Staff Blog

Steps can be big or small and both big and small at the same time.  Baby steps are big.  Sometimes big kids make slow, hesitant steps.

There are always babies at the shelter.  First steps for a baby are always achievements.  Eyes are full of concentration.  Hands are doing all they can to balance and anticipate a fall. Feet are planted with a shakiness and uncertainty.  These steps are so far from mastery of balance and coordination, but they are some the biggest steps this child will take in the entirety of his life.  Congrats to him!

Big kids can make big steps in ways that might fly under the radar.  At CHS graduation, all the students received an award for some achievement or contribution.  They ranged from Best in Math to Most Helpful, from Best in Music to Most Cheerful.  The Most Improved in grade 4 went to his boy.  He had put in a lot of work this past year and it was bearing fruit.  He is more than capable, but lacked motivation and direction at times.  His teachers have helped guide and challenge him.  They expected more from him and he stepped up!

The Most Improved student in grade 3 was a girl who arrived at the shelter part way through the school year.  The shelter, school, everything was new to her and it was overwhelming.  At times when things in class got difficult, she would just stop participating.  Slowly over the second half of the year, she opened up and felt more comfortable.  She stepped out of her comfort zone!

Thank you for praying for all the steps, big and small, that are taken every day.

Growing up, I learned several little games that could be played with two people anywhere, games like thumb wrestling.  I do not claim to be an expert in thumb wrestling, but I have learned a lot from the kids are the shelter.  They have taught me tricks and techniques to give the littler kids a fighting chance. 

My mind was blown one night a birthday party while the kids around me and I were waiting for our turn to get food.  One kid challenged me to a game of thumb wrestling.  I accepted the challenge.  Soon another kid and another kid wanted to challenge me.  Of course I told them to wait their turn.  The first boy said something like, “They don’t have to wait.  We can all play.”  I was confused and before I could correct him, he started arranging all four hands.  All of a sudden, he said, “Okay, we are ready.  GO!”  It was magic.  I looked down at our hands and we were playing four way thumb wrestling! 

I do not even remember who came out on top of this mass of hands.  All I could think of was, “What else did I miss out on in my childhood.”  This ingenuous inclusion of others had never occurred to my friends or I.  The rest of the night, a smile came to my face whenever I thought of the four way thumb wrestling and brilliance of the kids who surrounded me.   

As a staff member at CSC, I have the privilege of witnessing many amazing events in the lives of our kids. From birthdays, to graduation, to adoption...the staff and workers at CSC are constantly reminded of how God is working in this world. Many of the things we observe are often behind the scenes, and invisible to the eyes of the children. In July, I will have completed my year working on the Child Development team, and will be heading home to Minnesota. When I think about the eminent goodbye to come, it takes all that I have to hold it together. In reflection, here are some things that I have learned while being here:

1. You don't have to own much to be joyful. The kids at the shelter come from some pretty rough backgrounds, and many of them no longer have parents to speak of. Though we provide many things for them here at the shelter, it by no means replaces the need they have for a family. However, despite all the things going against them, the children are joyful. I have never seen anyone so contented with a few sticks, a plastic bag and some string...but of course that means hours and days of fun making and flying kites. And who ever knew paper could be so entertaining? But of course it is when it is formed into a paper airplane! The kids here don't have video games, or ipods, or cell phones to play with - things that many children in the U.S. see as necessities - yet that doesn't stop them from finding a way to have joy in each moment. 

2. The last point kind of leads into this one. Hope is abundant in the lives of the children at CSC. Every night, the kids pray to be given a mom and a dad. Some kids have just started praying this prayer, and some have been praying it for years and years. For the later group, it is especially hard. Some of the children here have seen many friends adopted, and yet they have heard nothing of parents of their own. Though this is discouraging for them, they never let it get them down long. The prayers never stop. The hope is real. 

I came to CSC with many preconceived notions about what I would be doing, and how I would impact the lives of the children around me. However, as time goes on, and as I look back, I realize the opposite has occurred. Yes I have made an impact, but I believe the greatest impact has been the one impressed upon my own heart by the kids. The way these kids live their lives is incredible, and if I can learn even one thing from the example they show, I will become a better person. It is going to be very hard to leave all these kids behind, but I find comfort in knowing that God has a plan for each and every one of them, and they are all in His hands. 

In honor of Father's Day this coming June 21, I'd like to ask you to say a prayer of thanksgiving for the amazing housefathers we have with us at CSC.  They are not able to clock out at the end of their day---they are 24/7.  They lead devotions in their home, intervene when discipline is necessary, comfort hurting children, emcee at birthday parties, laugh and joke, play, serve as expert lechon carver or Christmas elf upon request (see below!), instruct, be consistent, be present and teach.  They have such important jobs and we are blessed that they understand this!  Additionally, I would like to ask you to pray for them and the significant work God has called them to.  I know that they would appreciate your prayers as well, for they will be the first to admit that they lean heavily on God's grace, wisdom, patience and love every day.  And truthfully, we wouldn't have it any other way.

Thank you, Lord, for our amazing housefathers.  Advanced Happy Father's Day to all and to all a good night!  :)

As an adult, we wonder what the future will look like.  Too often, we are afraid of it, not trusting.  It is funny.  Even though we are more experienced than little children they often teach us to keep calm and have faith.  The future is in God’s mighty hands.

Kids arriving at CSC are unsure, uncertain and sometimes doubtful.  They have been through a lot at a very young age, but they never waver about the future.  At CSC they learn to trust again; to know that they are provided for and do not need to worry if they will have another meal.  They look straight forward with hopeful hearts.  They rest in God’s knowing hands that they will have a bright future ahead.

 “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