comes to students—kindergarten, elementary, or high school—it's not any different. Being in a phase where there's not only much learning but also change and growth, they, too, need to be recognized for their milestones and successes. This is where the Baccalaureate comes in. The Baccalaureate is a celebration of our students' hard work and achievements. It is where graduates are recognized and praised for finally crossing the finish line. It's a joyous celebration, but only so because the people grace the occasion and express love to the celebrants. That's what makes it special—you and me and the love that we share with them.
Warmly welcomed by our Program Director, Eunice Guinanoy, and Field Director, Roberto Atienza Jr., the tone of the celebration was set. In a moment, the graduates began to be recognized, and first up were two kindergarteners who beamed with pride upon hearing their names called for their first graduation. After the recognition, three elementary graduates and a graduate's sister sang and danced with smiles that showed how much they cherished each other. Six junior high school graduates also carried out a skit that spoke some snippets of their high school journey, hearts' worries and desires, and a message affirming that the Lord's purpose will prevail in their lives. One senior high school graduate also shared a thank-you speech expressing gratitude to CSC and two other graduates' reflections and gratitude to the Lord and everyone who supported them to make their way to the end of a chapter. Their journey was not just about academic achievements but also about emotional growth and resilience, which we all can relate to.
Heartfelt prayers echo in the room where heads are bowed. One of the celebration's highlights is when houseparents prayed for their respective graduates. We surrendered the graduates' new chapter to our unchanging Heavenly Father. To continue the lovely atmosphere, everyone enjoyed various snacks and refreshments. The attendees were delighted to see the appealing colors and flavors of the food and enjoyed the bites while conversations flowed easily, punctuated by laughter and shared memories.
Our presence, applause, prayers, and efforts to celebrate are the ways we validate their achievements. We were there, too; we graduated, too. And we had our share of victories and celebrations. Some people were with us, too—many or few. There may have been times when no one was there to watch us succeed. It doesn't make the milestone any less significant. What's important is that we finished something. What is better though is that we celebrate with people. That's what a Baccalaureate is—a celebration of shared achievements and the community that makes it possible.
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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