Staff Blog

Homework can be such a drag....even for the kids at CSC.  And can I please get a refresher on genotypes?  I mean really, who needs that in social work?  I recently was asked, "Auntie Megan, do you know how to do this one?"  A worksheet gets shoved in my face and I'm staring at a grid of four boxes with a few capitalized "A's" and a few lowercase "a's."  Umm...no.  I barely made it with a passing grade when I had to learn that years ago!

One night recently, when I was on duty, multiplication was a prominent feature in the homework department.  I was helping one girl who was struggling with 2-digit multiplication.  I actually don't think she was having that difficult of a time, but was more annoyed that she had makeup work due to missing class the day before.  So 2x the homework (see what I did there?) in one evening.  But together we worked through it...even after about 30 minutes of her splayed out on the floor, crying, pushing herself and her chair outside, or hiding under the table.  Perseverance friends.  When it was bedtime, I had to convince her to stop, put the assignment away, and that she would need to finish in the morning since she wasted time whining about her homework.  I think this was just a ploy to try staying up later.

The next time I was in that house as bantay?  Division here we are!  This was much easier and definitely faster.  Other kids occasionally have it easy and don't have homework.  They tend to spend their evening hanging out, reading, or playing games.  Most of the kids are pretty good about focusing, but there are still bouts of distraction and avoidance.  Gotta take the good with the bad and just try to make the most of it!  So here's to brushing up on my math skills and renewing my ability to find patience and negotiate!

Houseparents get a night off each week to relax and take a breather from the past week.  Most missionary staff fill in for a shift on a rotating basis to help out and hang out with the kids when the houseparents are gone.  At the end of the night, after reading a book or two to the kids, we spend time in prayer.  Often there is at least one or two kids who want to pray.  Prayer is the way each home closes their night, whether or not the houseparents are home.  Some kids are well versed in the tradition, others are still skeptical, but all children are present and know that this is what we do. 

This past week I was on duty in Eicher home as Dondon and Ivy had a night off.  Just before the smaller boys were going to bed, I was praying with them and when I ended and was sending them to their rooms, one boy spoke up...

"Auntie Megan, he wants to pray," he says pointing at a three-year old.

"Oh, ok. Sure!" I respond.  I encourage this boy to go ahead and this is what we hear....

"Dear Lord....Thank you, Lord...Lord, Lord...Thank you, God.  Amen."

Hugs are given and boys are climbing in bed.  As I leave for the night, I can't help but think of the faith of a child and the way God is changing lives at CSC.  He has aunties, uncles, and friends guiding him and leading him to God.  He knows how to close his eyes, fold his hands, and call on the name of the Lord.  I'm grateful, that even at a young age, the children at CSC are learning from their caregivers and peers what it means to follow God with their hearts and lives, and that they're learning the importance of prayer!

Everyday the kids do chores.  Sometimes this means sweeping the grass, cutting the grass, watering the flowers, cleaning up after meals, laundry, or other random things.  If kids are disobedient, unruly, or out of line, they may be assigned additional chores for a consequence.  Some things don't change no matter where you are in the world!  Another thing that doesn't change is how boring or agonizing chores can be...especially when you'd rather be playing with your friends.

The other day I caught a few girls making their chore of washing dishes after dinner just a little more bearable and perhaps even enjoyable...check it out:

Hellos and goodbyes are rather routine at CSC.  We welcome new kids into our homes, and then serve them in a variety of ways including teaching, playing, sitting, poking at bugs, listening, hugging, healing, caring, and many other things.  Eventually, we have to stop and say farewell to these kids.  This is one of those bittersweet pieces of serving at CSC.  I don't like saying goodbye because these are kids I've grown to know and love.  And yet, I am grateful to know God has answered prayers by providing a family, in his perfect timing and way.  Sometimes it takes a lot longer than we would hope or expect, but God does a lot in the lives of the kids and families during this time.  It's a season of preparation and patience. 

But here we are, reaching a time soon when we will say farewell to a sibling group of 3, after years of waiting.  These are the same kids I took to Manila back in January.  I've also had the opportunity to facilitate their Skype phone calls with their adoptive family, and teach them American Studies.  As a result, I've gotten to know them well.  In the midst of it all, I know that God has ordained them to continue on their way to the next chapter of their lives.  I've been able to witness growth and change in the lives of these 3 young kids and I know they will be a blessing to their adoptive parents and the community where they will live.  While they will certainly be missed around CSC, I know they will be loved and cared for by capable and loving parents.  I have been able to witness the bond the children have with their adoptive family over Skype and I am eager to see them fit together as a family, in the unique ways God has prepared for them.  So while the goodbye may be challenging in the short term, the long term trust and knowledge that God has prepared them for a new life in a different country is what brings comfort and excitement.  I know God will continue to work in this family and use both the parents and the children to bring honor and glory to himself. 

The kids pray every night. One thing on their list and that everyone is eager to pray for is a mom and dad, a family to call their own. Some have been waiting a short time, while others have been waiting for years. In the midst of waiting, we learn patience and reflect on God's perfect timing. The waiting continues to happen, even when kids receive the news that they have a mom and dad and a new home and sometimes brothers and sisters. They have a few more months to wait before their parents come to bring them home as paperwork still needs to be processed.

In the midst of waiting, most of the kids have an opportunity to virtually "meet" their families over Skype. This is a great blessing for the kids as they have the opportunity to become acquainted with their families and can often help ease the transition for them. The parents also benefit from this experience as they can finally meet their child(ren) who they have been waiting for for a long time.

Recently I've helped facilitate a few of these calls, and it has been amazing and joyful to be involved in these interactions. The giggles, smiles, goofy faces, and conversations that take place are absolutely priceless. It's clear the kids and the adoptive families enjoy this time. As I was reflecting on a few recent interactions over Skype, it was clear to me that God was connecting these hearts and lives from miles and miles away. I am blessed to be involved in these situations and to see, first hand, how God is continuing to work in the lives of so many people who are connected to CSC in so many different ways. As you feel prompted, please be in prayer for the children and the adoptive families who are waiting for that first moment when they physically see one another for the first time. And while you're at it, lift up a "thank you" for this little piece of technology called "Skype" that can make preparation for adoption a little bit easier!