Staff Blog

Most days in the Philippines are sunny and hot.  This past week a typhoon was passing by the Philippines bringing clouds and rain.  Only the edge of the typhoon affected Cebu City, so at the shelter the temperature cooled a little and it rained off and on for several days.

The kids wore long sleeve shirts to school to stay comfortable while studying and learning.  After school though, the activities changed from the normal routine.  The kids could not play soccer on the playground or climb on the jungle gym.  They had to stay inside, so they filled their afternoons with drawing, building boxes, reading and hanging with babies.

At CSC, we are blessed to have wonderful homes to shelter the children.  We are especially reminded of this whenever bad weather is threatening.  Thank you to all who help keep these homes safe and secure for the children.

The kids like games, sports, activities and visitors.  Right before school started, a visitor shared his love of basketball with the kids.

Every morning for a week, the driveway was full of bouncing balls and kids learning new skills in basketball.  Dribbling, passing, shooting, and rebounding were the focus, of course.

Basketball is not a new game at all in the Philippines, but all kids need to start learning at some point.  This past week was the time for some of the CSC kids to learn a bit.

Some terms that are used in basketball vary from one side of the Pacific Ocean to the other.  In the US, a made shot which hits only the net, not touching the rim or backboard, is called a “swish.”  In the Philippines, that shot is called “ringless.”

Different cultures’ coming together always opens doors to learning new things, from new terms to different approaches to a game.

Check out the video of the basketball fun.

Today was fun at the shelter.  Twin babies arrived!

The little boy and girl were born at Glory Reborn maternity clinic.  So many loving hands and hearts have already cradled these precious children in their few short days.  CSC is excited to continue the loving care which Glory Reborn started.

As the twins came in the gates of CSC, aunties from all the houses were buzzing, “Are those the new twin babies?”  Hundreds of babies have received loving care at CSC and still the arrival of two more babies is an exciting event.

The little twins are settling into the Eicher nursery.  The other toddlers are peeking into their crib.  In the evening, the older children in Cherne home crowded around a camera to see a picture of the two new children.

The love and care for the new twins will come from everyone—toddlers to adults.

The Filipino flags were flying from each house.  The jello and maha was in the shape of the same flag.  CSC celebrated Filipino Independence Day on Thursday.

It was a fun evening full of food and laughter.  The kids kept going back for more hot dogs, jello and maha, and chips.  Even though the stuffed themselves, they still found room for ice cream.

Each home gave a patriotic presentation.   Eicher home presented a speech.  Cherne sang a patriotic song.  Duterte reenacted the history of Filipino Independence Day.

You gave me time when no one gave me the time of day,
You looked deep inside while the rest of the world looked away,
You smiled at me when there were just frowns everywhere,
You gave me love when nobody gave me a prayer.

Chorus:
That's why I call You Saviour ..... that's why I call You Friend,
You touched my heart ..... You touched my soul,
And helped me start all over again,
That's why I love You, Jesus ..... that's why I'll always care,
You gave me love when nobody gave me a prayer.

You gave me laughter after I cried all my tears,
You heard my dreams while the rest of the world closed it's ears,
I looked in Your eyes, and I found the tenderness there,
You gave me love when nobody gave me a prayer.

Chorus:
That's why I call You Saviour ..... that's why I call You Friend,
You touched my heart ..... You touched my soul,
And helped me start all over again.
That's why I love You, Jesus ..... that's why I'll always care,
You gave me love when nobody gave me a prayer.

Arlene stood up in church today and sang this song. She sang beautifully. The song, You Gave Me Love, is especially meaningful for Arleen's life. She came to CSC as a five year-old orphan whose mom had just died. She is blind, and had nobody to take care of her. But as the song says, God, through CSC,touched her heart and her soul, and gave her love when society simply wasn't able to provide her with anything. In many ways, she didn't have a prayer.

As she stood up there singing I thought of the blessing that she has been to so many people over the years, using her musical talents to inspire, convict and bless.

Please pray for Arleen as she is waiting for a job as a music teacher. She has recently graduated from college and is very much hoping to get a job soon. Thanks for all who have supported her over the years through gifts and prayers.