On behalf of our Medical Department....
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." — Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Everything begins with God and flows from Him. Each of us is a vital part of His divine plan, placed in this moment in history for a purpose.
From the beginning, it was a challenge to find a doctor willing to step out of their clinics or hospitals to visit our children and dedicate the time needed to check on each of them. But God, in His perfect timing, gave us an extraordinary physician whose heart was indeed with the kids. For the first time in CSC's history, the medical department successfully conducted an Annual Physical Examination of all the residents. In collaboration with the CSC medical team, the physician conducted thorough check-ups on all the residents, addressing major and minor concerns. This was a great gift from our Almighty God! We also thank God for the joyful dedication of our medical staff, who, with their unwavering commitment, assisted the doctor in this vital mission.
One of our beloved long-term residents, who joyfully received care from the doctor, stands as a powerful testament to the impact of our work. Their joy and health clearly reflect the importance of our mission and the need for continued support.
These playful kids patiently waited and cooperated well as the doctor checked on them during their turn, a testament to their understanding of the importance of their health and well-being.
This momentous achievement reminds us that God's plans for us are always good, even when the journey seems complicated. Just as Jeremiah 29:11 assures us, God has a purpose and a plan that brings hope and a future. Through His provision of a compassionate physician and a dedicated medical team, He has shown His care for every child in our shelter. He answers and provides for every need, even our seemingly impossible prayers. As we reflect on this milestone, we are reminded that when we trust in His timing and purpose, God faithfully provides for every need, big or small, in ways beyond our expectations.
Making Banana Que!
One of the things the kids love to do is cook! Here are a few pictures (taken by the kids!) from our recent cooking adventure with the Group 3 EPP class. Thank you Auntie Puriza and Auntie Jenalyn for all your help making this yummy snack! :)
A Few Favorite Pictures from the Week
This preschooler came to school sporting a hair style just like his older brother's!
I'm not sure what was happening with this next photo, but I found him lining up to go home for lunch wearing a swimming cap and goggles. I still have no idea why, but it was a fun photo!
This little boy is our newest addition to CSC. It took a while for me to get a smile out of him, but he's starting to warm up to me now!! I love this picture!
Just a few of the darlings you can find on our playground!!
And just a really cute moment, I caught on video! God is so good!!
Individualized Instruction
Individualized Instruction (aka I.I.) is a really cool thing that happens at CCHS. Kids who are identified by their teachers as needing extra support will get subject-specific instruction in a one-on-one setting during the afternoon. I am currently the I.I. reading teacher for a handful of kids, and here's what a typical day looks like with the students that I work with.
Reading...
Thinking...
Writing....
And being awesome!
Thanks for checking in on what's happening here!
On-site at CSC
My recent trip to Cebu was wonderful, aside from a little sickness and a run-in with some "stink fruit". If you have not tried "stink fruit" before, don't. It really does taste like it smells- awful.
I have known about CSC and worked with the organization for years, but I feel truly blessed to be a part of it as a new staff member. As I walked on the CSC grounds, I kept thinking about how excited I was to connect with what is happening in this little section of Cebu.
One thing I'm already proud of is how seriously we take the spiritual development of our children. One evening during my trip, I was welcomed into the Eicher home to join in on evening devotions. House father DonDon had already started, so I tried to sneak in the back and blend in. It didn't work very well, as I temporarily disrupted the discussion when the kids started waving and saying "hi Auntie Jill!" DonDon, however, quickly got the devotion time back on track. He was leading the children through a lesson about temptation and doubt. He shared that God has a plan for all of their lives and he talked about the need to trust God with the future. All of the children were really engaged and responded by answering the questions with confidence and by reciting scripture. As I sat there and listened, it struck me how much the staff at CSC care for these kids. They strive to meet all of their physical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs. Perhaps that is why you see so many smiling faces.
Shenanigans...
Truthfully, our kids are pretty special. Yes, you may consider me a biased informant, but I dare you to come here and spend the afternoon playing with any number of them and not draw the same conclusion!
We have some of the sweetest kids I have ever met. They are helpful, considerate, creative, athletic and energetic.
We also have some of the silliest kids I have ever met!!! I decided to highlight that side of our kids for you this week... Enjoy!
That face...
They are off to save the world! Watch out.... ;)
Such an impish smile!
His name is pretty much Mischief----with a capital M!
PEEK!
FYI, He was winding up for an overhand throw---I found that out after the picture was taken! ;)
Yes, he really is wearing the face of a pig!!!
Silly sisters!
And this one needs no caption...
Thanks for reading and caring about our silly, but precious children!
God Bless!