Staff Blog

The Cebu Children of Hope School (CCHS) recently observed Nutrition Month. In her opening greeting, Mrs. Criselda Tabra, our school principal, encouraged everyone to take good care of our bodies by eating a balanced diet and staying healthy. One of the CSC nurses then led a discussion and offered advice on leading a healthy lifestyle.

Next up was Zumba! Moving our bodies is another approach to maintaining our health. Both the teachers and the students had a great time dancing. Then, our ever-enthusiastic coordinators guided the students and staff through a series of engaging games. Every student enjoyed the opportunity to take part, and those who correctly identified the answer received prizes. Then came one of the most anticipated parts of the program: the announcement of the Nutrition Month coloring contest winners. Way to go, guys, and enjoy your prizes!

The last part of the program included eating nutritious foods beside the courtyard. Most students enjoyed it, while others were trying to finish their share. What a fun way to commemorate Nutrition Month.

The program and activities were only an hour-long program, yet somehow they made an impact on everyone present at that moment. The experience was also one way of letting our students know that the people around them value their health and well-being. A huge "thank you" to everyone at CCHS and CSC who works hand in hand to ensure our children's good health. And as adults serving these children, we also must stay healthy in all aspects.

So, what is the ideal thing to do to be able to achieve a healthy lifestyle? This is one of the most common questions that most of us ask when we aim to live longer and happier. Well, the answer depends on how determined someone is to stay healthy. First, stay positive, then feed yourself in healthy ways. And the list goes on and on. What about you? What is your definition of being healthy? Are you doing things that promote good health physically, socially, financially, emotionally, mentally, and most importantly, spiritually? What a great reminder it is to start evaluating how we are doing as stewards of our bodies and our whole lives. The good thing is that it is not too late to start living healthy lives. So, what are you waiting for?

Start now!

As Bonnie Pfiester says, "Today is your day to start fresh, to eat right, to train hard, to live healthy, and to be proud." Bethany Johnson also says, "Our body is an incredible gift that only we can steward. Care for your body can be fun—not a burden or a 'should'—but a daily and empowering project of love for yourself and an expression of gratitude for God's wonderful work. That's you!"

In science, the grade 3 students learned that a hand lens is a tool you can hold against your eyes to make little objects look bigger. It's amazing how these young scientists appreciate every little object and insect they can find and observe, which appears bigger through a hand lens. As their teacher, it was a great privilege for me to connect Psalm 8:4 ESV: "What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?" Often times, little things are neglected and overlooked simply because they appear insignificant. Even though we are just a speck of dust in this universe, the Lord is mindful of us, and He cares about every detail of His precious creation.

"Sometimes, little things make a big difference."― Nino Varsimashvili

A student gave this lovely flower early in the morning with a beautiful smile while saying, "Good morning, Teacher!" It's simple and little things, that makes the teacher's day extraordinary!

In Civics class we have been talking about appreciating the different beautiful sceneries in the Philippines and being proud of them. Now my 2nd grade class is focusing on us, humans, as being the "Guardians of the Environment". Here are some of their ideas why humans are called the guardians of the environment.

Student 1: It's because we are capable of taking good care of them.
Student 2: Example teacher - the plants. They can't water themselves when God won't send rain. They'll suffer.
Student 3: And also the other animals. They'll suffer, too, if we will not take care of our environment. They need us to watch over them.

As the discussion went on I noticed that one of the students stayed quiet. He didn't raise his hands to share so I caught his attention and asked him to share his thoughts with us. He didn't answer right away but I knew he had something to share. Here's what he said:

Student 4: Since plants and animals will suffer if we don't take care of them, won't we suffer even more? We need to take care of the environment because God put us in charge of His beautiful creation.

The rest of the students agreed with what he said. I was speechless for a few seconds, asking myself how this very young learner thought as an adult. The lesson ended well and, as an application, we made a plan for how we could take better care of our school and the shelter.

The beginning of this school year has been so great. Students are learning to adjust in their new classrooms, with their new teachers. There are a lot of new things at school that both the students and teachers are exploring together. It's fun to see everyone growing in so many different areas!

One of the big truths that we teach our students is that they're capable of doing the right things that will help them both now and in the future. A verse that we have been discussing in class is Philippians 4:13 which says, "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength".

At the beginning of each day my class and I review our classroom expectations. Instead of putting "Classroom Rules" I decided to put "I Can" statements as the heading. It's my way of encouraging the students to know that they are capable.

It's very timely that the first theme in reading this year talks about teamwork. Once my students learned that they were capable of making good choices each day we then discussed how they are capable of working together as a team. Being part of a team simply means Together Everyone Achieves More. Reminding my students that they're capable indeed is so helpful for them.

God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His Heart

-From a song called "Trust His Heart" by Babbie Mason

The view out of my classroom window on a recent rainy day.

     Human as we are, we have lots of worries in life. As we worry, some questions come up in our minds. What will my future be like? Will I be able to sustain the needs of my family? What kind of life will my children have? How do I meet the needs of my students, especially those who are struggling? How will I deal with the difficult situations I will be facing in the future? Do the things that I strive to do matter? Am I making a difference in my workplace? Am I on the right track? Is this the will of God for me? I don't understand God's plan for me, what should I do?

     Upon worrying and doubting, we sometimes forget that there's someone up there who is bigger than our worries. When our mind is clouded with worries instead of trusting the One who is sovereign over everything, we see the uncertainties. May the message of the song above encourage both you and me to put our full trust in Him who is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient amidst uncertainties.

     May we hold onto His promise and command from Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV that says, "
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.