tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88650666335431296942024-03-05T14:04:40.956+08:00In the works....lsahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029204715247996672noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865066633543129694.post-85056109483979032552013-01-31T15:23:00.002+08:002013-01-31T15:23:45.279+08:00Kids are fun...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Its testing week at school, so the kids are in study mode! I was on duty last night in the Cherne Home and was little apprehensive... I knew I would have to help them study for their tests and was kind of worried I would not be of much help. Science is not my strong suit (mixtures and solutions---WHAT?!) and I am completely out of the loop on Filipino Civics---the kids were very forgiving though! :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRH6Tsx9CfF5kSLIsKB034ueL8DztDXshPdOL8R1Mi_XnXEFJud6_Vv1GjeHLN5Kg7WOZ3J53qpWNFTll0zDGDOSvdy9XAAZWE7cpFr7aHsxSFjFbkqTiGvJdwA0Ehgexm3vL9jSoi6A/s1600/DSCN8981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRH6Tsx9CfF5kSLIsKB034ueL8DztDXshPdOL8R1Mi_XnXEFJud6_Vv1GjeHLN5Kg7WOZ3J53qpWNFTll0zDGDOSvdy9XAAZWE7cpFr7aHsxSFjFbkqTiGvJdwA0Ehgexm3vL9jSoi6A/s320/DSCN8981.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They didn't have anything to study, but apparently they wanted in on the fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVl5B4xN183Udm_1Lu0EWPq0nHPzAFCYiNBrV6-jawz-uSA4yleyAqcNX7hQLA0Ysd2H_EFswZUcM4D6mPTF7ptYX9imjqd1f_uKPYYzxhTkFVb-FUSdoT0N5MTqfpG4nTPDowoxeBi9k/s1600/DSCN8982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVl5B4xN183Udm_1Lu0EWPq0nHPzAFCYiNBrV6-jawz-uSA4yleyAqcNX7hQLA0Ysd2H_EFswZUcM4D6mPTF7ptYX9imjqd1f_uKPYYzxhTkFVb-FUSdoT0N5MTqfpG4nTPDowoxeBi9k/s320/DSCN8982.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After studying comes...UNO! Right?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPlYT6b7zyF86PZpaIwvfza4OlsH4z9hW6lH-e6C9Z4O9BLQ8FT3oAaTGV7ZD42QQ4UvrRtGzzB17Q53xlJTo6Gi0x5NjKDdSl4SsUEUwAcRvNcu7S3fly841YpcAMaaTqd7JJ7HNb0A/s1600/DSCN8977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPlYT6b7zyF86PZpaIwvfza4OlsH4z9hW6lH-e6C9Z4O9BLQ8FT3oAaTGV7ZD42QQ4UvrRtGzzB17Q53xlJTo6Gi0x5NjKDdSl4SsUEUwAcRvNcu7S3fly841YpcAMaaTqd7JJ7HNb0A/s320/DSCN8977.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Studying the solar system---they were quickly brushing up before I quizzed them!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3gf_vwSCsbpXqpv1OA5xVIWOVYlwUviLJTohFcXAmVLq6dfWJf4y-jObMTmxR1opseC2SIpf1jeqLEiEj5Km-vk_rFSIuqKNvYzpg3ER5KX1Ka9THxl4mzlORcODEh0O3octXfo_SNM/s1600/DSCN8988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3gf_vwSCsbpXqpv1OA5xVIWOVYlwUviLJTohFcXAmVLq6dfWJf4y-jObMTmxR1opseC2SIpf1jeqLEiEj5Km-vk_rFSIuqKNvYzpg3ER5KX1Ka9THxl4mzlORcODEh0O3octXfo_SNM/s320/DSCN8988.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being silly....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dYJx-TRhlTqFkvU-_88RG-BuypRPhgqzyPM9zgI6rlMUbamq7sFix0lBIfavzbtMml_qFdfi7JoQ1P-11iojq16N5R_LNMC3QYDEAgI3TmQ6QcH02HATA5YZRIGbHnXzuArVlO7Q1lQ/s1600/DSCN8987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dYJx-TRhlTqFkvU-_88RG-BuypRPhgqzyPM9zgI6rlMUbamq7sFix0lBIfavzbtMml_qFdfi7JoQ1P-11iojq16N5R_LNMC3QYDEAgI3TmQ6QcH02HATA5YZRIGbHnXzuArVlO7Q1lQ/s320/DSCN8987.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls are teaching me about secularization in the Philippines in the mid-late 1800s!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyrjT3BGkGq1cboP6DbsU6cfD3FoklAll4yDOD9V-yFpnLUgU8mq83JnTgDmSIb_f2IBtXqe57ecY4AcygGM3-V8EhYesoSMNWXdM1-YDV19QoUz9yCHKZNlLsDDeCcwj0NxJppmUzbw/s1600/DSCN9001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyrjT3BGkGq1cboP6DbsU6cfD3FoklAll4yDOD9V-yFpnLUgU8mq83JnTgDmSIb_f2IBtXqe57ecY4AcygGM3-V8EhYesoSMNWXdM1-YDV19QoUz9yCHKZNlLsDDeCcwj0NxJppmUzbw/s320/DSCN9001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Studying is fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWX2wWufjKvcSFWvirwxGU96BPbDcccqzA4RCp6q3kx9dz-lC53zKUq_0kr7XrI6oE5MCKSC48-b1shEwUY-UEzGjUI41Fzdp2mpA2uSUttjgkj9Uyhc5Jyw3HFe9UNWhpUbofKgJAwKc/s1600/DSCN8983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWX2wWufjKvcSFWvirwxGU96BPbDcccqzA4RCp6q3kx9dz-lC53zKUq_0kr7XrI6oE5MCKSC48-b1shEwUY-UEzGjUI41Fzdp2mpA2uSUttjgkj9Uyhc5Jyw3HFe9UNWhpUbofKgJAwKc/s320/DSCN8983.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A litte music to help the study-ers! As I recall, it was a Christmas song they were singing! ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQZmsCb9rxOagW_FKX8OKNMFHqnMboxGB0aGWGjwTinSYtKT0iwI1T38sXlyxa0z9XFebIGquwCeQunMkkoOfm4K_J32PsbFMmc9d_Jz9ZmI3XLNuF-5YyYhVn2CS9s8jRFZ9M1SW7Eo/s1600/DSCN8990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQZmsCb9rxOagW_FKX8OKNMFHqnMboxGB0aGWGjwTinSYtKT0iwI1T38sXlyxa0z9XFebIGquwCeQunMkkoOfm4K_J32PsbFMmc9d_Jz9ZmI3XLNuF-5YyYhVn2CS9s8jRFZ9M1SW7Eo/s320/DSCN8990.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The photographer! She is good at self-pics! ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyh2B9bD9lWSwjY48zqaxUEsIesEQ8-CoNGK_v9hn5c4JxdiCkdHJEPT5iDmpWlUL7guZidWyHspRV7meBHHZmCiNPPWmYTNqtIshvR9X706MrTFSbvFz2plYZomb707vOCjC-fnT_so/s1600/DSCN8986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyh2B9bD9lWSwjY48zqaxUEsIesEQ8-CoNGK_v9hn5c4JxdiCkdHJEPT5iDmpWlUL7guZidWyHspRV7meBHHZmCiNPPWmYTNqtIshvR9X706MrTFSbvFz2plYZomb707vOCjC-fnT_so/s320/DSCN8986.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls study hard...and ALL over the place! ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGDWNU_Si2akX8JLZSVsztXbfUmrnXuu9Jrb0UgDzqZQkA8nCTkYBlCB52cBIWggTjgE1akjtdYY39jt_2E0sYwtDj96HMR4-GloKFLRHLFgTwL23NORn44g3q4RaiTYjP-IInk5plRQ/s1600/DSCN8999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGDWNU_Si2akX8JLZSVsztXbfUmrnXuu9Jrb0UgDzqZQkA8nCTkYBlCB52cBIWggTjgE1akjtdYY39jt_2E0sYwtDj96HMR4-GloKFLRHLFgTwL23NORn44g3q4RaiTYjP-IInk5plRQ/s320/DSCN8999.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm being educated....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
lsahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029204715247996672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865066633543129694.post-34261627070533576612012-11-27T11:03:00.002+08:002012-11-27T15:16:23.300+08:00Turkey Day---Pinoy style!In the US, Thanksgiving is synonymous with food, family and fun, with a turkey or two thrown in there as well! In the Philippines we, er Americans, celebrate in the same fashion...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
First comes the......<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Turkey Coloring Contest!!!</span> <br />
Which one would you pick? <br />
<br />
I am glad that as staff members we are NEVER allowed to judge---it is just so hard!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Rer9-jzTuv1DYOGJX1MRfrfbg_yyR6kcliOUpzB9KkkQFQ4UUh8l3_AmjBCRguGjc3zAOduKwwNGFpKVJezq1uEvcuXZqtWBRY2-mxO53lSLNX3JmFsIzL7GSUGguLp8E1dIo-jB6zs/s1600/DSCN6649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Rer9-jzTuv1DYOGJX1MRfrfbg_yyR6kcliOUpzB9KkkQFQ4UUh8l3_AmjBCRguGjc3zAOduKwwNGFpKVJezq1uEvcuXZqtWBRY2-mxO53lSLNX3JmFsIzL7GSUGguLp8E1dIo-jB6zs/s320/DSCN6649.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cUtVQcsvBFxDfKV8ulXXaIrU8mZ9D14mKsVruelqBSHCMoKZ0_q5evso8rslqzYZxP49mvkS3Gb2-EoiOQK07GnyrQ_fEYrW2iSbVnqNCf8PxQvN5RE613zKBBkF1kZEVDgXezHSPmQ/s1600/DSCN6650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cUtVQcsvBFxDfKV8ulXXaIrU8mZ9D14mKsVruelqBSHCMoKZ0_q5evso8rslqzYZxP49mvkS3Gb2-EoiOQK07GnyrQ_fEYrW2iSbVnqNCf8PxQvN5RE613zKBBkF1kZEVDgXezHSPmQ/s320/DSCN6650.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWy08WIH8zPF7dA6Fvpc8nur8HroljCsHSANaAarox0J15a3KbCPAHNiZEiCYsU71WDbuqbjbIla_WILp1Oqa4I_lEpBj0AlscLzLv-E2fEl459bB7eG-a3U1CoBQip6KHgIdPI49dhoA/s1600/DSCN6652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWy08WIH8zPF7dA6Fvpc8nur8HroljCsHSANaAarox0J15a3KbCPAHNiZEiCYsU71WDbuqbjbIla_WILp1Oqa4I_lEpBj0AlscLzLv-E2fEl459bB7eG-a3U1CoBQip6KHgIdPI49dhoA/s320/DSCN6652.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGL7Xt21I6hxi6o2FFFsJoLgOJe42F-hyvUnHPz2HSz3ydkQjV4_uMKAQErgl1wuI-7JIt7F3LEeUjgSxM0234zWc6tOuQGPMwnJoimXpywaYCmXPdj1Q_i2ad7JElAKZSDX4vuSK-DtI/s1600/DSCN6651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGL7Xt21I6hxi6o2FFFsJoLgOJe42F-hyvUnHPz2HSz3ydkQjV4_uMKAQErgl1wuI-7JIt7F3LEeUjgSxM0234zWc6tOuQGPMwnJoimXpywaYCmXPdj1Q_i2ad7JElAKZSDX4vuSK-DtI/s320/DSCN6651.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbNGTcuP5G2giAYGjEefkNHSMsL377YQfC8OgNcUZi0-i3P1Qti1ZASrc3Z7oVXLu9uNLiN4rmKaFxCpnsQU1BKd4LTaSwpZPMbKLQruhM5TcNEMpZXZ7r70cpyjZsQCvnF8ei5ridMo/s1600/DSCN6656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbNGTcuP5G2giAYGjEefkNHSMsL377YQfC8OgNcUZi0-i3P1Qti1ZASrc3Z7oVXLu9uNLiN4rmKaFxCpnsQU1BKd4LTaSwpZPMbKLQruhM5TcNEMpZXZ7r70cpyjZsQCvnF8ei5ridMo/s320/DSCN6656.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then the turkey calling contest and a guest appearance by the celebrity bird himself! About a minute after this picture was taken the turkey had an accident on the floor and had to be escorted out rather quickly...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8552O4tFSh6yFEl_s15IaxuDsUOSiYR2BBlDBMTpJJpISe_vO2myWNM98TSib12Y4mburlvu8rWQoBOqUoHqEcbTuvki0ta1c8jyDRrDPwOoCQc-2xHn6HIV1f2uwyccU-TeSThDPTw/s1600/DSCN6659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK8552O4tFSh6yFEl_s15IaxuDsUOSiYR2BBlDBMTpJJpISe_vO2myWNM98TSib12Y4mburlvu8rWQoBOqUoHqEcbTuvki0ta1c8jyDRrDPwOoCQc-2xHn6HIV1f2uwyccU-TeSThDPTw/s320/DSCN6659.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then come the Mayflower and turkey-themed running games!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOC8m3bRV9OUh4-JZj6_h7XFLLa87vjAgQd1T6XlbH9jJKBro-Cr-j7e3TBkGb3fhabQGIjcoIVEtZPAeEXDsCMwRzyok6-zIt4NaPSf9X8wig4SGbg2X5r9bULqeTak0ZpvPtqwrfyI/s1600/DSCN6665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOC8m3bRV9OUh4-JZj6_h7XFLLa87vjAgQd1T6XlbH9jJKBro-Cr-j7e3TBkGb3fhabQGIjcoIVEtZPAeEXDsCMwRzyok6-zIt4NaPSf9X8wig4SGbg2X5r9bULqeTak0ZpvPtqwrfyI/s320/DSCN6665.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RGlPxevVFftKz5AN1_BFzPVE4BwnGCQlTM6S9PGK67PeBBXvuYy-DFMm5J6UK37i-lru6ZRul2bdkh4i6pXB9loRFPC1ipRVeaJaQ2KMCuDKgYxgaWxBWPIgs5widNF4Nbye2Q6xvPs/s1600/DSCN6668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RGlPxevVFftKz5AN1_BFzPVE4BwnGCQlTM6S9PGK67PeBBXvuYy-DFMm5J6UK37i-lru6ZRul2bdkh4i6pXB9loRFPC1ipRVeaJaQ2KMCuDKgYxgaWxBWPIgs5widNF4Nbye2Q6xvPs/s320/DSCN6668.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
PICTIONARY with Thanksgiving related words!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0-6UWe9Nvlfkzn97VhyPbdstFhkvD6XHAtHVf2l4cZ_sqoLht9q0aWMXEpqIpAKWZfWl1o_oQP_TXMhBf5gyLG12dHpqSB1xF-FZfIZqbAjJLS6gy-XhMIZSfk5agNwVsAlbpdK5zwY/s1600/DSCN6671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5wf_BTYjlALkyhWeZ0N8ErxxUCThswVlprDLvNXGCeSBCZRMp-uIC8CVjy7Krtrvmiq4PBKhmxjGxcrfc19qYgNV5PVBxpWzy-TnWs6bD6Oba9yRTi0fNbfyWwVN2a1PZytv82G1vFk/s1600/DSCN6663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5wf_BTYjlALkyhWeZ0N8ErxxUCThswVlprDLvNXGCeSBCZRMp-uIC8CVjy7Krtrvmiq4PBKhmxjGxcrfc19qYgNV5PVBxpWzy-TnWs6bD6Oba9yRTi0fNbfyWwVN2a1PZytv82G1vFk/s320/DSCN6663.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0-6UWe9Nvlfkzn97VhyPbdstFhkvD6XHAtHVf2l4cZ_sqoLht9q0aWMXEpqIpAKWZfWl1o_oQP_TXMhBf5gyLG12dHpqSB1xF-FZfIZqbAjJLS6gy-XhMIZSfk5agNwVsAlbpdK5zwY/s1600/DSCN6671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0-6UWe9Nvlfkzn97VhyPbdstFhkvD6XHAtHVf2l4cZ_sqoLht9q0aWMXEpqIpAKWZfWl1o_oQP_TXMhBf5gyLG12dHpqSB1xF-FZfIZqbAjJLS6gy-XhMIZSfk5agNwVsAlbpdK5zwY/s320/DSCN6671.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0LHGWt_hDFv0wFJNtddTrOpd7OMGJrNWJCSDaiYW3snRohrItGCptHZTCzOqmFT9LxLWEvF67cC906SFuCwUXGM1f429fETdUurldyTfkGoLhPbNe6szwdjmhAeXiVy5R0KbndcfphiA/s1600/DSCN6680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0LHGWt_hDFv0wFJNtddTrOpd7OMGJrNWJCSDaiYW3snRohrItGCptHZTCzOqmFT9LxLWEvF67cC906SFuCwUXGM1f429fETdUurldyTfkGoLhPbNe6szwdjmhAeXiVy5R0KbndcfphiA/s1600/DSCN6680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>The last activity of the program was craft time! Every child made a cross and wrote what they were thankful for. So many of the kids said they were thankful for CSC, food, the teachers and staff and Jesus! From the mouths of babes...<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
I just had to share with all of you Joemar's cross! </div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
He is thankful for:</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
Food,</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
Auntie Sandy (his favorite Auntie!),</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
McDonald'---where he works every day,</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
Uncle Patrick---his house father,</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
Uncle Bobong---his supervisor when he works at the school,</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
Jacob---his roomie,</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
and ME! </div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
Truth be told, when I saw my name on his cross, I teared up. You know that you're someone when you have a place on Joemar's Thanksgiving cross. He is one of the coolest guys I know!</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
;)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0LHGWt_hDFv0wFJNtddTrOpd7OMGJrNWJCSDaiYW3snRohrItGCptHZTCzOqmFT9LxLWEvF67cC906SFuCwUXGM1f429fETdUurldyTfkGoLhPbNe6szwdjmhAeXiVy5R0KbndcfphiA/s320/DSCN6680.JPG" width="320" /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
And the winners of the coloring contest are.................................................................</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
The boys swept the competition this year! ;)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSrMfoBKhC1bp0wzo1ufEfFjKmVcb1H4FSqcORCuxOEMZQaYkyqZ2TU6OtaHRtX7-lEbeuTKBaeYvQ-CJbRUP9n_PXP6M_ZK2kwm6G1lS-PXEhsvZRqOl-UGoQrqs_PiuNq8YevjeX7TI/s1600/DSCN6676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSrMfoBKhC1bp0wzo1ufEfFjKmVcb1H4FSqcORCuxOEMZQaYkyqZ2TU6OtaHRtX7-lEbeuTKBaeYvQ-CJbRUP9n_PXP6M_ZK2kwm6G1lS-PXEhsvZRqOl-UGoQrqs_PiuNq8YevjeX7TI/s320/DSCN6676.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5iywaFAyZVGIoMAac2cmDczQTBFsSPzrP3uvDyCsOi4T5l2XFJkE_CO-YqDWff5QK9rz3ljk0XFFRzYNKwLl5NZcXbmnbO7bj2CAk29T49Ya43ayBWgsiic4MM-waYS11FTFCHfyo600/s1600/DSCN6678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5iywaFAyZVGIoMAac2cmDczQTBFsSPzrP3uvDyCsOi4T5l2XFJkE_CO-YqDWff5QK9rz3ljk0XFFRzYNKwLl5NZcXbmnbO7bj2CAk29T49Ya43ayBWgsiic4MM-waYS11FTFCHfyo600/s320/DSCN6678.JPG" width="240" /></div>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last, but most certainly not least, comes the fellowship and FOOD! The winners of the coloring contest attend the Thanksgiving feast with the staff members! The food was great, though some of it was a bit unusual for the kids' palates---hands down the turkey was their favorite part of the menu!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1SGtHs0k1AlITDiFOJzEDmj5ZSIuJm8UvSgWx28xv8Q3l98OObtpbuix7HkU2tHAgQvJdxEYutpGJq08DUUVAVrYk4XW0PKzXnJiC8ws4NVI2glxG9sDy3o5ZQ7xlC3H8p4GORr8A8Y/s1600/DSCN6688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1SGtHs0k1AlITDiFOJzEDmj5ZSIuJm8UvSgWx28xv8Q3l98OObtpbuix7HkU2tHAgQvJdxEYutpGJq08DUUVAVrYk4XW0PKzXnJiC8ws4NVI2glxG9sDy3o5ZQ7xlC3H8p4GORr8A8Y/s320/DSCN6688.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMb8BlPqTP2hwuhb2zTLCVlLHRZT2WMbnTvk7c_4_zYO2RLGaujNVHrJBigVyzPGDyBAnSz7h61LtTJS5l6iPWz8FDmDsubugJgRApvN1KFVfKbcVZs2FT8-ByG7uYlFSXr-UvvarrMs/s1600/DSCN6689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMb8BlPqTP2hwuhb2zTLCVlLHRZT2WMbnTvk7c_4_zYO2RLGaujNVHrJBigVyzPGDyBAnSz7h61LtTJS5l6iPWz8FDmDsubugJgRApvN1KFVfKbcVZs2FT8-ByG7uYlFSXr-UvvarrMs/s320/DSCN6689.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKHHAGaJjEFPUWPllL2q_hKCYuQX-MBCq_B25Q0PfVRSu-hqBvgIZzvATJRYKHZNIxmfqPANEKRTlaEkcY6b9n7Ex6d57Z0GIuV5JVWXdUVl0hNgCZmTV8IUV9asqCQex8sWfNMulQkc/s1600/DSCN6690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKHHAGaJjEFPUWPllL2q_hKCYuQX-MBCq_B25Q0PfVRSu-hqBvgIZzvATJRYKHZNIxmfqPANEKRTlaEkcY6b9n7Ex6d57Z0GIuV5JVWXdUVl0hNgCZmTV8IUV9asqCQex8sWfNMulQkc/s320/DSCN6690.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKEZueCHL176L7N9BAJrmLvGy75a3QuzBRgGvKnKiu2YMQJN1j1ym9uJsnystTj8tZVy_vgpLghuW80CRv9jLxqQIsAu6Em-Bjo4JlMk596xRcYTM_dv9BN9zU7QH4SpfM2ugWcgbbEc/s1600/DSCN6691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKEZueCHL176L7N9BAJrmLvGy75a3QuzBRgGvKnKiu2YMQJN1j1ym9uJsnystTj8tZVy_vgpLghuW80CRv9jLxqQIsAu6Em-Bjo4JlMk596xRcYTM_dv9BN9zU7QH4SpfM2ugWcgbbEc/s320/DSCN6691.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuBAu_RIjk_N5NrlvLDKiTPGaqWJrib43DnI0t1Tm6IBhI-_58WbEh3uh2XYCQjMySNKmrfpXxukl95AH2DSWgkfpa-SnAjke6TksNjSEAXCkVQQq9is9LR3FF3v1yEIfQI1I_IYL8hc/s1600/DSCN6692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuBAu_RIjk_N5NrlvLDKiTPGaqWJrib43DnI0t1Tm6IBhI-_58WbEh3uh2XYCQjMySNKmrfpXxukl95AH2DSWgkfpa-SnAjke6TksNjSEAXCkVQQq9is9LR3FF3v1yEIfQI1I_IYL8hc/s320/DSCN6692.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
I had to give my pies some face time! ;) </div>
<div align="center">
Sugar-free chocolate pudding pie</div>
<div align="center">
Homemade squash pie (there was no canned pumpkin to be found on the island!)</div>
<div align="center">
Chocolate pecan pie</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWg3L5IfoEQ3X0v9nI4jcOROyhir0B5tVw6la0jtOEnM8uVGsu_EeRs9u_Xa0ddXdf4ztLqBy0rZZvljftDx5xmhdiQ0HskCdwKZqthqTpbMSj7elgUJSreuZzHu7FyqXfHubgU1BSBsE/s1600/DSCN6693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWg3L5IfoEQ3X0v9nI4jcOROyhir0B5tVw6la0jtOEnM8uVGsu_EeRs9u_Xa0ddXdf4ztLqBy0rZZvljftDx5xmhdiQ0HskCdwKZqthqTpbMSj7elgUJSreuZzHu7FyqXfHubgU1BSBsE/s320/DSCN6693.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here at CSC we have so many things to be grateful for. God provides our needs in the most surprising and miraculous ways. I am blessed to have this for a job---I get to spend time with and be loved by some of the most special kids I have ever met. I see families come together by God's hand on a regular basis and I see prayers answered everywhere I turn. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you for your part in this ministry. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are grateful for you---just know that your name is on our Thanksgiving cross!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
lsahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029204715247996672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865066633543129694.post-23542206061260985692012-11-13T17:23:00.001+08:002012-11-13T17:23:31.333+08:00FUN TIMES!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, life in general is quite busy here in Cebu! But the things that I am busy with are often less interesting than the things the kids are busy with! Go figure. Check out the pictures below to see what our kids are up to at any given moment. Their endless energy astounds!</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQzGmXbC6Bi2h5s1zqj1w6g1TrxHsDr0dAYTS1qafUBYBq1crmvipCwX-Wgl8MgnIS84Z8RPHVXNMaMIumW9WVjJTmOuTrwoVSBfxrL_FztRI6L75jkwa7Mt57yjX05lWkYT-IZqxEeo/s1600/DSCN6391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQzGmXbC6Bi2h5s1zqj1w6g1TrxHsDr0dAYTS1qafUBYBq1crmvipCwX-Wgl8MgnIS84Z8RPHVXNMaMIumW9WVjJTmOuTrwoVSBfxrL_FztRI6L75jkwa7Mt57yjX05lWkYT-IZqxEeo/s320/DSCN6391.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Connect Four! The kids were actually shouting "BINGO!" It was quite cute, I shouldn't have corrected them! :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpkj_L0jmtcgbzDcPZIKh0v8XPpVoytON06vr6ka0n8PW1OD4aQ7vpjq1wu63kzpFh4s1FCoTFbeD_nESkLGreG6n4fFLI5lxbKI1IWM2XnDeV1vOwjDnTajQMPjGuFgMjLNy8DlyLq0/s1600/DSCN5777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpkj_L0jmtcgbzDcPZIKh0v8XPpVoytON06vr6ka0n8PW1OD4aQ7vpjq1wu63kzpFh4s1FCoTFbeD_nESkLGreG6n4fFLI5lxbKI1IWM2XnDeV1vOwjDnTajQMPjGuFgMjLNy8DlyLq0/s320/DSCN5777.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Double dutch magic! The girls are eager to jump in!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzTp14ruA7dK6BaS6q9XAOQNIG7sQAn61KOmta_xbuLzCgNOf_Pdd2XY5OhAi-8wb3Szntz-lqoOiMtWJvf7VtFjhOHr0Qg1yZ_5CyhVHBNjV6kVVU3vRaOsWFqQrAyzCxYJ0uXMu7Tw/s1600/DSCN6243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzTp14ruA7dK6BaS6q9XAOQNIG7sQAn61KOmta_xbuLzCgNOf_Pdd2XY5OhAi-8wb3Szntz-lqoOiMtWJvf7VtFjhOHr0Qg1yZ_5CyhVHBNjV6kVVU3vRaOsWFqQrAyzCxYJ0uXMu7Tw/s320/DSCN6243.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cameras! A popular activity is posing for pictures!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyAJ4fKAexPujMvlRNJaqQR-JcRnjh0njY9pRxR83cmHs_9sGjd4nL75_UiA6W0pl6_J5GezVPPklqrk6JVdfO6XHnpfocboc5r3vgJRyHe6lHH69aeOWnkD1kXx_GgSfiDQex0WeCDA/s1600/DSCN6245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyAJ4fKAexPujMvlRNJaqQR-JcRnjh0njY9pRxR83cmHs_9sGjd4nL75_UiA6W0pl6_J5GezVPPklqrk6JVdfO6XHnpfocboc5r3vgJRyHe6lHH69aeOWnkD1kXx_GgSfiDQex0WeCDA/s320/DSCN6245.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Really and truly it is!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmf01vQyBfuWhAIQlTYh-b2d2hFlnz_WLD9b1SJxL-R34ZIpjZKpHK9im_ojOY4dEWV02VmzcRNY6Cuq1VuurtcHetOXuayp9FUDzcr70Q-0grWa4RPxRt0swqbWMYIP9kpMnzMRXudG0/s1600/DSCN6264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmf01vQyBfuWhAIQlTYh-b2d2hFlnz_WLD9b1SJxL-R34ZIpjZKpHK9im_ojOY4dEWV02VmzcRNY6Cuq1VuurtcHetOXuayp9FUDzcr70Q-0grWa4RPxRt0swqbWMYIP9kpMnzMRXudG0/s320/DSCN6264.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We have MANY eager readers, and yes, that book is about as big as her!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFO4H9Dd4RmAqvaQceQFVOVGE2fl6ivsSPO1JkHCgwDEzSZjpLja9pgyC2yf1-ESt7TfsG8F7ucH2_MyOWpOirOgKgedGwSKSd29tyU4qg1mZwwoN8nfgZ4PFShCQdMSshO5EDQvJ2F4/s1600/DSCN6376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFO4H9Dd4RmAqvaQceQFVOVGE2fl6ivsSPO1JkHCgwDEzSZjpLja9pgyC2yf1-ESt7TfsG8F7ucH2_MyOWpOirOgKgedGwSKSd29tyU4qg1mZwwoN8nfgZ4PFShCQdMSshO5EDQvJ2F4/s320/DSCN6376.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here they were actually playing Bingo. ;)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECmLTTuXUA6xAKMAcyq2BrW3P_i865itTBdqdOrc8eNNosazGoCzLvh_NHcOHCO2etDKNPFqn8XZ_wAS6pQ2n3J19mXzxjri5fUosxJqveeXHcBjXR8IQiA_3leLrHy_Nd8xA9mRENhI/s1600/DSCN6423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECmLTTuXUA6xAKMAcyq2BrW3P_i865itTBdqdOrc8eNNosazGoCzLvh_NHcOHCO2etDKNPFqn8XZ_wAS6pQ2n3J19mXzxjri5fUosxJqveeXHcBjXR8IQiA_3leLrHy_Nd8xA9mRENhI/s320/DSCN6423.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Swinging! I still think it pretty much rocks!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzJHdoOrq4TWmX6RX0W1yzsO_gWoGc-JNN2h9QRV9L9uddVMEpnNUaun2MrNh0qOKBVKTQ2WWyvurvq5B2xKZAMGJWspjqiAxMTsAEIffQhw1It_lHf8VmcXvCiBzvmiMV_bhaJrG4Qw/s1600/DSCN6443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzJHdoOrq4TWmX6RX0W1yzsO_gWoGc-JNN2h9QRV9L9uddVMEpnNUaun2MrNh0qOKBVKTQ2WWyvurvq5B2xKZAMGJWspjqiAxMTsAEIffQhw1It_lHf8VmcXvCiBzvmiMV_bhaJrG4Qw/s320/DSCN6443.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Toddlers figuring out puzzles!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd59WxN6COf2JS4izK_21DW3Z3VuDunP6mhreb7VpayI0sxFQNaKFJETT63KxkLjaaxgGFN9TCKS0vi6oOZ588UgnRs1V_r7VoE-903lytvS6q_3eUJWbLRSHYKa0FI8T0dSVMKNeAGtw/s1600/DSCN6467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd59WxN6COf2JS4izK_21DW3Z3VuDunP6mhreb7VpayI0sxFQNaKFJETT63KxkLjaaxgGFN9TCKS0vi6oOZ588UgnRs1V_r7VoE-903lytvS6q_3eUJWbLRSHYKa0FI8T0dSVMKNeAGtw/s320/DSCN6467.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When these kids are actually on the waveboards, they cannot be stopped!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VprstMjixBCgZnjzBJ4cLTY0Le6Xm-U8WunLcH_p5LKeRmJ-_mES4-_vuyxK5N-HCPb41oBya00fXsgQw7CPthWmC0YjzoiHrXh6uoDqpRhhPtEyYJ14A9LXYYnUXX_tpzFa0cIFKIQ/s1600/DSCN6009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VprstMjixBCgZnjzBJ4cLTY0Le6Xm-U8WunLcH_p5LKeRmJ-_mES4-_vuyxK5N-HCPb41oBya00fXsgQw7CPthWmC0YjzoiHrXh6uoDqpRhhPtEyYJ14A9LXYYnUXX_tpzFa0cIFKIQ/s320/DSCN6009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Slides!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8yUTtA04LNwVbdFT7TVLnrtJKEMv4O-qr115h_afU-JvA6kuye-sC6AG0vjGTVraRC4qmKKXqGG43oeEAom5p9Ak-E27iVN0nE_mVECSUkEqlQ_o1nZ1P51nwDNjyJOPkOwVmdg21aw/s1600/DSCN6006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8yUTtA04LNwVbdFT7TVLnrtJKEMv4O-qr115h_afU-JvA6kuye-sC6AG0vjGTVraRC4qmKKXqGG43oeEAom5p9Ak-E27iVN0nE_mVECSUkEqlQ_o1nZ1P51nwDNjyJOPkOwVmdg21aw/s320/DSCN6006.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The toddlers were competing in a no-holds barred obstacle course! It was intense! ;)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Prepare for extreme cuteness coming your way....</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrM94tMqDiZexS2NLazKaYncOFO6uqFFiBjcHQS1JFZZ3De05Z1_b-E3Y3D-qC2qrrMOQF2BxVzWI2h4iDTRkn6isMPGxoc7ErMNCMVFT4MbxuWMoguWFjY7xzZpv8nw6KVOtRpRn4XI/s1600/DSCN6023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrM94tMqDiZexS2NLazKaYncOFO6uqFFiBjcHQS1JFZZ3De05Z1_b-E3Y3D-qC2qrrMOQF2BxVzWI2h4iDTRkn6isMPGxoc7ErMNCMVFT4MbxuWMoguWFjY7xzZpv8nw6KVOtRpRn4XI/s320/DSCN6023.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
This picture is a heart-melter! Don't even try to fight it.... </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
God Bless you all! Thanks for visiting our website and my blog! Continue to pray for CSC as we care for some of the most amazing children I know!</div>
lsahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029204715247996672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865066633543129694.post-82913856324656996972012-09-19T21:28:00.000+08:002012-09-19T21:28:43.370+08:00Giving<div>
Greetings all!<br />
<br />
The concept of giving is not very far from our minds here at CSC. Visitors are often amazed when we tell them that CSC is entirely supported by donations, but amazingly it is the truth. God works on the hearts and minds of people and after 30+ years, CSC is still standing and has even grown and progressed. It has reached beyond the humble dreams its founders dared to utter oh so long ago. But, tis the nature of our God.<br />
<br />
There are many ways that people give to CSC. For instance, we get huge boxes that people fill up with any number of things they think our kids will love and need----then those of us on the Childcare team get to feel like its Christmas morning every time we rip the boxes open and see all of the treasures inside. Truth be told, I have squealed with delight on more than one occasion, but today, in fact, I squealed when I was shown a ziploc bag of diaper pins!* The best "Christmas" happened last April when we went through 13 boxes and realized that they contained millions of toy cars, shoes galore, clothing, small toys perfectly made for birthday presents, a child's keyboard, a dollhouse, Barbies, baby dolls, stuffed animals, crayons, coloring books and <b style="font-size: x-large;">5</b> dismantled bikes---yes, you read it right! I think we were as excited as the kids were! ;)<br />
<br />
Sometimes the blessings come in the form of people. Visitors and work teams come and bless our kids with their time and their playfulness. We have many faithful visitors that come regularly and plan camps for our kids, lead Bible studies, and just play, listen, and care about our kids. But we also have many people that come only one time and are touched and are excited to spread the word about CSC when they get back to their home. <br />
<br />
People pray for CSC. A powerful measure, to be sure. For those of you who pray for this organization, thank you. I see time and time again God working for the good of CSC and it is because of prayer. There is no question that things come to us at exactly the right time because someone is praying that our needs be met.<br />
<br />
People give financially, of course. Some happen upon our website randomly, some give while attending our banquet, because they know someone connected to CSC or because they have a personal connection to CSC themselves. Sometimes it is to a special project, such as emergency dental work, costly medications, or for a specific need.<br />
<br />
Another opportunity to give is to donate funds to sponsor a school day. It is called a Day of Hope, and it literally is the opportunity to provide a day of learning for our kids. Well, I was blown away when 2 days ago, my mom sponsored a Day of Hope in my honor! Not only did CSC benefit, but so did our kids and I was blessed to boot! That is what is so cool about a place like CSC. One act of kindness turns into many blessings.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_j-prWNhLpqQqFQOqelNelgqQ7Sl8AUF2LUzRhXMASymgtH8stLfTRWDiqcqqhY_yABvm7orDyCKWK9OeH4H5Tn0_8NntQKH_-RPM0_WurAg4My9A26RsjFscpgQF-1SrwbEzDecVmMs/s1600/2012-09-18+%25232+%2528R%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_j-prWNhLpqQqFQOqelNelgqQ7Sl8AUF2LUzRhXMASymgtH8stLfTRWDiqcqqhY_yABvm7orDyCKWK9OeH4H5Tn0_8NntQKH_-RPM0_WurAg4My9A26RsjFscpgQF-1SrwbEzDecVmMs/s320/2012-09-18+%25232+%2528R%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks so much, Mom!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z7SPUY8aS18/UFm3gqulH0I/AAAAAAAABIs/eZzeDlTfyo8/s1600/2012-09-18+%25231+%2528R%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z7SPUY8aS18/UFm3gqulH0I/AAAAAAAABIs/eZzeDlTfyo8/s320/2012-09-18+%25231+%2528R%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such special girls---they also wanted to thank you, Mom!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 11px; text-align: left;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></i></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 11px; font-style: italic; text-align: left;">“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” </span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i style="font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><span style="background-color: white;">Luke 6:38</span></i></b></div>
<i style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 11px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></i>
<i style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 11px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></i>
<i style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 11px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></i>
Thank you for giving in all the ways that you do! Just as we have been blessed by your giving, I pray that you also feel blessed!
<br />
<br />
<br />
Lindsay<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
*<b>Side note, diaper pins (good ones) are about impossible to find here. </b>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
lsahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029204715247996672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865066633543129694.post-21643640234580679352012-09-11T14:24:00.002+08:002012-09-19T21:59:38.696+08:00Cha-cha-cha-changes!<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: xx-small;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">CSC is in a time of transition.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mitch and Ruth left a couple of weeks ago to return to the US for their
year-long furlough----the office is noticebly different with Ruth gone and I
have already had to remind myself that “the thing” I have to ask Mitch---he was
kind of the “Answer Man”---will have to be asked of someone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or will have to be “Googled”---Google knows
almost as much as Mitch!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>;)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDejo4hZ_5IzCUMvslwYGEpPQs2VGf-oJ6tpv2s3eXHRPpK5labvHkym_poYXFj5gEOkHLZAqPo7tha8YXdUoCZkzwrjljtR_DgcOwOF1ZjHLw4y_eGKv_NDSBo8difJCafGjvt4IAL8/s1600/DSCN5140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDejo4hZ_5IzCUMvslwYGEpPQs2VGf-oJ6tpv2s3eXHRPpK5labvHkym_poYXFj5gEOkHLZAqPo7tha8YXdUoCZkzwrjljtR_DgcOwOF1ZjHLw4y_eGKv_NDSBo8difJCafGjvt4IAL8/s320/DSCN5140.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A farewell lunch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8B6_Opc1KWc069jv4GtllIg6gSVpMYnyNbnreZ0o9kuamDkCjNhDFZ_0ioyipY-XkHnoKDR0izBKfLRKNpRE_gJJ58hdPgwu94VZ53kl3GFo19WyAZkZEY9owHpdwrGWy1AbOZZZGR6A/s1600/DSCN5162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8B6_Opc1KWc069jv4GtllIg6gSVpMYnyNbnreZ0o9kuamDkCjNhDFZ_0ioyipY-XkHnoKDR0izBKfLRKNpRE_gJJ58hdPgwu94VZ53kl3GFo19WyAZkZEY9owHpdwrGWy1AbOZZZGR6A/s320/DSCN5162.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Praying over the Ohlendorfs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Similarly, Sandy is also in transition mode; she is now back in the Philippines after being home in the US for a year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has resumed her role as Child Development
Director, and Amy and I are once again a 3-person team---which
is wonderful because we often need to be at 3 different places at one time!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Speaking of life changes----Amy's life is about to change completely! She is getting married in less than 2 months! She is planning for the big day while also teaching preschool and serving on the Childcare team. Can you say busy kaayo?! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have also been in a bit of a transition as I moved out of
the home I was living in last year to a smaller apartment closer to the
shelter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I now have to fight the
lizards, ants and roaches on my own and I am sort of failing miserably---I miss
Katie (the dog) and Kali (the cat) who saved me from all of the creepy
crawlies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I no longer scream when I am
startled by them---I just sharply inhale and then have to psych myself up to
spraying them or smashing them with the nearest heavy object.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ah, personal growth, such a beautiful thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwILuiuCRZsAzsCOFTESStU1m2jmHnInT7AxqaGLac5I9Sax5UMk8zR1qHoPiFo-Vgcj3Wq91cGUt2nCfVj205309LzpjM1wRWSAJwmAnlGT3mzRImUdkxN0Mfhuc6BIZuCLYnhMjGtk/s1600/DSCN5126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwILuiuCRZsAzsCOFTESStU1m2jmHnInT7AxqaGLac5I9Sax5UMk8zR1qHoPiFo-Vgcj3Wq91cGUt2nCfVj205309LzpjM1wRWSAJwmAnlGT3mzRImUdkxN0Mfhuc6BIZuCLYnhMjGtk/s200/DSCN5126.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My bathroom/closet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; height: 341px; text-align: left; width: 201px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2aXictq7YbHEFHmQEAOL3_1naGiK9mvSBcmoV3hyQMkuC8DG8u5qWrF4ejC0rdQKALuQoTqF-usXtzFnPSgFBxN3stojsBvGsNXO-Fh0zx2V1L8vxMpbzmbRgE-l0poqT45X73KNfLk/s1600/DSCN5131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2aXictq7YbHEFHmQEAOL3_1naGiK9mvSBcmoV3hyQMkuC8DG8u5qWrF4ejC0rdQKALuQoTqF-usXtzFnPSgFBxN3stojsBvGsNXO-Fh0zx2V1L8vxMpbzmbRgE-l0poqT45X73KNfLk/s200/DSCN5131.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is my entryway---come on in!<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Wkm9DesjHbNtze96WJQES3AI2DXsFmR1_fpX1W3roqZg4O6gHfRRV1QqJCb08AFQUDisU_4Py8I82gyrmLuj6lFHW1IWrAH5p8224-P1wXgSuKTa20puIBTAcp-hnMPn3sBnod7DZVU/s1600/DSCN5133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Wkm9DesjHbNtze96WJQES3AI2DXsFmR1_fpX1W3roqZg4O6gHfRRV1QqJCb08AFQUDisU_4Py8I82gyrmLuj6lFHW1IWrAH5p8224-P1wXgSuKTa20puIBTAcp-hnMPn3sBnod7DZVU/s200/DSCN5133.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Speaking of creepy crawlies---this is a cutlery garage!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="height: 281px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 379px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOj1OYEnywLMHIB8P89fvk4pfGgn5_9pNb0OMR2Xf3GJc3Ilhg1lq3Q4f7rbgchWlWlANjLbAe4F5UHW8FURcKWTU1AC47hIG0hpuCSB_JpXeDBql-NNyitJcsmkxzxX0Z7MxayPgevY/s1600/DSCN5135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOj1OYEnywLMHIB8P89fvk4pfGgn5_9pNb0OMR2Xf3GJc3Ilhg1lq3Q4f7rbgchWlWlANjLbAe4F5UHW8FURcKWTU1AC47hIG0hpuCSB_JpXeDBql-NNyitJcsmkxzxX0Z7MxayPgevY/s320/DSCN5135.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 2 burner, well, actually it is only a 1 burner, the second one is currently broken.... ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The makeup in our homes is changing as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have received several new babies and will likely be admitting some older children later on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The babies are adorable, Uncle Paul says that
CSC always gets the cutest babies, and I am inclined to agree!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a member of the Childcare team, I am also
on our Referral team, the committee that decides who will be admitted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel privileged to sit at the same table
with our hard-working social workers, who live and work “in the trenches,”
Uncle Paul, who is truly an icon at this organization, my colleagues on the Childcare
team, who have proven their dedication to CSC for many years, Marlys Healy, our
Medical Director and the catalyst for this ministry, and our counselors, who
give each of our children time, attention and validation---their case loads are
HUGE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What an impressive committee, a
powerhouse, a wealth of experience, knowledge and HEART----I am humbled---I sit
there praying I will absorb, through osmosis, a fraction of their wisdom and
strength. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Just a few of our new kids...</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BY3gz_manUhjMmvtxG7MgGpERlco58R_iFiTCQIuOcZ3ykagPECqP-mhn_CmFGfCfL_8SCVPIp_u7_19xFZY9ip_7NjBPjR7wVaSW1VGhNGAWkN7wawFdYpSpds_KBb3G8pUkzZmRGw/s1600/DSCN5243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BY3gz_manUhjMmvtxG7MgGpERlco58R_iFiTCQIuOcZ3ykagPECqP-mhn_CmFGfCfL_8SCVPIp_u7_19xFZY9ip_7NjBPjR7wVaSW1VGhNGAWkN7wawFdYpSpds_KBb3G8pUkzZmRGw/s320/DSCN5243.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She is clearly still figuring me out! ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7WRv2HZB-3ZsJm2WYtMFAoXRuNUpn7_ZKTkWmTz7PJ2CgkL5o2Z9PiZW57hbcg26ZujEBUvQ5YudnSCE-HlbyeX1-wAIe-BToxw-B_wIKmA03LLz82sNbql-gga3XZg18opM5L3bgNE/s1600/DSCN5249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7WRv2HZB-3ZsJm2WYtMFAoXRuNUpn7_ZKTkWmTz7PJ2CgkL5o2Z9PiZW57hbcg26ZujEBUvQ5YudnSCE-HlbyeX1-wAIe-BToxw-B_wIKmA03LLz82sNbql-gga3XZg18opM5L3bgNE/s320/DSCN5249.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have a feeling this one is going to be spunky!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQLPm64ljyPTcKtxGg9Bg6zs59YSMrlf_h8rOoDSx0CAUs0MYe1V64qaK59HRzGhTw4KbsUmx8J_ZlHv8IDtuJnFtF_tQbXDjGCTD5EDZ4zUAhxJLK7SJjm-vpLRfSbIucdFEbwuyjFg/s1600/DSCN5241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQLPm64ljyPTcKtxGg9Bg6zs59YSMrlf_h8rOoDSx0CAUs0MYe1V64qaK59HRzGhTw4KbsUmx8J_ZlHv8IDtuJnFtF_tQbXDjGCTD5EDZ4zUAhxJLK7SJjm-vpLRfSbIucdFEbwuyjFg/s320/DSCN5241.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that face!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAEqRuB1tSSboXlnV45dsqHtnj3BoRc1AaGp7JNQTaq2FHQ2tl16e0hmTxABKMs25aRXM_1YM0HR9Dd0xuUFYGEL470-JHE33cC8XBcgVhf-WlB6Jw5tGefDt9G00xVHFmJR_O55pVFw/s1600/Jhules+Andrei.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAEqRuB1tSSboXlnV45dsqHtnj3BoRc1AaGp7JNQTaq2FHQ2tl16e0hmTxABKMs25aRXM_1YM0HR9Dd0xuUFYGEL470-JHE33cC8XBcgVhf-WlB6Jw5tGefDt9G00xVHFmJR_O55pVFw/s320/Jhules+Andrei.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gwapo na siya----He is cute!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQLPm64ljyPTcKtxGg9Bg6zs59YSMrlf_h8rOoDSx0CAUs0MYe1V64qaK59HRzGhTw4KbsUmx8J_ZlHv8IDtuJnFtF_tQbXDjGCTD5EDZ4zUAhxJLK7SJjm-vpLRfSbIucdFEbwuyjFg/s1600/DSCN5241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQLPm64ljyPTcKtxGg9Bg6zs59YSMrlf_h8rOoDSx0CAUs0MYe1V64qaK59HRzGhTw4KbsUmx8J_ZlHv8IDtuJnFtF_tQbXDjGCTD5EDZ4zUAhxJLK7SJjm-vpLRfSbIucdFEbwuyjFg/s1600/DSCN5241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am also sobered at those meetings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though these babies are 2 weeks or 1
month old, the heartache and despair they have come from is unreal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that God has protected them from the
stress and chaos of their prior living environments and that their memories will
start here, at CSC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Under the watch and
care of our Aunties, who love these kids so tenderly, I pray that they will
finally understand love as God originally intended for it to be lived out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And our house parents, they are the salt of
the earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They invest in the spiritual
and personal development of each of our children---they care endlessly day in
and day out for every child that comes and goes and they don’t forget.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here, our children learn about God and even though they
don’t, nor do we, understand why their family was so devastated by poverty or
depravity to the point of dissolution, they learn and, we know, that God has an
even better plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is good at making
beauty from our messes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He often gives
us rainbows after the storm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Please pray for our staff and our houses as we all flex
during these times of transition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
changes are joyous ones: new kids, much needed relaxation for hard-working
staff members, a returning leader, a wedding, and a new home (for me!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But change is hard too, so your prayers are
always welcome!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I pray that you feel God’s presence strong around you---I
know His hand is on CSC---I see it everyday---in His provision, in answered
prayers, in protection, just to name a few.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That to me has been the most unexpected blessing I have received in my
time here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thanks for caring about CSC, our kids, our staff members,
our workers, our mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are all a
part of this beautiful legacy.</span></div>
lsahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029204715247996672noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865066633543129694.post-31072260151776867212012-07-23T00:28:00.002+08:002012-07-23T00:28:45.813+08:00There's no place like home, wherever it may be...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh Dorothy, how right you were! I was able to travel to MN for about 4 weeks to visit with family and friends before beginning my second year with CSC. It was wonderful to be home: to ride on country roads rich with memories, to look and see lakes and fields everywhere, to drive in a more organized fashion---though I had a hard time remembering to wear my seatbelt, to have Diet Mt. Dew whenever I wanted and shopping---the produce section brought tears to my eyes and even more when I remembered that I wouldn't have to bleach and rinse anything before consumption! MN is beautiful and a blessed nation for sure and I enjoyed my time home immensely!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Aside from the conveniences it offered me, the best part was being with loved ones:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Laney posing for her camera-happy Auntie</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbr4xgYM7IhBnaqFbsY31GTQ-Lwxlubz4PXmshj_cEHghckBpforn5hc4Yc-pqHESLUNyf0qrauseVZuLQF9mT7L33x6uhgZt8jIzUaw6A-h1zNlXSKv95E8bvamjCUo0c_yfwf_3plU/s1600/DSCN0993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbr4xgYM7IhBnaqFbsY31GTQ-Lwxlubz4PXmshj_cEHghckBpforn5hc4Yc-pqHESLUNyf0qrauseVZuLQF9mT7L33x6uhgZt8jIzUaw6A-h1zNlXSKv95E8bvamjCUo0c_yfwf_3plU/s320/DSCN0993.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"> Grant---I am super proud of this shot---this kid is hard to get sitting still! :)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzV0El7tWyWEZkhKotqATv2EvTY4rQDWT4ZNv2w6bcRxK8cHOsKte8lib4mK4RBjLhkecoakuB_trP90ad01hQFHaMBHQlIAvHZ0LaptN2p8Z_O12pVAn_hxVFXWCDEJMTzuuERhDoc-o/s1600/DSCN0994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzV0El7tWyWEZkhKotqATv2EvTY4rQDWT4ZNv2w6bcRxK8cHOsKte8lib4mK4RBjLhkecoakuB_trP90ad01hQFHaMBHQlIAvHZ0LaptN2p8Z_O12pVAn_hxVFXWCDEJMTzuuERhDoc-o/s320/DSCN0994.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And Belle---she loves to giggle!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5Kx7WrnX_x_8AmhOLTmUXGg974erGaVr5a9p0zlmEihvHyCA9zvjL2lA_e-Kub3jZ9cHCIpXU5mSaTtwvveO7dNPBGIypfWxSEsMe7GxBBGiG_Hi3OnfRnzK6v8tczLmpASEk1LQR28/s1600/DSCN1005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5Kx7WrnX_x_8AmhOLTmUXGg974erGaVr5a9p0zlmEihvHyCA9zvjL2lA_e-Kub3jZ9cHCIpXU5mSaTtwvveO7dNPBGIypfWxSEsMe7GxBBGiG_Hi3OnfRnzK6v8tczLmpASEk1LQR28/s320/DSCN1005.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These are my "big kids"---I ordered them repeatedly to stop growing---I don't know what is in the water at my brother's house!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKTfSb2shJWkVfRrPQdMwm7Eh_F3IG9MOtTNuYc3JymaY4ldcJ9DNvU62ljXVEZ1099NNY6tjuYQ25QSFWc4jSXFbngFyBZo97fyXWBa0W5reA4CH6Cqgo-PmQEwBesw3keL_iL27uPo/s1600/DSCN1050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKTfSb2shJWkVfRrPQdMwm7Eh_F3IG9MOtTNuYc3JymaY4ldcJ9DNvU62ljXVEZ1099NNY6tjuYQ25QSFWc4jSXFbngFyBZo97fyXWBa0W5reA4CH6Cqgo-PmQEwBesw3keL_iL27uPo/s320/DSCN1050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Zach can fit in my mom's ottoman---it is one of his skillz!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRQ77Jgihyphenhyphen-O8wFloy4EH1AoSFdBWoYIpzv9BfABTyLff3jsXHxVfm8l-7ESKkWYJ_IO2NBqZV8FUuna215dGSeqL8aoUP9vZhKg0vhTxoqJF523Ko5k6GP2RYPkoaxQRRWq_VqGAfqk/s1600/DSCN1053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRQ77Jgihyphenhyphen-O8wFloy4EH1AoSFdBWoYIpzv9BfABTyLff3jsXHxVfm8l-7ESKkWYJ_IO2NBqZV8FUuna215dGSeqL8aoUP9vZhKg0vhTxoqJF523Ko5k6GP2RYPkoaxQRRWq_VqGAfqk/s320/DSCN1053.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ella and her chipmunks---quite inseperable at the moment!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfysc5kZ04Fi7qS-PQuYYoQCpbate8TQzPMQZDblbPn9FFcYdlCPbqgrtXEaSwI6lejLzxkAWg7JwWy7y_C90ZElguxRds8llLmogaba-0g_9lnzuVX-UaESo5KFSOVMHC_1rhvdRf9bA/s1600/DSCN1070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfysc5kZ04Fi7qS-PQuYYoQCpbate8TQzPMQZDblbPn9FFcYdlCPbqgrtXEaSwI6lejLzxkAWg7JwWy7y_C90ZElguxRds8llLmogaba-0g_9lnzuVX-UaESo5KFSOVMHC_1rhvdRf9bA/s320/DSCN1070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
A final goodbye...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXTQwpVt2rqLCUXTjSyJn9EyFrJeY45EoeTH6ruO_1sO6WBsiQFncwqsY0vQNvxZ1WKmFHBpgnlCFJRTbA_X28vM1mVOemM5434-ls_l0Q-H2hmqsM95VlmFth59G3C3Wb5jPWLrV7Xg/s1600/DSCN1237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXTQwpVt2rqLCUXTjSyJn9EyFrJeY45EoeTH6ruO_1sO6WBsiQFncwqsY0vQNvxZ1WKmFHBpgnlCFJRTbA_X28vM1mVOemM5434-ls_l0Q-H2hmqsM95VlmFth59G3C3Wb5jPWLrV7Xg/s320/DSCN1237.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
MY MOM---she is pretty much the coolest!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-C0ANFN4QdU_yiQ9cWEtfZeETWiaKWijaHp5EKHhOwahyySjC3lBYVSVcsDMo2jBRc6c2UUbbqg9wrQ-SPNAhCyG0Yab41z11WK_PL3fQj8hb76xFxHgQKV-Sx6PgfTtCLMyfET9bOiI/s1600/DSCN1244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-C0ANFN4QdU_yiQ9cWEtfZeETWiaKWijaHp5EKHhOwahyySjC3lBYVSVcsDMo2jBRc6c2UUbbqg9wrQ-SPNAhCyG0Yab41z11WK_PL3fQj8hb76xFxHgQKV-Sx6PgfTtCLMyfET9bOiI/s320/DSCN1244.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And friends, you know who you are! For some, we didn't get to connect while I was home, and for others it was only briefly. But it was wonderful to see and talk to each and every one of you! Thanks to those of you that rearranged your schedules and for those of you who traveled FAR! You rock...all of you.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Back in Cebu...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
MY BEAUTIFUL SIGN---it made my heart melt.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjds1zZdJ3beQXV0V_cCJhEmEPdDl5t2BO0Dn2XLejObBljn4F99FCHj4pjEWlFqLVm_sdHq3JDcp0xE_oDJd8dPwTiSmNfiPoy3kfwDu6-8uh7j3uBFIVFQmDgII7kdJaalU9TXYVWr3s/s1600/DSCN1250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjds1zZdJ3beQXV0V_cCJhEmEPdDl5t2BO0Dn2XLejObBljn4F99FCHj4pjEWlFqLVm_sdHq3JDcp0xE_oDJd8dPwTiSmNfiPoy3kfwDu6-8uh7j3uBFIVFQmDgII7kdJaalU9TXYVWr3s/s320/DSCN1250.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, being swarmed at each house as I made my rounds actually made my heart melt more! They were home from school on their lunch break and were eager to hug---truth be told---I was just as eager.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzFZNCscvISRiRI7KZZpHgh1R2stIBusSQonjhpm5u3qVYmEzo9-arDX8ks9hPy3JToAXhQw9NHmygbe8B8pYAyTBvX8F9l47_LfQa7zrOLLE7orlbY19Xbk4Yy11XdhG5F6bVuOgqQw/s1600/DSCN1249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzFZNCscvISRiRI7KZZpHgh1R2stIBusSQonjhpm5u3qVYmEzo9-arDX8ks9hPy3JToAXhQw9NHmygbe8B8pYAyTBvX8F9l47_LfQa7zrOLLE7orlbY19Xbk4Yy11XdhG5F6bVuOgqQw/s320/DSCN1249.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Back to school they go, but for some, we weren't done catching up yet!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqMnIJZfGSODaoKQDk_oqIG_fjWNCVCmtp6gKIw1HkNsz0Pg96FILkobaolOs8y8KBjzrfcyO2eH-Mu99u972T9Qonzy3CkpJ5CbDyo5Ehs84t4wcd-dAIkyvGfLubMrrlrnCaBw_DTQ/s1600/DSCN1444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqMnIJZfGSODaoKQDk_oqIG_fjWNCVCmtp6gKIw1HkNsz0Pg96FILkobaolOs8y8KBjzrfcyO2eH-Mu99u972T9Qonzy3CkpJ5CbDyo5Ehs84t4wcd-dAIkyvGfLubMrrlrnCaBw_DTQ/s320/DSCN1444.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We were happy to see each other!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDjDWvKjOjrD0yA8nX3VwR-pkpT6hSBMOZvpjssRNXyxagOahG_8sCAaXUzsMSVJz3DOHgAj9JwKJH8lulYHW1mNwpsOFlKjIaHhPM-ULupuToh-SYJ_PHqsz_tf9PRz63NvU5hiYIZc/s1600/Back!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDjDWvKjOjrD0yA8nX3VwR-pkpT6hSBMOZvpjssRNXyxagOahG_8sCAaXUzsMSVJz3DOHgAj9JwKJH8lulYHW1mNwpsOFlKjIaHhPM-ULupuToh-SYJ_PHqsz_tf9PRz63NvU5hiYIZc/s320/Back!.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Me and one of my buds<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVgtO41mJzASaPgeYa6dhTPxmOWhVazYWl-5NRqbU6tyVQ_W4klXhXzUz0CKSookdvisE8IXUN7uUOntSpSHOedLxSXe2gIpKeurVnkXByTKtPLXJcEXvSH00sQLP6FNIswmnM99uo_I/s1600/Me+and+D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVgtO41mJzASaPgeYa6dhTPxmOWhVazYWl-5NRqbU6tyVQ_W4klXhXzUz0CKSookdvisE8IXUN7uUOntSpSHOedLxSXe2gIpKeurVnkXByTKtPLXJcEXvSH00sQLP6FNIswmnM99uo_I/s320/Me+and+D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"> Oh how I had missed these smiles!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Lw0QWu10fVfvORN_VrMl7olhWBVDZR36_hgDxZ-pMIGAinLo6axGxTSjyGYCmaFutpkPIHSnX_WqZByGLPGL6P1-dLtdtK5HFTL62jQeGiQG7tZ192oV-G5b3qS3HFGZ5jWzD8Kou0U/s1600/DSCN1519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Lw0QWu10fVfvORN_VrMl7olhWBVDZR36_hgDxZ-pMIGAinLo6axGxTSjyGYCmaFutpkPIHSnX_WqZByGLPGL6P1-dLtdtK5HFTL62jQeGiQG7tZ192oV-G5b3qS3HFGZ5jWzD8Kou0U/s320/DSCN1519.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yep, this one too!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGEUBxBixeoTjeegSnRDm-Tj5CWcxlbK2qpSfBSXFcbzjp90S5fHBFdepkC922EQkGpeVyY2uuUdWpXnjkXdNfMqrKoqFGoXk8E14Fl8PeaYYP5nXTbqETR5INHZHXofMd-RKUKmP5gE/s1600/DSCN1534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGEUBxBixeoTjeegSnRDm-Tj5CWcxlbK2qpSfBSXFcbzjp90S5fHBFdepkC922EQkGpeVyY2uuUdWpXnjkXdNfMqrKoqFGoXk8E14Fl8PeaYYP5nXTbqETR5INHZHXofMd-RKUKmP5gE/s320/DSCN1534.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Excited for school!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2235e-lQbjG__Tx6rPdbtNwEAAsnlLUGgn1_X3LMidjvNAyt1hgAUcPsU4b76-yJwdJiwtywa3CYYjtfVvopfbIwurTsehitONYIjw0lziaNCaYTsLx1fuW1zhVZQ4Lf1uLrWuHc0P4/s1600/DSCN1563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2235e-lQbjG__Tx6rPdbtNwEAAsnlLUGgn1_X3LMidjvNAyt1hgAUcPsU4b76-yJwdJiwtywa3CYYjtfVvopfbIwurTsehitONYIjw0lziaNCaYTsLx1fuW1zhVZQ4Lf1uLrWuHc0P4/s320/DSCN1563.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yay for games! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsDbVzM5e7vPd4dQzbuaRZgPK32ti_XZc7qOH5m2iNhrLjCTIw9fDv2OWtIjusHx5jwxCWxGkNG9sI7Dl08URTC4s5BrWxvbdlTSDtVwXqyJVdkCUN3ENxC3fKEr-VVZaiwrGjc2rzvw/s1600/DSCN1574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsDbVzM5e7vPd4dQzbuaRZgPK32ti_XZc7qOH5m2iNhrLjCTIw9fDv2OWtIjusHx5jwxCWxGkNG9sI7Dl08URTC4s5BrWxvbdlTSDtVwXqyJVdkCUN3ENxC3fKEr-VVZaiwrGjc2rzvw/s320/DSCN1574.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;">My time at home seemed to fly by---well, you know what they say! And it was hard to say goodbye, knowing that it would be over a year before I saw my family and friends again. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But in other ways, it feels nice to be back. I was excited to hear what was new in the houses. I was excited to see how the babies had grown. I am happy to once again see the mountains, and to eat the world's best mangoes (it's true---Cebu is where it's at). I am not super pumped about once again rooming with lizards, but what can you do? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, I am back to my second home and have been reunited with my second family. And it feels good.</div>
<br />lsahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029204715247996672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865066633543129694.post-32546782058941854912012-05-20T11:14:00.005+08:002012-05-20T11:14:46.376+08:00PamilyaSo, I have been thinking about family----"pamilya" in Cebuano----a lot recently. I went into Marriage and Family therapy because I believe in the power of family. It has the power to influence its members, both in positive and negative ways. Through love and support from its family, an individual gets the strength to chase a dream, take a risk, knowing they are loved regardless of the outcome. Conversely, through anger, degradation and violence, an individual learns not to trust, how to fight and that they don't matter.<br />
<br />
Because of my therapeutic background, since my arrival, I have been overseeing our two counselors on staff. Professionally, this has been an amazing experience that has challenged and grown me. On a personal level, I am blown away by the tragedy and the hurt that these kids have already lived through in their few years.<br />
<br />
This past week we had a few visits with birth families that were particularly heart-wrenching. They each involved younger children, who had experienced significant abuse and neglect at the hands of their family. The children struggled with seeing their family; they displayed fear, sadness and some did not even want to interact. Personally, my protective side was heightened and I wanted to comfort the kids. But I was also struck by the pain and fear that the family was feeling. Their children were responding to them in a way they likely hadn't expected and which didn't really feel good. The hope is that the families see how their choices have affected their children; maybe they will walk away from the visit changed...<br />
<br />
On the other side of the spectrum, I was also given the opportunity to facilitate a Skype call between one of our kids and his adoptive family. Seeing the excitement of the family was uplifting; you could actually feel the love and dedication they have to this child, who we know and love, but who they hadn't yet met. <br />
<br />
There are many different families in this world. Some families are started in a certain way, but can't continue on that way, because of life stressors and poor choices. Some families become complete later on, such as through adoption. There is tragedy and hurt in this world, which is hard to understand. But there is also love that shows itself more powerfully out of pain.<br />
<br />
Just some thoughts on family. Don't forget its power. Hug your loved ones. Tell them they matter.<br />
<br />
Thanks for supporting me and CSC. You are members of our extended family and your support makes miracles happen!<br />
<br />
<br />lsahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029204715247996672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865066633543129694.post-60383201021698408102012-05-09T13:05:00.000+08:002012-05-09T13:05:12.614+08:00Duty calls...So, our house parents work endlessly; they only get 1 whole day off and one half day off (6 hours) each week! And it is rarely ever on a weekend! The Eicher house parents are off on Tuesdays, Cherne on Wednesdays and Duterte on Fridays. The hope is that with at least one set of house parents at the shelter at all times, there is the likelihood that the chaos inherent with having 75+ kids in one location will at least be more organized. ;) <br />
<br />
When the house parents are on their whole day off, the staff members rotate through being "on duty" or being a "bantay" ("watcher" in Cebuano) in the homes. Being on duty entails that we are with the kids from dinnertime until they are all tucked into bed. We assist the Aunties in the bathtime routines, handle behavior concerns, dole out consequences, eat with the kids, play games with them, read to them, tuck them in and pray with them. We can also show a movie if we'd like to be the favored bantay---Uncle Mitch often plays movies outside so all of the kids in every house can watch---so he is winning by a landslide at this point. <br />
<br />
Last night, I was the bantay in the Eicher home. Even though being on duty makes for a long day (I didn't leave the shelter until about 9:30pm), it really is a blessing. In the hustle and bustle of daily tasks: meetings, report writing, to-do lists, it is all too easy to lose sight of the reason I am here. It is for the kids. Being able to sit down and have a meal with them, to hear how their summer activity is going, to learn a new joke, to sing and laugh with them, are gifts and wonderful perks of the job.<br />
<br />
The children age 7 and below go to bed at 7:30. They like to sing before bed so we all sat in a circle and sang, "Jesus in the morning" and "Jesus is my friend." Then I went to each of their beds and prayed with them and hugged them goodnight. The young boys were a bit rowdier and took longer to settle in for the night, so sadly some of the young girls had already fallen asleep before I made it to their room. But God still hears whispered prayers.<br />
<br />
Then the older kids and I went outside to watch a badminton tournament in progress. One of our kids is in an advanced badminton class for the summer; he is quite skilled now and remained undefeated before the tournament was cut short by a thunderstorm! My favorite---I was in the minority though.<br />
<br />
Then we all played Spoons on the floor. Hopefully you all know the game. But if you don't, you want to be the first to get a set of 4 of the same number or face card and when you have it, you take one of the spoons in front of you. There is one less spoon than there are players, so you don't want to be the last one or you are out and the game continues with one less spoon and so on. Some were new to the game, but all of them in general struggled with my recommendation to be quiet and sly when grabbing for the spoon. Their excitment was just too great!<br />
<br />
At 9pm we picked up the games and sat together and prayed. And the prayers of these kids; my heart melted. They are so sweet. They prayed for the health and safety of the Aunties, they prayed for the health of other children, they prayed for help to obey the Aunties and they prayed for a Mom and Dad. They prayed for kids who don't live at CSC and they prayed for others who don't know God. They also prayed prayers of thanksgiving. They thanked God for bringing them to CSC, for the food they have to eat and the things they get to do here, and they each thanked God that I was their bantay.<br />
<br />
Wow. I was beyond touched.<br />
<br />
Then it was hugs from all and time for bed.<br />
<br />
Duty calls, but its a blessing in disguise! lsahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029204715247996672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865066633543129694.post-62591986944941514962012-03-20T09:25:00.009+08:002012-03-31T15:33:24.509+08:00J-O-Y<div align="center">I felt like writing about joy today. To be honest, joy is an elusive feeling for me. I am a perfectionist by nature and since perfection is unattainable, all too often I succumb to the weight of all of my "failures." This gets in the way of being joyful. I am learning many things this year, and I am pleased to say that how to be more joyful is on that list! I am faced with God's grace, provision and protection on a daily basis. I can see His hands on the children and our workers and on the ministry. How can I not be joyful?! I am a visual learner---check out the pictures below to see who have been my teachers...<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>PLAY!<br /></strong><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7QkfectrK86QntS0rIyExj078PFmkdVyaQOV28g-LxIHjhimrII3nt5pPcDzDb5HqZz6eS9Nz8RmzlT09s2AhDgasKVC9KaclnkkPkcSh5ZpPP7FWG8oAsC3EZuDNi_maedtX_vtwJk/s1600/DSCN6984.JPG"><img style="width: 300px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725954396829650546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7QkfectrK86QntS0rIyExj078PFmkdVyaQOV28g-LxIHjhimrII3nt5pPcDzDb5HqZz6eS9Nz8RmzlT09s2AhDgasKVC9KaclnkkPkcSh5ZpPP7FWG8oAsC3EZuDNi_maedtX_vtwJk/s400/DSCN6984.JPG" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7QkfectrK86QntS0rIyExj078PFmkdVyaQOV28g-LxIHjhimrII3nt5pPcDzDb5HqZz6eS9Nz8RmzlT09s2AhDgasKVC9KaclnkkPkcSh5ZpPP7FWG8oAsC3EZuDNi_maedtX_vtwJk/s1600/DSCN6984.JPG"><div align="left"> </div></a><div align="center"><br /> What girl doesn't like a sleepover?!</div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7Z1d6RmZgzM7yaT8h_U-HIvGxsMApteD1AwEFyAUzqL2k8oTYSx03vZYMvvG067LTSckeXdCdLVugdrYIGggEmcdeysE39GOA-xoryQ_RehvFdpuUrrw7I1Ra3my8VW6hEzQ9sAatTI/s1600/DSCN5832.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725954375545311186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7Z1d6RmZgzM7yaT8h_U-HIvGxsMApteD1AwEFyAUzqL2k8oTYSx03vZYMvvG067LTSckeXdCdLVugdrYIGggEmcdeysE39GOA-xoryQ_RehvFdpuUrrw7I1Ra3my8VW6hEzQ9sAatTI/s400/DSCN5832.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7Z1d6RmZgzM7yaT8h_U-HIvGxsMApteD1AwEFyAUzqL2k8oTYSx03vZYMvvG067LTSckeXdCdLVugdrYIGggEmcdeysE39GOA-xoryQ_RehvFdpuUrrw7I1Ra3my8VW6hEzQ9sAatTI/s1600/DSCN5832.JPG"><div align="left"> </div></a><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXXC4P3sAjkyJunt7UE8pbNd-ncpaDJt8Q6QCV4fZoYWLNPcOjTKNMkN0ay-OAbll-8u0yZw9MzskftytbmGK_PVgq5QDMS5i3S2FXMrIOjWJ-Yzyf2XGNaYPuQJP2zRG2If0nhp8TrI/s1600/DSCN5837.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725954361966413154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXXC4P3sAjkyJunt7UE8pbNd-ncpaDJt8Q6QCV4fZoYWLNPcOjTKNMkN0ay-OAbll-8u0yZw9MzskftytbmGK_PVgq5QDMS5i3S2FXMrIOjWJ-Yzyf2XGNaYPuQJP2zRG2If0nhp8TrI/s400/DSCN5837.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXXC4P3sAjkyJunt7UE8pbNd-ncpaDJt8Q6QCV4fZoYWLNPcOjTKNMkN0ay-OAbll-8u0yZw9MzskftytbmGK_PVgq5QDMS5i3S2FXMrIOjWJ-Yzyf2XGNaYPuQJP2zRG2If0nhp8TrI/s1600/DSCN5837.JPG"><div align="left"> </div></a><div align="center">And baking cookies--a favorite activity!<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XCOPRCwlngEhA2f7u8MN_dMLoxvW7dVXbOZT9KBZA1ynbECGaaJLVVpY2BnaR9qaHUuApAWF2GjPz-YKMX-LDvUbBQVAkS1Sz3FuqhBsJ5odqclnLDEu-TzN3UKAAdiUbgGGB6e6PQE/s1600/DSCN5836.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725954356843063970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XCOPRCwlngEhA2f7u8MN_dMLoxvW7dVXbOZT9KBZA1ynbECGaaJLVVpY2BnaR9qaHUuApAWF2GjPz-YKMX-LDvUbBQVAkS1Sz3FuqhBsJ5odqclnLDEu-TzN3UKAAdiUbgGGB6e6PQE/s400/DSCN5836.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XCOPRCwlngEhA2f7u8MN_dMLoxvW7dVXbOZT9KBZA1ynbECGaaJLVVpY2BnaR9qaHUuApAWF2GjPz-YKMX-LDvUbBQVAkS1Sz3FuqhBsJ5odqclnLDEu-TzN3UKAAdiUbgGGB6e6PQE/s1600/DSCN5836.JPG"><div align="left"> </div></a><div align="center"><br /><strong>FAMILY!</strong></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Telling one of our little ones he has a Mom and Dad...<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1Y1MdBfa02XhpK_cZXZOKnWd-kHxanGyi9RnpEEsu5cNq6d_Ydal6hGz9tmDAoqrjWzlbMuHTri9G5Dr0bgtc04paoIsPt3TMy-TiLcPf5T0e8q7YSpv3ghRbY-NBQN_s3Use6h3N78/s1600/DSCN4926.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725951745419087282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1Y1MdBfa02XhpK_cZXZOKnWd-kHxanGyi9RnpEEsu5cNq6d_Ydal6hGz9tmDAoqrjWzlbMuHTri9G5Dr0bgtc04paoIsPt3TMy-TiLcPf5T0e8q7YSpv3ghRbY-NBQN_s3Use6h3N78/s400/DSCN4926.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1Y1MdBfa02XhpK_cZXZOKnWd-kHxanGyi9RnpEEsu5cNq6d_Ydal6hGz9tmDAoqrjWzlbMuHTri9G5Dr0bgtc04paoIsPt3TMy-TiLcPf5T0e8q7YSpv3ghRbY-NBQN_s3Use6h3N78/s1600/DSCN4926.JPG"><div align="left"> </div></a><div align="center">Sisterly Love</div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_QJvQ3UM69z9vbpxJPKtPIvcjT1huV7uvevmNx0d7JZfi-FvFoA3cbTdtkdv2XZl7B0zNSaFPBso576wOs-g4MN_j1mPuqnVaTF4UIuTscyw-zFMev4Jq1DfJGTo8U4FNiluy7TEnX4/s1600/DSCN3327.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725951736276027218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_QJvQ3UM69z9vbpxJPKtPIvcjT1huV7uvevmNx0d7JZfi-FvFoA3cbTdtkdv2XZl7B0zNSaFPBso576wOs-g4MN_j1mPuqnVaTF4UIuTscyw-zFMev4Jq1DfJGTo8U4FNiluy7TEnX4/s400/DSCN3327.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_QJvQ3UM69z9vbpxJPKtPIvcjT1huV7uvevmNx0d7JZfi-FvFoA3cbTdtkdv2XZl7B0zNSaFPBso576wOs-g4MN_j1mPuqnVaTF4UIuTscyw-zFMev4Jq1DfJGTo8U4FNiluy7TEnX4/s1600/DSCN3327.JPG"><div align="center"> </div></a><div align="center">Brotherly Love</div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFlk5uQSqZCv6sEEx2ddj7jgPoFbe_43t9EyNjNCnm-P-pgAY-85pgfTkeCJBZCfxLpmZEmGa9fjJLG_Y9KXEXXzffgnA1ZHy5gCu53bUsrKkpWJdLWZIUfmqLoiNNCwCrmOv1xm9SAY/s1600/DSCN3768.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725951710206328690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFlk5uQSqZCv6sEEx2ddj7jgPoFbe_43t9EyNjNCnm-P-pgAY-85pgfTkeCJBZCfxLpmZEmGa9fjJLG_Y9KXEXXzffgnA1ZHy5gCu53bUsrKkpWJdLWZIUfmqLoiNNCwCrmOv1xm9SAY/s400/DSCN3768.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFlk5uQSqZCv6sEEx2ddj7jgPoFbe_43t9EyNjNCnm-P-pgAY-85pgfTkeCJBZCfxLpmZEmGa9fjJLG_Y9KXEXXzffgnA1ZHy5gCu53bUsrKkpWJdLWZIUfmqLoiNNCwCrmOv1xm9SAY/s1600/DSCN3768.JPG"><div align="left"> </div></a><div align="center"><strong>FOOD!</strong></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalcyc9Bf9f73tiAh887-Lt6ACjZnYR7kT-ptemLsyMNLBlCZIOQDZQuaY0JIf9tcwG-i2WJS8EXlPNnSVlkxaT8RrZg4Iniyrg_laE2bq4z0v8vve1UJ2LTEOUq97CbfinVGI8L9IYTA/s1600/Marty+with+a+dirty+face.JPG"><img style="width: 300px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725951698220663490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalcyc9Bf9f73tiAh887-Lt6ACjZnYR7kT-ptemLsyMNLBlCZIOQDZQuaY0JIf9tcwG-i2WJS8EXlPNnSVlkxaT8RrZg4Iniyrg_laE2bq4z0v8vve1UJ2LTEOUq97CbfinVGI8L9IYTA/s400/Marty+with+a+dirty+face.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalcyc9Bf9f73tiAh887-Lt6ACjZnYR7kT-ptemLsyMNLBlCZIOQDZQuaY0JIf9tcwG-i2WJS8EXlPNnSVlkxaT8RrZg4Iniyrg_laE2bq4z0v8vve1UJ2LTEOUq97CbfinVGI8L9IYTA/s1600/Marty+with+a+dirty+face.JPG"><div align="left"> </div></a><p align="center">Ice cream is a favorite, and messy faces are the cutest....<br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZqMKNOwEm7x50-ueT_CtvPNtrmStt8_lPEdXPYgmxcpKwSNqwHv_MVGdNw9K5NVEMZuUQ7cXZhr9nlSYQ3rErcoo1eA3_VCDVvA9OxKFAblBNyLFd2yoidmtfWkKBjr_fCmjdtOC-s0/s1600/Dirty+faced+Leonard.JPG"><img style="width: 300px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725951691041767202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZqMKNOwEm7x50-ueT_CtvPNtrmStt8_lPEdXPYgmxcpKwSNqwHv_MVGdNw9K5NVEMZuUQ7cXZhr9nlSYQ3rErcoo1eA3_VCDVvA9OxKFAblBNyLFd2yoidmtfWkKBjr_fCmjdtOC-s0/s400/Dirty+faced+Leonard.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZqMKNOwEm7x50-ueT_CtvPNtrmStt8_lPEdXPYgmxcpKwSNqwHv_MVGdNw9K5NVEMZuUQ7cXZhr9nlSYQ3rErcoo1eA3_VCDVvA9OxKFAblBNyLFd2yoidmtfWkKBjr_fCmjdtOC-s0/s1600/Dirty+faced+Leonard.JPG"><div align="left"> </div></a><div align="center">Eating out is fun!<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunDBt4zXdP1py-e5C2c697Dm6Yo58y9MF2rN-4zsCg7BBbUhL-7Mm01_nOlTXFpRVv0qWLu4DSRJNrUrmqSMar_C2TZV_38HEo3JAcLIU5aPp3MptB0M38yhU-ArfS4eW7R4nDSRm9TQ/s1600/DSCN4182.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725949601733395330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunDBt4zXdP1py-e5C2c697Dm6Yo58y9MF2rN-4zsCg7BBbUhL-7Mm01_nOlTXFpRVv0qWLu4DSRJNrUrmqSMar_C2TZV_38HEo3JAcLIU5aPp3MptB0M38yhU-ArfS4eW7R4nDSRm9TQ/s400/DSCN4182.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunDBt4zXdP1py-e5C2c697Dm6Yo58y9MF2rN-4zsCg7BBbUhL-7Mm01_nOlTXFpRVv0qWLu4DSRJNrUrmqSMar_C2TZV_38HEo3JAcLIU5aPp3MptB0M38yhU-ArfS4eW7R4nDSRm9TQ/s1600/DSCN4182.JPG"><div align="left"> </div></a><p align="center">The girls are helping grill supper!</p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-h35pxEhtzmEVO-LR89uLE3B3CB1JTAnJXMODA88ERePSCTaaVUnGE_OKTcQW6BmbeFBTjVfq_WrYnmHomVj5QvJqpsAjdwH5vnxTGz2-ZW9UL4QNwwbYxS7ZU_DltU5tT1cyn8j21Sc/s1600/DSCN8384.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725949582171259890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-h35pxEhtzmEVO-LR89uLE3B3CB1JTAnJXMODA88ERePSCTaaVUnGE_OKTcQW6BmbeFBTjVfq_WrYnmHomVj5QvJqpsAjdwH5vnxTGz2-ZW9UL4QNwwbYxS7ZU_DltU5tT1cyn8j21Sc/s400/DSCN8384.JPG" /></a></p><p align="center">One of our talented Aunties---too bad you can't smell it!</p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEr-nfy7Rlw_ZdTZlZJKef19ED8yBP6YJFPFW_hfZWrrg805hmDljLuT8ujnHvn87OJmGaHTwkl0X-g_EXrp8Z8sQJBB9pRe9fDvPgw3GbIScV-Qw66cB5uYzTav8ubzYPLsh44qgNrTU/s1600/the+chef.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725949571049445186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEr-nfy7Rlw_ZdTZlZJKef19ED8yBP6YJFPFW_hfZWrrg805hmDljLuT8ujnHvn87OJmGaHTwkl0X-g_EXrp8Z8sQJBB9pRe9fDvPgw3GbIScV-Qw66cB5uYzTav8ubzYPLsh44qgNrTU/s400/the+chef.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEr-nfy7Rlw_ZdTZlZJKef19ED8yBP6YJFPFW_hfZWrrg805hmDljLuT8ujnHvn87OJmGaHTwkl0X-g_EXrp8Z8sQJBB9pRe9fDvPgw3GbIScV-Qw66cB5uYzTav8ubzYPLsh44qgNrTU/s1600/the+chef.JPG"><div align="center"> </div></a><div align="center">FRIENDS!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Playing in a fountain---an unexpected treat---and it made for a wet ride home!</div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBT99kxVD3niKgtWLFTcLvE7VZWBjz3khZ6i3chP9L3RKae4i-p2Gz02k5k205y_bXnZYuABtGCSnK5-pIGs5v2VqfHtHhmQeOz3S7-kktSLwI8XPhbqcawpPLTSTzjmh_1vn0xt95-M/s1600/DSCN3102.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725947797651109138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBT99kxVD3niKgtWLFTcLvE7VZWBjz3khZ6i3chP9L3RKae4i-p2Gz02k5k205y_bXnZYuABtGCSnK5-pIGs5v2VqfHtHhmQeOz3S7-kktSLwI8XPhbqcawpPLTSTzjmh_1vn0xt95-M/s400/DSCN3102.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBT99kxVD3niKgtWLFTcLvE7VZWBjz3khZ6i3chP9L3RKae4i-p2Gz02k5k205y_bXnZYuABtGCSnK5-pIGs5v2VqfHtHhmQeOz3S7-kktSLwI8XPhbqcawpPLTSTzjmh_1vn0xt95-M/s1600/DSCN3102.JPG"><div align="left"> </div></a><div align="center">Hanging out inside a fort they built!<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1NdV4_SlxvcW2q5249HNP90LqXutqmVcgsKVPcoJdHWsHotIFPuhcQU6AetPq74nS41o5A0a08obMqoJEXVBTlYxbfHUs9TS1jd2xT3EgCDKEGHyyJcvTrleJLWskRFaXPHjJkBkbLo/s1600/Sheena+%2526+Ven-ven+inside.JPG"><img style="width: 300px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725947794217607186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1NdV4_SlxvcW2q5249HNP90LqXutqmVcgsKVPcoJdHWsHotIFPuhcQU6AetPq74nS41o5A0a08obMqoJEXVBTlYxbfHUs9TS1jd2xT3EgCDKEGHyyJcvTrleJLWskRFaXPHjJkBkbLo/s400/Sheena+%2526+Ven-ven+inside.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1NdV4_SlxvcW2q5249HNP90LqXutqmVcgsKVPcoJdHWsHotIFPuhcQU6AetPq74nS41o5A0a08obMqoJEXVBTlYxbfHUs9TS1jd2xT3EgCDKEGHyyJcvTrleJLWskRFaXPHjJkBkbLo/s1600/Sheena+%2526+Ven-ven+inside.JPG"><div align="left"> </div></a><p align="center">Sack races---the funnest part might be falling down!</p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvq5cY5UIUbjSzgUqg139F80DEkFBrHf4kVCFtYXZSgJavqJVldkXFRZSoQzFtJQljtQ4viHwdehzx0rTJY2T40H2YswUhHf9pdrlxnN3PZ8_ncagDvT3NyVq6k3QBQ-3HTF5qnB6A1DI/s1600/And+they+all+fell+down.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725947785038331682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvq5cY5UIUbjSzgUqg139F80DEkFBrHf4kVCFtYXZSgJavqJVldkXFRZSoQzFtJQljtQ4viHwdehzx0rTJY2T40H2YswUhHf9pdrlxnN3PZ8_ncagDvT3NyVq6k3QBQ-3HTF5qnB6A1DI/s400/And+they+all+fell+down.JPG" /></a></p><div align="left"> </div><p align="center">Jumping---who knew it was so much fun?<br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT70X8MuXYRI88IY5XgvOoIvUxbSipj2Bi_gsFjlnkRP1zCBceglripDT08oCdYzjuhWLKyOzxq_mehH3BK-6s2bJe2J4Y_GsFH6g78o1EX1zchyPmGerILlBKESo28q34bF39voS3ZRQ/s1600/DSCN8770.JPG"><img style="width: 300px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725947776732879426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT70X8MuXYRI88IY5XgvOoIvUxbSipj2Bi_gsFjlnkRP1zCBceglripDT08oCdYzjuhWLKyOzxq_mehH3BK-6s2bJe2J4Y_GsFH6g78o1EX1zchyPmGerILlBKESo28q34bF39voS3ZRQ/s400/DSCN8770.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT70X8MuXYRI88IY5XgvOoIvUxbSipj2Bi_gsFjlnkRP1zCBceglripDT08oCdYzjuhWLKyOzxq_mehH3BK-6s2bJe2J4Y_GsFH6g78o1EX1zchyPmGerILlBKESo28q34bF39voS3ZRQ/s1600/DSCN8770.JPG"><div align="center"> </div></a><br /><div align="center">First friendships!</div><div align="center"> </div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxA8lazJ7qThHRH7sEYuh5cKBZE-qVt2HkwmphCcV1Qc1rWtIhkGUorO0gaZ0ARwRBLbv79kmetqIsGRuZDrROlN03BtHdEPUviSGZ06Fo3W0-O62ZPKlUnjrTiaGvIp1z9wceHk6IPU/s1600/Friends.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725947766497727538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxA8lazJ7qThHRH7sEYuh5cKBZE-qVt2HkwmphCcV1Qc1rWtIhkGUorO0gaZ0ARwRBLbv79kmetqIsGRuZDrROlN03BtHdEPUviSGZ06Fo3W0-O62ZPKlUnjrTiaGvIp1z9wceHk6IPU/s400/Friends.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxA8lazJ7qThHRH7sEYuh5cKBZE-qVt2HkwmphCcV1Qc1rWtIhkGUorO0gaZ0ARwRBLbv79kmetqIsGRuZDrROlN03BtHdEPUviSGZ06Fo3W0-O62ZPKlUnjrTiaGvIp1z9wceHk6IPU/s1600/Friends.JPG"><div align="left"> </div></a><p align="center">A series of silly faces...</p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDza015RSUgvOciQaDkvO92Q0y5D4PCfts5TqY6BDrahd1sUDuTjuPwQ2k8f7ilbzhidl16gCqKgSCrtToeNtAwgSq1jOmbCNxvFuq1_ruYGnD86nRl5Np8bqCjyYhhHTbLeyBp4ZZkMI/s1600/Wacky+faces.JPG"><img style="width: 300px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725945820453162338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDza015RSUgvOciQaDkvO92Q0y5D4PCfts5TqY6BDrahd1sUDuTjuPwQ2k8f7ilbzhidl16gCqKgSCrtToeNtAwgSq1jOmbCNxvFuq1_ruYGnD86nRl5Np8bqCjyYhhHTbLeyBp4ZZkMI/s400/Wacky+faces.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDza015RSUgvOciQaDkvO92Q0y5D4PCfts5TqY6BDrahd1sUDuTjuPwQ2k8f7ilbzhidl16gCqKgSCrtToeNtAwgSq1jOmbCNxvFuq1_ruYGnD86nRl5Np8bqCjyYhhHTbLeyBp4ZZkMI/s1600/Wacky+faces.JPG"><div align="left"> </div></a><p></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDza015RSUgvOciQaDkvO92Q0y5D4PCfts5TqY6BDrahd1sUDuTjuPwQ2k8f7ilbzhidl16gCqKgSCrtToeNtAwgSq1jOmbCNxvFuq1_ruYGnD86nRl5Np8bqCjyYhhHTbLeyBp4ZZkMI/s1600/Wacky+faces.JPG"><div align="left"> </div></a><p> </p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRG56SPRXHphMDHZIi0mFWTrkhNaAY8GC6p2UNe5dMiRjH_M0uOY5WYdzQhoTL-r4SSOyVNYbNV_2_xoUZn_G6889aB9cGQY1YKXKjqid4wZ4kT6UmWvJB7hSNmi0TpwjE55BsBD_NZU/s1600/DSCN4219.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725945806348578018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRG56SPRXHphMDHZIi0mFWTrkhNaAY8GC6p2UNe5dMiRjH_M0uOY5WYdzQhoTL-r4SSOyVNYbNV_2_xoUZn_G6889aB9cGQY1YKXKjqid4wZ4kT6UmWvJB7hSNmi0TpwjE55BsBD_NZU/s400/DSCN4219.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRG56SPRXHphMDHZIi0mFWTrkhNaAY8GC6p2UNe5dMiRjH_M0uOY5WYdzQhoTL-r4SSOyVNYbNV_2_xoUZn_G6889aB9cGQY1YKXKjqid4wZ4kT6UmWvJB7hSNmi0TpwjE55BsBD_NZU/s1600/DSCN4219.JPG"><div align="left"> </div></a><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-frD6xP94xXvLJzViXMukG-syhUAt0KyQHEc1xnAqaS0vm62d6XPsO2Lj49-aajzzU8Dtl0JJkBe52keMHHRchbeuIwXDGzbxqyqhK4ZrX0vY5nv5baZ3FM8_4Z1sLiZ1IQpi6UAqcFw/s1600/DSCN4218.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725945796295612514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-frD6xP94xXvLJzViXMukG-syhUAt0KyQHEc1xnAqaS0vm62d6XPsO2Lj49-aajzzU8Dtl0JJkBe52keMHHRchbeuIwXDGzbxqyqhK4ZrX0vY5nv5baZ3FM8_4Z1sLiZ1IQpi6UAqcFw/s400/DSCN4218.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-frD6xP94xXvLJzViXMukG-syhUAt0KyQHEc1xnAqaS0vm62d6XPsO2Lj49-aajzzU8Dtl0JJkBe52keMHHRchbeuIwXDGzbxqyqhK4ZrX0vY5nv5baZ3FM8_4Z1sLiZ1IQpi6UAqcFw/s1600/DSCN4218.JPG"><div align="left"> </div></a><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeE5itNRK7WlQ9C69QTb7_Xh_Nck6iMq73rw5OboI6pVl_oltTVRBoA33UnURRcBz2h5AKxA6BbgF_ufQHG8yWjCfvrWBKJWQMyJksIw77-tze_9q1uo9Em7TWoHen9Qfnv1icWkIBKE/s1600/DSCN7078.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725945789820111506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeE5itNRK7WlQ9C69QTb7_Xh_Nck6iMq73rw5OboI6pVl_oltTVRBoA33UnURRcBz2h5AKxA6BbgF_ufQHG8yWjCfvrWBKJWQMyJksIw77-tze_9q1uo9Em7TWoHen9Qfnv1icWkIBKE/s400/DSCN7078.JPG" /></a></p><p align="center">Yes, we have fun here and it is all thanks to God's goodness and provision. I hope you are having a joyful day!</p><p align="center">Thanks for your prayers and the heart you have for CSC---your giving makes all of this JOY a reality for our children!</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeE5itNRK7WlQ9C69QTb7_Xh_Nck6iMq73rw5OboI6pVl_oltTVRBoA33UnURRcBz2h5AKxA6BbgF_ufQHG8yWjCfvrWBKJWQMyJksIw77-tze_9q1uo9Em7TWoHen9Qfnv1icWkIBKE/s1600/DSCN7078.JPG"><div align="left"> </div><p></p></a><p> </p><p></p>lsahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029204715247996672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865066633543129694.post-72161191567409846772012-03-06T20:42:00.002+08:002012-03-06T22:13:48.587+08:00PerspectiveToday was a great day.<br /><br />At first, I couldn't quite put my finger on why. So I started to run through my day.<br /><br />It most definitely didn't start out great. I was preparing to head to the shelter and had just put Katie (our dog) into the house so I could open our gate---she tends to bite, only out of excitement, but then we have to pay for rabies shots, which is an event we like to avoid if possible. So, in she goes. I was backing down our driveway when I was motioned to stop so I could make way for the garbage truck that was backing down our alley. So I complied. When the coast was clear, two of the men with the garbage truck began directing my backing. Wonderful, I thought, as it is a tight turn to simultaneously clear the gate and avoid crashing into the cement wall across from our driveway. However, I am not normally interrupted in my backing---as there is not usually a lot of traffic in our alley---and our driveway is at a steep incline and has an unusually large speed bump at its base. Variables I had not considered before. I killed the vehicle at least 8 times. Embarrassing. Eventually, I made it out of the driveway and one of the kids in our neighborhood closed the gate for me---which was pretty sweet. I let Katie back out into the yard and was on my way. All before I had had any coffee---no, not my ideal morning. <br /><br />And it certainly wasn't because my day was FULL of meetings. I kind of detest meetings. Its not because I have a hard time sitting still, in fact I rather enjoy sitting. Some of my favorite pastimes involve me being somewhat immobile: reading, watching TV, going to a movie, etc. And it has nothing to do with the people I am meeting with, as I enjoy their company very much....there is just something about meetings that make me ANTSY! <br /><br />It is a revelation I have been faced with here. There is so much communication required to keep everyone in the loop about changes with children, with our workers, with schedules, that my day often has at least a couple of planned meetings as well as some impromptu ones. <br /><br />And today was no different, so no, it wasn't because of all that.<br /><br />It also couldn't be because I spent a lot of time writing at my computer today. A large part of my job is writing about the development of each of our children. The younger ones are written about monthly, the older ones every three months and with 70 plus children, that adds up. I also have been standardizing many of our procedures this year---putting into writing the work that is done on a regular basis. So, it is safe to say I spend a fair share of time in front of my computer. I don't detest writing, not like I do meetings, but it is not typically the highlight of my day. So, it couldn't have been that...<br /><br />Late this afternoon I received a request to submit an updated developmental report on one of our babies. Immediately my heart dropped into my stomach. The babies are the HARDEST to write the reports on. I am around the older children so much more and have a better handle on their abilities than I do the littler ones--and I am a few months behind in his documentation, so I started to get even more anxious. I headed to the house where that baby lives and thought I would spend some quality time with him so I have a fair amount of accurate and up-to-date information at least.<br /><br />So I sat. And I played. And I smiled. And I was blessed. There are several infants and some toddlers in that nursery and they were so excited to have me for a playmate. We laid on mats on the floor and some of the babies were able to pull themselves closer to me, others kicked and kicked in excitement but never made much headway. They cooed, and babbled and drooled. And laughed, oh did they laugh! And there is no other sound in this world like an infant's squeal laugh to make you appreciate God's greatness. I lost track of time. I snuggled with toddlers who were finally slowing down for the day. I practiced my limited Cebuano and felt so proud when the children understood what I was saying. :) After leaving the nursery, I went upstairs to say good night to the older children and unexpectedly received 20 or so hugs! I helped one child with homework and my heart melted when their older sibling jumped into to help them also.<br /><br />So, yeah, today was a great day.lsahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029204715247996672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865066633543129694.post-35597191415756553262012-02-06T20:15:00.000+08:002012-02-06T22:02:36.535+08:00On shaky ground.At 11:49 am this morning I was sitting on the fifth floor of the Ayala Center mall, in my Cebuano class, when the floor start shifting underneath us. It was quite surreal and unnerving. I recommended we head to a doorway, but everyone just kind of congregated into the hallway in the mall. I wondered if I could book it outside in time if another stronger quake followed---I thankfully didn't have to.<br /><br />As I walked through the mall I could sense the environment was a bit frenetic. Outside it was no different as all of the high rise buildings around the mall had been evacuated so the sidewalks teemed with displaced employees.<br /><br />I made it to the shelter without incident. About 30 minutes later there was buzz around the shelter that people living near the coastal areas should evacuate because of the threat of a tidal wave. Some of our workers left to check on their families.<br /><br />About 15 minutes later, a few of our Aunties arrived for their shifts. They were crying and frantic and said that there was a tidal wave that had been sighted in downtown. Many of our Aunties lived near there or had children attend school there so the cries and wails increased across the grounds. It was odd not to understand what was being said but to be able to perfectly see and feel the pain experienced by those around me. Pain and fear seem to be universal though.<br /><br />The tsunami warning ended up being just that, a warning. Thanks be to God. Throughout the evening we had 3 more registered earthquakes. They were smaller in magnitude than the first, but were equally unsettling to me.<br /><br />Standing on shaky ground is a weird feeling. It makes you want nothing more than to hold onto something secure and to value everything that makes you feel that way.<br /><br />I have been abundantly blessed with people that do just that. I thank God for each and everyone of them this evening and pray for the families that have lost loved ones, homes---their sense of security.<br /><br />Do the same when you get a chance...lsahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029204715247996672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865066633543129694.post-12280890578687398962012-01-03T21:23:00.000+08:002012-01-04T11:23:16.238+08:00The holidays----Filipino style<div align="center">MERRY CHRISTMAS to ALL!</div><div align="center">It may be after the holidays, but I am still reeling from the hustle and bustle of the season. Here is quick recap of the MANY activities that occurred:
<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cBw87Rlm87AbiFF4Z4UhuMqw0ERyg1_eninc-DgT3L7F1St_udZDr1uiNGQlOzJ9bWZVE_glrC8crnACUuEJ8tu75xO0ELDM9OLol4eFn5Y3DHmAWFTNroA9A0VDznfoSMD_9KM5WrE/s1600/DSCN5492.JPG"><img style="width: 300px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693596791976764066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cBw87Rlm87AbiFF4Z4UhuMqw0ERyg1_eninc-DgT3L7F1St_udZDr1uiNGQlOzJ9bWZVE_glrC8crnACUuEJ8tu75xO0ELDM9OLol4eFn5Y3DHmAWFTNroA9A0VDznfoSMD_9KM5WrE/s400/DSCN5492.JPG" /></a></p><p align="center">
<br />THE PROGRESSIVE DINNER</p><p align="center">DECEMBER 19, 2011</p><p align="center">The kids travel to each of the staff's house for food and to hear a part of the Christmas story retold. Our house provided appetizers and I dressed up as an angel, along with the principal of our school and her two sons.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQT0-0-lIopZ7WrAnLwT589YuHp8Q1w05qeTezLhDw_e5P9XFlpo4garI9px4nSA9Q0NWytq53cxNu2CnmylmJECbRYWK2KkZZfVi9HJI1hAl_lkNSz1RrUpY1_-Crm12fMyt_OBsuhs/s1600/DSCN5357.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693587397441206546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQT0-0-lIopZ7WrAnLwT589YuHp8Q1w05qeTezLhDw_e5P9XFlpo4garI9px4nSA9Q0NWytq53cxNu2CnmylmJECbRYWK2KkZZfVi9HJI1hAl_lkNSz1RrUpY1_-Crm12fMyt_OBsuhs/s400/DSCN5357.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQT0-0-lIopZ7WrAnLwT589YuHp8Q1w05qeTezLhDw_e5P9XFlpo4garI9px4nSA9Q0NWytq53cxNu2CnmylmJECbRYWK2KkZZfVi9HJI1hAl_lkNSz1RrUpY1_-Crm12fMyt_OBsuhs/s1600/DSCN5357.JPG"><div align="left"> </div></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQT0-0-lIopZ7WrAnLwT589YuHp8Q1w05qeTezLhDw_e5P9XFlpo4garI9px4nSA9Q0NWytq53cxNu2CnmylmJECbRYWK2KkZZfVi9HJI1hAl_lkNSz1RrUpY1_-Crm12fMyt_OBsuhs/s1600/DSCN5357.JPG"><div align="left"> </div></a><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJUCvPMuG5KOwc3ly_FFekBJFrpKmkTdrmohmvo_GLlBc4cHU7YfofTWUnGoavMb0fwxkH2UwS_25z0wYoT8sh2Ge10UhWUJ-cOlonqGOJoJGGtHzIfkdsxf815o4ys9z8ogATaZFf04/s1600/DSCN5363.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693587408158429986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJUCvPMuG5KOwc3ly_FFekBJFrpKmkTdrmohmvo_GLlBc4cHU7YfofTWUnGoavMb0fwxkH2UwS_25z0wYoT8sh2Ge10UhWUJ-cOlonqGOJoJGGtHzIfkdsxf815o4ys9z8ogATaZFf04/s400/DSCN5363.JPG" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJUCvPMuG5KOwc3ly_FFekBJFrpKmkTdrmohmvo_GLlBc4cHU7YfofTWUnGoavMb0fwxkH2UwS_25z0wYoT8sh2Ge10UhWUJ-cOlonqGOJoJGGtHzIfkdsxf815o4ys9z8ogATaZFf04/s1600/DSCN5363.JPG"><div align="center"> </div></a><div align="center">Pastor Marcel was our storyteller---his Cebuano is a bit better than mine. ;)
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4w6meevTVEYHPkqBV1nH_x9fpYcBCiip9Nj2N_Y_4hAcP6OgKvfNArKbiRLLgtg55k0rmrMlDBa9qQd6g0NkFQiSXRmEF0nHBzU3QEoNMO77thWFDowXLMhqOD49nJOspqqMgjccWAtw/s1600/DSCN5369.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693587452470909202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4w6meevTVEYHPkqBV1nH_x9fpYcBCiip9Nj2N_Y_4hAcP6OgKvfNArKbiRLLgtg55k0rmrMlDBa9qQd6g0NkFQiSXRmEF0nHBzU3QEoNMO77thWFDowXLMhqOD49nJOspqqMgjccWAtw/s400/DSCN5369.JPG" /><div align="left"> </div></a></div><div align="center">
<br /> The evening comes to a close back at the shelter for cinnamon rolls in the shape of Christmas trees! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirImgdBKgROKyLdUO0Drm5NlA5Omc96C8MHZIslQa4GrMN8V6oQHPM9s-0ESoV2mLQnHzA1aRA4CMcLCCpGzUweEzLA0Dx2BM0PtG_t3BFdDi8v9LYyNrdvU1h8ujOoGbcXCl4wqXYJEk/s1600/DSCN5383.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693587419861754050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirImgdBKgROKyLdUO0Drm5NlA5Omc96C8MHZIslQa4GrMN8V6oQHPM9s-0ESoV2mLQnHzA1aRA4CMcLCCpGzUweEzLA0Dx2BM0PtG_t3BFdDi8v9LYyNrdvU1h8ujOoGbcXCl4wqXYJEk/s400/DSCN5383.JPG" /></a></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWjxJmWux9rVA2EMyKot5stLD2yhsOOZUjWoZSVvxScn7m99Kq3W-K6wF6bIljKCAirlhvhRBe0AYmCWpC5UF1O8wqYhEoj4RPRyOrp88k7e22oIZKLqiBvw_7-vkj3gLZCH_uDFT-7w/s1600/DSCN5396.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693587432439218898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWjxJmWux9rVA2EMyKot5stLD2yhsOOZUjWoZSVvxScn7m99Kq3W-K6wF6bIljKCAirlhvhRBe0AYmCWpC5UF1O8wqYhEoj4RPRyOrp88k7e22oIZKLqiBvw_7-vkj3gLZCH_uDFT-7w/s400/DSCN5396.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWjxJmWux9rVA2EMyKot5stLD2yhsOOZUjWoZSVvxScn7m99Kq3W-K6wF6bIljKCAirlhvhRBe0AYmCWpC5UF1O8wqYhEoj4RPRyOrp88k7e22oIZKLqiBvw_7-vkj3gLZCH_uDFT-7w/s1600/DSCN5396.JPG"><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">They were green and delicious!</span></div></a><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirImgdBKgROKyLdUO0Drm5NlA5Omc96C8MHZIslQa4GrMN8V6oQHPM9s-0ESoV2mLQnHzA1aRA4CMcLCCpGzUweEzLA0Dx2BM0PtG_t3BFdDi8v9LYyNrdvU1h8ujOoGbcXCl4wqXYJEk/s1600/DSCN5383.JPG"></a> </p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirImgdBKgROKyLdUO0Drm5NlA5Omc96C8MHZIslQa4GrMN8V6oQHPM9s-0ESoV2mLQnHzA1aRA4CMcLCCpGzUweEzLA0Dx2BM0PtG_t3BFdDi8v9LYyNrdvU1h8ujOoGbcXCl4wqXYJEk/s1600/DSCN5383.JPG"><div align="center"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">NEIGHBORHOOD CHRISTMAS PARTY</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">DECEMBER 21, 2011</span></div></a><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhueseVRPbrcghub4NCbZPfpCizm7-_CVI1yICQvCRgW845V5xzVJXUYiChEJ7we78f-_6dSIUw7CMaycJd-LLcWy7MBUyH22C97T0fhAj143hLgzqXjPj6_Ji6mDNjPiKxBILnhbYXbzo/s1600/DSCN5420.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693592448676933634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhueseVRPbrcghub4NCbZPfpCizm7-_CVI1yICQvCRgW845V5xzVJXUYiChEJ7we78f-_6dSIUw7CMaycJd-LLcWy7MBUyH22C97T0fhAj143hLgzqXjPj6_Ji6mDNjPiKxBILnhbYXbzo/s400/DSCN5420.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhueseVRPbrcghub4NCbZPfpCizm7-_CVI1yICQvCRgW845V5xzVJXUYiChEJ7we78f-_6dSIUw7CMaycJd-LLcWy7MBUyH22C97T0fhAj143hLgzqXjPj6_Ji6mDNjPiKxBILnhbYXbzo/s1600/DSCN5420.JPG"><div align="center"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Each child in our neighborhood was able to take a goodie bag (the yellow ones below) as well as another gift item. The kids who were below 12 years old were able to take an item of clothing (from the picture above) and a toy (a couple of pictures below). The kids 12 and above were able to take a goodie bag, and they could choose 1 item of clothing or a toy and then we would take them all bowling after Christmas.</span></div></a><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxdgGVdpsKSWK1ZdaUgkZfvUBnFC43ViUR_KI6i1MzimyusmXLY0WzN0DZ-pUJFxzuIth5H9joXy3Cz2wK9lzGK0xqHMYLT893-v49OT1y3KJJ-2Wm7NMtAKkO28s7Y2RkBHuYuA6ve0/s1600/DSCN5421.JPG"><img style="width: 300px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693592452603809954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxdgGVdpsKSWK1ZdaUgkZfvUBnFC43ViUR_KI6i1MzimyusmXLY0WzN0DZ-pUJFxzuIth5H9joXy3Cz2wK9lzGK0xqHMYLT893-v49OT1y3KJJ-2Wm7NMtAKkO28s7Y2RkBHuYuA6ve0/s400/DSCN5421.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center">
<br /> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxVytbg6RulpyhWSisiyK3B8Nup7IqvHZ9ohM4al6rI1XuFIWvVRdqiwvnDz6Dzk0Dx8MKjWJT_TEAUq56yx_Sa67beIBzmCZbe3iAItNM0WfSWThXjlO9r6jrBbo0K__SBVDeANMIk8/s1600/DSCN5423.JPG"><img style="width: 300px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693592462093944898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxVytbg6RulpyhWSisiyK3B8Nup7IqvHZ9ohM4al6rI1XuFIWvVRdqiwvnDz6Dzk0Dx8MKjWJT_TEAUq56yx_Sa67beIBzmCZbe3iAItNM0WfSWThXjlO9r6jrBbo0K__SBVDeANMIk8/s400/DSCN5423.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFuqxixvGrP4NvIYBDT9YklWEjVAq81dh1V25SgFJ-WfUOZxFly5_HS2iP94v3KNozWAkoAmS8yETA6JgDmSEyqjHsg6mpXZC71EYzUF93gL70Zl6Qvcod0lPiKaJGfDKx0vwTGsUay8/s1600/DSCN5436.JPG"></a> </div><p align="center">Here they are listening to Teacher Cris share the Christmas story, again, her Cebuano is a bit more advanced than mine! ;) </p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFuqxixvGrP4NvIYBDT9YklWEjVAq81dh1V25SgFJ-WfUOZxFly5_HS2iP94v3KNozWAkoAmS8yETA6JgDmSEyqjHsg6mpXZC71EYzUF93gL70Zl6Qvcod0lPiKaJGfDKx0vwTGsUay8/s1600/DSCN5436.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693592464202786322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFuqxixvGrP4NvIYBDT9YklWEjVAq81dh1V25SgFJ-WfUOZxFly5_HS2iP94v3KNozWAkoAmS8yETA6JgDmSEyqjHsg6mpXZC71EYzUF93gL70Zl6Qvcod0lPiKaJGfDKx0vwTGsUay8/s400/DSCN5436.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFuqxixvGrP4NvIYBDT9YklWEjVAq81dh1V25SgFJ-WfUOZxFly5_HS2iP94v3KNozWAkoAmS8yETA6JgDmSEyqjHsg6mpXZC71EYzUF93gL70Zl6Qvcod0lPiKaJGfDKx0vwTGsUay8/s1600/DSCN5436.JPG"><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The kids eating Jollibee spaghetti for lunch for getting their presents! They kind of wanted to get through the eating part of the day....</span></div></a><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2UpAoBs6wBgUVbAUptnCbNbOanROkF5cyEBrwRqoP1S9PrJe0kL10TOca-_MGLrqNact-PPVkOyTM6bXrIDnylzujxzyxjMm_vF-Nnzc5fn_wXs3zCF_UvRSWJriPjxVKwbh4lyVXfA/s1600/DSCN5440.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693592486601662994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2UpAoBs6wBgUVbAUptnCbNbOanROkF5cyEBrwRqoP1S9PrJe0kL10TOca-_MGLrqNact-PPVkOyTM6bXrIDnylzujxzyxjMm_vF-Nnzc5fn_wXs3zCF_UvRSWJriPjxVKwbh4lyVXfA/s400/DSCN5440.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2UpAoBs6wBgUVbAUptnCbNbOanROkF5cyEBrwRqoP1S9PrJe0kL10TOca-_MGLrqNact-PPVkOyTM6bXrIDnylzujxzyxjMm_vF-Nnzc5fn_wXs3zCF_UvRSWJriPjxVKwbh4lyVXfA/s1600/DSCN5440.JPG"><div align="left"> </div></a><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEj7V8U-KOJm3yG1gy6duA3uCUQF6cF0tnC1kQHTtfnjyu2bhlb3linprAnEznueH8KaG17I90fzydJnNwhpV0DGscRXqEzmuyhtQgYFqSrqOt6nt8RZip3YwaAir8Su0NCH8Qx3ll_s/s1600/DSCN5444.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693596736746135650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEj7V8U-KOJm3yG1gy6duA3uCUQF6cF0tnC1kQHTtfnjyu2bhlb3linprAnEznueH8KaG17I90fzydJnNwhpV0DGscRXqEzmuyhtQgYFqSrqOt6nt8RZip3YwaAir8Su0NCH8Qx3ll_s/s400/DSCN5444.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEj7V8U-KOJm3yG1gy6duA3uCUQF6cF0tnC1kQHTtfnjyu2bhlb3linprAnEznueH8KaG17I90fzydJnNwhpV0DGscRXqEzmuyhtQgYFqSrqOt6nt8RZip3YwaAir8Su0NCH8Qx3ll_s/s1600/DSCN5444.JPG"><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Everyone with their presents!</span></div></a><p align="center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">There they go!</span></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblrQ-WNsecNctVzSdPdiWrzceT722-W0KkIuEPvhOcYt53pEx7abU5DhL6rLXZRjbQNA7YBVcCk3vf4VMQsFJFyMQkE0SFPGKdeNiruNZgsuhgErNl7sDV6VYrA5Pfnjww-NOtVae45w/s1600/DSCN5445.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693596737926456370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblrQ-WNsecNctVzSdPdiWrzceT722-W0KkIuEPvhOcYt53pEx7abU5DhL6rLXZRjbQNA7YBVcCk3vf4VMQsFJFyMQkE0SFPGKdeNiruNZgsuhgErNl7sDV6VYrA5Pfnjww-NOtVae45w/s400/DSCN5445.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblrQ-WNsecNctVzSdPdiWrzceT722-W0KkIuEPvhOcYt53pEx7abU5DhL6rLXZRjbQNA7YBVcCk3vf4VMQsFJFyMQkE0SFPGKdeNiruNZgsuhgErNl7sDV6VYrA5Pfnjww-NOtVae45w/s1600/DSCN5445.JPG"><div align="center"></div></a><div align="center">DECEMBER 24, 2011</div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LtLc7Ly1BtM802V6aQPS1raM5cKfE8Dj5qek6XQC4f5i34vr1CuvUGlU9dpssawLIQ7SyUqirfHviVrRF-R2KpFj0VO7AwibG5GlzhpMZYWCExSPHNhXeZ8vKOdKPuEuT7u5miYhyQs/s1600/DSCN5507.JPG"> </a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LtLc7Ly1BtM802V6aQPS1raM5cKfE8Dj5qek6XQC4f5i34vr1CuvUGlU9dpssawLIQ7SyUqirfHviVrRF-R2KpFj0VO7AwibG5GlzhpMZYWCExSPHNhXeZ8vKOdKPuEuT7u5miYhyQs/s1600/DSCN5507.JPG"><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Uncle Mitch praying over the birthday girl!</span></div></a><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LtLc7Ly1BtM802V6aQPS1raM5cKfE8Dj5qek6XQC4f5i34vr1CuvUGlU9dpssawLIQ7SyUqirfHviVrRF-R2KpFj0VO7AwibG5GlzhpMZYWCExSPHNhXeZ8vKOdKPuEuT7u5miYhyQs/s1600/DSCN5507.JPG"><img style="width: 300px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693583496863993186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LtLc7Ly1BtM802V6aQPS1raM5cKfE8Dj5qek6XQC4f5i34vr1CuvUGlU9dpssawLIQ7SyUqirfHviVrRF-R2KpFj0VO7AwibG5GlzhpMZYWCExSPHNhXeZ8vKOdKPuEuT7u5miYhyQs/s400/DSCN5507.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LtLc7Ly1BtM802V6aQPS1raM5cKfE8Dj5qek6XQC4f5i34vr1CuvUGlU9dpssawLIQ7SyUqirfHviVrRF-R2KpFj0VO7AwibG5GlzhpMZYWCExSPHNhXeZ8vKOdKPuEuT7u5miYhyQs/s1600/DSCN5507.JPG"><div align="left"> </div></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LtLc7Ly1BtM802V6aQPS1raM5cKfE8Dj5qek6XQC4f5i34vr1CuvUGlU9dpssawLIQ7SyUqirfHviVrRF-R2KpFj0VO7AwibG5GlzhpMZYWCExSPHNhXeZ8vKOdKPuEuT7u5miYhyQs/s1600/DSCN5507.JPG"><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">OPENING PRESENTS!</span></div></a><p align="center">The brothers with their gifts---someone is happy about their shiny new scooter!
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrP3x7srDi7hjn0KsceXShEaZ1LP0kswsnUqDvAL_eswWy5AtAdSzKHObvqBLfDIRCQd3L_FRXb7Ersme5djEdmx2x4Gx-NFPlFUN360u1Z0-L31tu4Esm6rFuhYjp_VMoo87eS1Fe8Y/s1600/DSCN5630.JPG"><img style="width: 300px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693577593741058130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrP3x7srDi7hjn0KsceXShEaZ1LP0kswsnUqDvAL_eswWy5AtAdSzKHObvqBLfDIRCQd3L_FRXb7Ersme5djEdmx2x4Gx-NFPlFUN360u1Z0-L31tu4Esm6rFuhYjp_VMoo87eS1Fe8Y/s400/DSCN5630.JPG" /></a>
<br /></p><div align="center"> The girls with their princess bags---they were ecstatic!</div><div align="center">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPzrTPcRjlfto3k-eVOcf1hAWECATZ-0Jmyw_tmW29CJe_ltPLFTT6s-Z8AoUyR3ktximhCHQl3_maJ7vMx9ldXnPSbBrQjcR-5YSBkOEtwgbOtrmPYMq8A9AembREPFzhww65Qg825k/s1600/DSCN5589.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693577588569498338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPzrTPcRjlfto3k-eVOcf1hAWECATZ-0Jmyw_tmW29CJe_ltPLFTT6s-Z8AoUyR3ktximhCHQl3_maJ7vMx9ldXnPSbBrQjcR-5YSBkOEtwgbOtrmPYMq8A9AembREPFzhww65Qg825k/s400/DSCN5589.JPG" /></a>
<br /></div><div align="center">
<br />Tammy and I celebrated our Christmas when we got home that evening!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7USSDmtmzFnS-cFUDakFqwtF2ZxxYqwACpgYY6Q4rvcve_YCG2mHWfZh0oUL172_ptHDVaCusHreOglQTN7nU9FVYaY6NB_XwflH0vPscR4ro3Do7SW_agnT6yIjYCWVkFEVJEZjNCRA/s1600/DSCN5490.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693596777459264450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7USSDmtmzFnS-cFUDakFqwtF2ZxxYqwACpgYY6Q4rvcve_YCG2mHWfZh0oUL172_ptHDVaCusHreOglQTN7nU9FVYaY6NB_XwflH0vPscR4ro3Do7SW_agnT6yIjYCWVkFEVJEZjNCRA/s400/DSCN5490.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2Olo_2ogS_oAuRBNS1LAHd7rJUdeIAAvXvcfdVlvDdXFekhvkqjaimmIlQdbSf2I8TZx5v_h7HcRROQrJbkrZxng_gl-9MUV1FwODR96Ij8OPKFlqI6vvGrmt8RMHjsH-kEMexe3Yg0/s1600/DSCN5488.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693596768167903826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2Olo_2ogS_oAuRBNS1LAHd7rJUdeIAAvXvcfdVlvDdXFekhvkqjaimmIlQdbSf2I8TZx5v_h7HcRROQrJbkrZxng_gl-9MUV1FwODR96Ij8OPKFlqI6vvGrmt8RMHjsH-kEMexe3Yg0/s400/DSCN5488.JPG" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2Olo_2ogS_oAuRBNS1LAHd7rJUdeIAAvXvcfdVlvDdXFekhvkqjaimmIlQdbSf2I8TZx5v_h7HcRROQrJbkrZxng_gl-9MUV1FwODR96Ij8OPKFlqI6vvGrmt8RMHjsH-kEMexe3Yg0/s1600/DSCN5488.JPG"><div align="left"> </div></a></div><div align="center">
<br /> DECEMBER 25, 2011</div><div align="center">MERRY CHRISTMAS!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Another birthday!</div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Gy2y4vYEDgF0fKccUb-pQQ5cQkXDxFp5-H1MtXnd-MJ9rEMz12YPshgraV7cYjkgIH_ZMVgWE0yjFqeL7-3-E8VpsL9uWnUbsGTF7N5EjJVDKQlEJpmlvVmv3K7N_Ln8Ww215ylU59E/s1600/DSCN5645.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693583453168240706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Gy2y4vYEDgF0fKccUb-pQQ5cQkXDxFp5-H1MtXnd-MJ9rEMz12YPshgraV7cYjkgIH_ZMVgWE0yjFqeL7-3-E8VpsL9uWnUbsGTF7N5EjJVDKQlEJpmlvVmv3K7N_Ln8Ww215ylU59E/s400/DSCN5645.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Gy2y4vYEDgF0fKccUb-pQQ5cQkXDxFp5-H1MtXnd-MJ9rEMz12YPshgraV7cYjkgIH_ZMVgWE0yjFqeL7-3-E8VpsL9uWnUbsGTF7N5EjJVDKQlEJpmlvVmv3K7N_Ln8Ww215ylU59E/s1600/DSCN5645.JPG"><div align="left"> </div></a><p align="center">CHRISTMAS DINNER!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZyIzbAxUyOOifbcP8ndkYGhaiZJI6pvPrniBt8Id-TKBRkN331o9Jyvo7FxZWrnp3zG7OPKQHtzZeLaUe6NPnMdjmPIR_V0AYhb9Rj1NJxKhysgbX5AbfhtdDPHobcDUwd0gp838kR0/s1600/DSCN5684.JPG"></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZyIzbAxUyOOifbcP8ndkYGhaiZJI6pvPrniBt8Id-TKBRkN331o9Jyvo7FxZWrnp3zG7OPKQHtzZeLaUe6NPnMdjmPIR_V0AYhb9Rj1NJxKhysgbX5AbfhtdDPHobcDUwd0gp838kR0/s1600/DSCN5684.JPG"><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">There was ham, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole! NUMMY! There was NO rice, it was a hard one for the Filipinos to take, but I appreciated the American meal.</span></div></a><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuP2dm0Bn7R5EzPRQEISFl6Mss54D6GhhOpiq9mu4guEPePcX0nzj02yUQzaZVo3Wwc96YeQzQG-6TCwHOQZhOeAYQeAKgpihXyUcFhf-eGAgio3_Qke8JXtvzCymU3uliyZhGbv4isVI/s1600/DSCN5672.JPG"><img style="width: 300px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693583465159462594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuP2dm0Bn7R5EzPRQEISFl6Mss54D6GhhOpiq9mu4guEPePcX0nzj02yUQzaZVo3Wwc96YeQzQG-6TCwHOQZhOeAYQeAKgpihXyUcFhf-eGAgio3_Qke8JXtvzCymU3uliyZhGbv4isVI/s400/DSCN5672.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuP2dm0Bn7R5EzPRQEISFl6Mss54D6GhhOpiq9mu4guEPePcX0nzj02yUQzaZVo3Wwc96YeQzQG-6TCwHOQZhOeAYQeAKgpihXyUcFhf-eGAgio3_Qke8JXtvzCymU3uliyZhGbv4isVI/s1600/DSCN5672.JPG"><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">And best of all were the Christmas cookies!</span></div></a><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZyIzbAxUyOOifbcP8ndkYGhaiZJI6pvPrniBt8Id-TKBRkN331o9Jyvo7FxZWrnp3zG7OPKQHtzZeLaUe6NPnMdjmPIR_V0AYhb9Rj1NJxKhysgbX5AbfhtdDPHobcDUwd0gp838kR0/s1600/DSCN5684.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693583471341124930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZyIzbAxUyOOifbcP8ndkYGhaiZJI6pvPrniBt8Id-TKBRkN331o9Jyvo7FxZWrnp3zG7OPKQHtzZeLaUe6NPnMdjmPIR_V0AYhb9Rj1NJxKhysgbX5AbfhtdDPHobcDUwd0gp838kR0/s400/DSCN5684.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZyIzbAxUyOOifbcP8ndkYGhaiZJI6pvPrniBt8Id-TKBRkN331o9Jyvo7FxZWrnp3zG7OPKQHtzZeLaUe6NPnMdjmPIR_V0AYhb9Rj1NJxKhysgbX5AbfhtdDPHobcDUwd0gp838kR0/s1600/DSCN5684.JPG"><div align="left"> </div></a><p></p><div align="center">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrP3x7srDi7hjn0KsceXShEaZ1LP0kswsnUqDvAL_eswWy5AtAdSzKHObvqBLfDIRCQd3L_FRXb7Ersme5djEdmx2x4Gx-NFPlFUN360u1Z0-L31tu4Esm6rFuhYjp_VMoo87eS1Fe8Y/s1600/DSCN5630.JPG"> </a>Following the meal there was a reenactment of the Christmas story--done by the staff. In the background you can see the manger and in the foreground you can see our live nativity scene---the horse, cow and goat! The kids loved it and they enjoyed seeing the staff perform for them for once!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrP3x7srDi7hjn0KsceXShEaZ1LP0kswsnUqDvAL_eswWy5AtAdSzKHObvqBLfDIRCQd3L_FRXb7Ersme5djEdmx2x4Gx-NFPlFUN360u1Z0-L31tu4Esm6rFuhYjp_VMoo87eS1Fe8Y/s1600/DSCN5630.JPG"></a><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhRfOcamqg_C1-3SlNfUc05-Rz9rTB6mX0OBKBAfwSMlDmtKUgHdIkndUoeBP1fqH0hC4bC5zX7Diep4hYZyoKZDnRbSXfIw39jGREHS4gnCuGjrASCFeCgS5xccN5R7JvVUF5YcAe0U/s1600/DSCN5687.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693583502882661554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhRfOcamqg_C1-3SlNfUc05-Rz9rTB6mX0OBKBAfwSMlDmtKUgHdIkndUoeBP1fqH0hC4bC5zX7Diep4hYZyoKZDnRbSXfIw39jGREHS4gnCuGjrASCFeCgS5xccN5R7JvVUF5YcAe0U/s400/DSCN5687.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhRfOcamqg_C1-3SlNfUc05-Rz9rTB6mX0OBKBAfwSMlDmtKUgHdIkndUoeBP1fqH0hC4bC5zX7Diep4hYZyoKZDnRbSXfIw39jGREHS4gnCuGjrASCFeCgS5xccN5R7JvVUF5YcAe0U/s1600/DSCN5687.JPG"><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span></div></a><div align="center">DECEMBER 26 THRU DECEMBER 27, 2011</div><p align="center">Following the whirlwind of the holidays, Amy and I took a respite to the big city of Manila for a day and a half. The skyline was surprising for me to see---so different than in Cebu!</p><p align="center">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iEtHvAnWIFLDQz7lTKSxA_er2JeGQX08ZeK5FJ1J4zMAkpMB_kZhOItK8j9eJr08y2gq-lLK1fIq3GGvmnSBLgDc88k__4wMi6MPVJp_gv0qZrPmaD66coQaCrNQn33RtCIVUHm_Ivw/s1600/DSCN5717.JPG"><img style="width: 300px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693577610239097122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iEtHvAnWIFLDQz7lTKSxA_er2JeGQX08ZeK5FJ1J4zMAkpMB_kZhOItK8j9eJr08y2gq-lLK1fIq3GGvmnSBLgDc88k__4wMi6MPVJp_gv0qZrPmaD66coQaCrNQn33RtCIVUHm_Ivw/s400/DSCN5717.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iEtHvAnWIFLDQz7lTKSxA_er2JeGQX08ZeK5FJ1J4zMAkpMB_kZhOItK8j9eJr08y2gq-lLK1fIq3GGvmnSBLgDc88k__4wMi6MPVJp_gv0qZrPmaD66coQaCrNQn33RtCIVUHm_Ivw/s1600/DSCN5717.JPG"><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I'm sitting on a puzzle piece ottoman on astroturf at a flip flop kiosk in the mall---and I am loving it!</span></div></a><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByE_WGJXRjqzl_SHexEQV8wHAT0A6TObkJ82iFXMWMlWNXY74BK9gYBj8Y7mP1hqB4Tes8JCvasvraCAMMxwxl1SvTSoTc8FB90JXmEUFPuCkQyvFDE2DBFQ4VW1JvgVs0zRytXj81S8/s1600/Duck+Bling1.JPG"><img style="width: 300px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693577625982166242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByE_WGJXRjqzl_SHexEQV8wHAT0A6TObkJ82iFXMWMlWNXY74BK9gYBj8Y7mP1hqB4Tes8JCvasvraCAMMxwxl1SvTSoTc8FB90JXmEUFPuCkQyvFDE2DBFQ4VW1JvgVs0zRytXj81S8/s400/Duck+Bling1.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByE_WGJXRjqzl_SHexEQV8wHAT0A6TObkJ82iFXMWMlWNXY74BK9gYBj8Y7mP1hqB4Tes8JCvasvraCAMMxwxl1SvTSoTc8FB90JXmEUFPuCkQyvFDE2DBFQ4VW1JvgVs0zRytXj81S8/s1600/Duck+Bling1.JPG"><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">On a cruise around Manila Bay</span></div></a><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25SIj7w6Ne8iAHlb0swYMPQ4BXjNi2M_7LXt5S-rSC82BUbR3R6b72QELIh1EqAeRXHs8ILKJIvuIo8x1AcBHh62rFNY9fhxUTUzAsmIGhZnNnMwKgEQWcAaoyTbPwnqO4NbsDTCjkLc/s1600/DSCN5739.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693577629179206450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25SIj7w6Ne8iAHlb0swYMPQ4BXjNi2M_7LXt5S-rSC82BUbR3R6b72QELIh1EqAeRXHs8ILKJIvuIo8x1AcBHh62rFNY9fhxUTUzAsmIGhZnNnMwKgEQWcAaoyTbPwnqO4NbsDTCjkLc/s400/DSCN5739.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25SIj7w6Ne8iAHlb0swYMPQ4BXjNi2M_7LXt5S-rSC82BUbR3R6b72QELIh1EqAeRXHs8ILKJIvuIo8x1AcBHh62rFNY9fhxUTUzAsmIGhZnNnMwKgEQWcAaoyTbPwnqO4NbsDTCjkLc/s1600/DSCN5739.JPG"><div align="left"> </div><p></p><div align="center"></div></a><div align="center">
<br />DECEMBER 29, 2011
<br />
<br />The birthday girl excitedly opening her presents</div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-zY-gKK8kAzf6SgPUgCFVNHEmX0liVa-_vfk839tlbq5HaTLbdlS0s8JvVgHt5Wa5C_evl_QxrdHfTm4_lSyeCaGfY-mOvZ7pGOeY4jNlsvJTrgaBJNr1qujz1UsbMdcdlKOJA9bY7k/s1600/DSCN5806.JPG"><img style="width: 300px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693573394766980914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-zY-gKK8kAzf6SgPUgCFVNHEmX0liVa-_vfk839tlbq5HaTLbdlS0s8JvVgHt5Wa5C_evl_QxrdHfTm4_lSyeCaGfY-mOvZ7pGOeY4jNlsvJTrgaBJNr1qujz1UsbMdcdlKOJA9bY7k/s400/DSCN5806.JPG" /></a></p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center">DECEMBER 30, 2011 </p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YmFLjMR7hQg3qP8R92E_EYVeA5fQ4zvdZGYUAaXsiO3yPOuu6fn8a0UH7KtNVRjmy_ZRpPw0LTADIzVeKR80QjORALyEMm84GTOdVkno8N1MgcIOZhNlCOsT1fICmphNpw_o91Ggc0o/s1600/DSCN5828.JPG"><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The neighborhood kids that are 12 years old and above went bowling with us. We, of course, had to treat ourselves to McD's sundaes after...</span></div><div align="center"></div></a><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YmFLjMR7hQg3qP8R92E_EYVeA5fQ4zvdZGYUAaXsiO3yPOuu6fn8a0UH7KtNVRjmy_ZRpPw0LTADIzVeKR80QjORALyEMm84GTOdVkno8N1MgcIOZhNlCOsT1fICmphNpw_o91Ggc0o/s1600/DSCN5828.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693573405488631650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YmFLjMR7hQg3qP8R92E_EYVeA5fQ4zvdZGYUAaXsiO3yPOuu6fn8a0UH7KtNVRjmy_ZRpPw0LTADIzVeKR80QjORALyEMm84GTOdVkno8N1MgcIOZhNlCOsT1fICmphNpw_o91Ggc0o/s400/DSCN5828.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YmFLjMR7hQg3qP8R92E_EYVeA5fQ4zvdZGYUAaXsiO3yPOuu6fn8a0UH7KtNVRjmy_ZRpPw0LTADIzVeKR80QjORALyEMm84GTOdVkno8N1MgcIOZhNlCOsT1fICmphNpw_o91Ggc0o/s1600/DSCN5828.JPG"></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YmFLjMR7hQg3qP8R92E_EYVeA5fQ4zvdZGYUAaXsiO3yPOuu6fn8a0UH7KtNVRjmy_ZRpPw0LTADIzVeKR80QjORALyEMm84GTOdVkno8N1MgcIOZhNlCOsT1fICmphNpw_o91Ggc0o/s1600/DSCN5828.JPG"><div align="center"></div></a><div align="center">
<br /> Tammy and I had 11 girls sleep over at our house the night before New Year's Eve. It was a lot of fun, but man were we all worn out the next day!</div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7xP0gW-klNfovcJxGJkb47RBpLqLD1lBxDvBUXShuwwqYpZiN1F_eLjVU7OVyxMcQV3D8v602gfUyhGs742CrjYMORrz3MjXNmocfKOOyEqwyECVpETfOeiG9xJO9OwRAVhLWI62l48/s1600/DSCN5854.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693573418380244386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7xP0gW-klNfovcJxGJkb47RBpLqLD1lBxDvBUXShuwwqYpZiN1F_eLjVU7OVyxMcQV3D8v602gfUyhGs742CrjYMORrz3MjXNmocfKOOyEqwyECVpETfOeiG9xJO9OwRAVhLWI62l48/s400/DSCN5854.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7xP0gW-klNfovcJxGJkb47RBpLqLD1lBxDvBUXShuwwqYpZiN1F_eLjVU7OVyxMcQV3D8v602gfUyhGs742CrjYMORrz3MjXNmocfKOOyEqwyECVpETfOeiG9xJO9OwRAVhLWI62l48/s1600/DSCN5854.JPG"><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">DECEMBER 31, 2011</span></div></a><p align="center"> Some of the staff and I went blacklight mini-golfing before the party.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQeulR5DhE0STzMBXoY6G5CpUqFWkYr1WR7rmZ0sfqdA2bGaMVAkQd_hEsZuXYZZgFDjlhU6g5SX9mWEXweOewQNseQlC_5vEFScjAFcoCiedkJnMmZ_0C16lzSCA3R4iZpdRnvMpI604/s1600/DSCN5862.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693573434923472322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQeulR5DhE0STzMBXoY6G5CpUqFWkYr1WR7rmZ0sfqdA2bGaMVAkQd_hEsZuXYZZgFDjlhU6g5SX9mWEXweOewQNseQlC_5vEFScjAFcoCiedkJnMmZ_0C16lzSCA3R4iZpdRnvMpI604/s400/DSCN5862.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQeulR5DhE0STzMBXoY6G5CpUqFWkYr1WR7rmZ0sfqdA2bGaMVAkQd_hEsZuXYZZgFDjlhU6g5SX9mWEXweOewQNseQlC_5vEFScjAFcoCiedkJnMmZ_0C16lzSCA3R4iZpdRnvMpI604/s1600/DSCN5862.JPG"><div align="left"> </div></a><p align="center">THE FIREWORKS!!!!</p><p align="center">It was an impressive and incredibly LOUD show, the fireworks were right above us! After the show of lights, we enjoyed midnight snacks: sticky rice and hot chocolate---they are delicious together!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQeulR5DhE0STzMBXoY6G5CpUqFWkYr1WR7rmZ0sfqdA2bGaMVAkQd_hEsZuXYZZgFDjlhU6g5SX9mWEXweOewQNseQlC_5vEFScjAFcoCiedkJnMmZ_0C16lzSCA3R4iZpdRnvMpI604/s1600/DSCN5862.JPG"></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQeulR5DhE0STzMBXoY6G5CpUqFWkYr1WR7rmZ0sfqdA2bGaMVAkQd_hEsZuXYZZgFDjlhU6g5SX9mWEXweOewQNseQlC_5vEFScjAFcoCiedkJnMmZ_0C16lzSCA3R4iZpdRnvMpI604/s1600/DSCN5862.JPG"></a><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3NpeySEcF1efKzhtGaKjSeudkZ6nowZymPkOMkmgjvAkmI0fBgVbLsPl946RkrEok4hvnXd-JIqn3ZTIU0Ktf3LzXXgP-64_QkrDoL7nq5RycT2b6a-MDLdH3ciUbz54A8iJww1-V8c/s1600/DSCN5884.JPG"><img style="width: 300px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693573450221689442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3NpeySEcF1efKzhtGaKjSeudkZ6nowZymPkOMkmgjvAkmI0fBgVbLsPl946RkrEok4hvnXd-JIqn3ZTIU0Ktf3LzXXgP-64_QkrDoL7nq5RycT2b6a-MDLdH3ciUbz54A8iJww1-V8c/s400/DSCN5884.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3NpeySEcF1efKzhtGaKjSeudkZ6nowZymPkOMkmgjvAkmI0fBgVbLsPl946RkrEok4hvnXd-JIqn3ZTIU0Ktf3LzXXgP-64_QkrDoL7nq5RycT2b6a-MDLdH3ciUbz54A8iJww1-V8c/s1600/DSCN5884.JPG"><div align="left"> </div></a><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwhOibJ3AGIfPLCI4PjeGir1Q6YJzYdVX7th8s-IoCRLq_Q6CVxEHkHuF-SNSMce0iUW8x8IE-Ag8Hc6U-fQxuCoZBgm-a2U8dQ6flkkiP8B79HUeICx-sVaj9oSoGG5dfSZU_rUeqm8/s1600/DSCN5890.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693404473996210850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwhOibJ3AGIfPLCI4PjeGir1Q6YJzYdVX7th8s-IoCRLq_Q6CVxEHkHuF-SNSMce0iUW8x8IE-Ag8Hc6U-fQxuCoZBgm-a2U8dQ6flkkiP8B79HUeICx-sVaj9oSoGG5dfSZU_rUeqm8/s400/DSCN5890.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwhOibJ3AGIfPLCI4PjeGir1Q6YJzYdVX7th8s-IoCRLq_Q6CVxEHkHuF-SNSMce0iUW8x8IE-Ag8Hc6U-fQxuCoZBgm-a2U8dQ6flkkiP8B79HUeICx-sVaj9oSoGG5dfSZU_rUeqm8/s1600/DSCN5890.JPG"><div align="left"> </div></a><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjuKU5GAjG6n-ZM72u2GV5VBCPCsP2R63DLhyZqWakzPQQHjl7K-Z21WxPOYLwrClq6pqkvbd0iiCcX76Rwsm8Y4q00TZ47tkGzy6ITcxJD8Z-cCWlX0b8rCQ22Hdz8UF_ANEBDlshZg/s1600/DSCN5894.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693404456997197570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjuKU5GAjG6n-ZM72u2GV5VBCPCsP2R63DLhyZqWakzPQQHjl7K-Z21WxPOYLwrClq6pqkvbd0iiCcX76Rwsm8Y4q00TZ47tkGzy6ITcxJD8Z-cCWlX0b8rCQ22Hdz8UF_ANEBDlshZg/s400/DSCN5894.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjuKU5GAjG6n-ZM72u2GV5VBCPCsP2R63DLhyZqWakzPQQHjl7K-Z21WxPOYLwrClq6pqkvbd0iiCcX76Rwsm8Y4q00TZ47tkGzy6ITcxJD8Z-cCWlX0b8rCQ22Hdz8UF_ANEBDlshZg/s1600/DSCN5894.JPG"><div align="left"> </div></a><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHm_fkgeMgieXZ0LKqyU3ijcIeS53CbBNG8Nmvkap2ntH43yAHpKigx-M3mX7fvFt86B4EPjXqYHGOiAfxVy-50tNTp3OTs1_362qNu34DQJcS63sViaM9_5U4_UN_fdtv426WN-OUpeI/s1600/DSCN5897.JPG"><img style="width: 300px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693404443605904194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHm_fkgeMgieXZ0LKqyU3ijcIeS53CbBNG8Nmvkap2ntH43yAHpKigx-M3mX7fvFt86B4EPjXqYHGOiAfxVy-50tNTp3OTs1_362qNu34DQJcS63sViaM9_5U4_UN_fdtv426WN-OUpeI/s400/DSCN5897.JPG" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHm_fkgeMgieXZ0LKqyU3ijcIeS53CbBNG8Nmvkap2ntH43yAHpKigx-M3mX7fvFt86B4EPjXqYHGOiAfxVy-50tNTp3OTs1_362qNu34DQJcS63sViaM9_5U4_UN_fdtv426WN-OUpeI/s1600/DSCN5897.JPG"><div align="center"> </div></a><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHqrRjvki0nRedGDKqE7HaiuMVp2im9r3BJF5nFznuirsyidvT1_ffmLmgkNyJxoQgp4UNBpYCtZjho3_v__2HSzkxVx7M2clrcg_6mxfjEMxn2eur2I6ogVg6bp6_kCvpnO4oDkrh6o/s1600/DSCN5899.JPG"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693404436856980130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHqrRjvki0nRedGDKqE7HaiuMVp2im9r3BJF5nFznuirsyidvT1_ffmLmgkNyJxoQgp4UNBpYCtZjho3_v__2HSzkxVx7M2clrcg_6mxfjEMxn2eur2I6ogVg6bp6_kCvpnO4oDkrh6o/s400/DSCN5899.JPG" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHqrRjvki0nRedGDKqE7HaiuMVp2im9r3BJF5nFznuirsyidvT1_ffmLmgkNyJxoQgp4UNBpYCtZjho3_v__2HSzkxVx7M2clrcg_6mxfjEMxn2eur2I6ogVg6bp6_kCvpnO4oDkrh6o/s1600/DSCN5899.JPG"><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I pray you all had a blessed Christmas and will have a prosperous New Year!</span></div></a><p align="center"> </p>
<br />lsahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029204715247996672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865066633543129694.post-22144743846730003442011-12-18T14:00:00.000+08:002011-12-18T23:35:45.369+08:00The reason for the seasonOn December 9, Uncle Paul came to the school to share with all of the kids, a story about one of the first children who came to live at CSC. This little boy's name was Junel. CSC was relatively new but had already made a name for itself; many had learned that there was a place that would care for children, regardless of the need. A concerned individual told Paul and the other staff at CSC about a boy in another province who was living with an aunt, but was not being cared for properly. Paul decided to take a boat to that province and meet Junel. When Paul arrived he found where Junel was living and met him, his aunt and his aunt's children. He noticed several things during the visit. For instance, despite being 5 years old, Junel could not walk because he was so malnourished and weak. Another observation was that during meal times, Junel's aunt did not allow him to sit at the table and eat with everyone else. He sat in a corner until everyone was done and then he ate what was left. Needless to say, it broke Paul's heart and it was clear to him that this boy needed to come to CSC.<br /><br />The following day, Paul returned to the aunt's home to get Junel. Paul had to carry him during the journey because he was still to weak to walk. Junel was excited however, that much, Paul could see. When they arrived at CSC, Junel had a hard time understanding that things worked differently here than they had at his aunt's home. He still went to the corner during meal time, and was blown away when allowed to sit at the table. He also played by himself at first, as he had not been allowed to play with other kids when at his aunt's house.<br /><br />There were not many toys for the kids to play with in those early days of CSC, but there was a toy that Junel took to quickly. It was a film canister that had been filled with some coins, so that when you shook it, the coins jingled. He was not without that toy---you always knew where Junel was because you could just follow the jinglejangle of the coins. This was particularly helpful after Junel grew stronger and was able to walk around the home. The sound just became part of the background noise of the home. One day, that noise was no more. The initial worry was, where was Junel, did he not make it home from school? No, he was upstairs in his room playing. He still had the film canister, but when you shook it it no longer made any noise. The coins were gone. The next worry was that someone at school had taken his money from him. When asked about the missing coins, Junel shared that his teacher had mentioned that there were some poor kids she knew that did not have any shoes to wear. She asked if anyone had any money they wanted to give to these kids. Junel gave all of his money.<br /><br />Everyone was touched by Junel's giving spirit. So touched, that several years ago CSC started Junel's Box. During the holiday season, the children are told about Junel and how he gave what little he had to help someone else. Then the children are told about a family in need, a family that one of our social workers has identified, and are given the opportunity to donate money from their allowance to the cause. I am in charge of the bank in Sandy's absence, so I was given the opportunity to tell the kids how much was in their account, ask how much they wanted to donate, and give them that amount so they could put it in Junel's Box.<br /><br />What a wonderful opportunity I had as the money distributor. I saw love in action that day. Almost ALL of the children gave EVERYTHING in their bank account for this family. I was quite taken aback with their generosity. We ended up with about 30,000 pesos, which is about $617---an amount that goes a long way here. That money was used to purchase and install a toilet for the family, provide them with food, soap and other necessities as well as contribute some money to help them start a food business which would provide them with some income. Today, all of the children, ages 10 and up, went with Paul, Joel, Carmelita (our social worker) and some of our house parents to bring all of the goodies to the family.<br /><br />I am astounded by the hearts of these kids. I know that right now is a very stressful time for everyone, there are gifts to be purchased and wrapped, meals to prepare, places to travel to, but don't lose sight of the true reason behind this time of year. Jesus was born to give us the greatest gift. Its ours for the taking, and all he requires of us is to love others. <br /><br />"So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:34-35lsahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029204715247996672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865066633543129694.post-7495434845881867652011-12-11T21:32:00.000+08:002011-12-11T23:02:57.190+08:00Lechon baboy and other fun<div style="text-align: center;">This evening we had a 3 house celebration! We were honoring the birthday of one of our kids and had a feast of lechon baboy---roasted pig---a Filipino specialty.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZuVmO3kUov2u6qZdsXAoz-yIrkut-OTSVS3yfghshKjUuKv1fC1ds4I5Kd-Xj5sOb3V2Ky0BHKolgshTp9zDhV8i4CwvbGWoItDMITc1IPKJR1BYxJSi0CHCLr2N3515rxL0huaydhY/s1600/DSCN5176.JPG" style="text-align: left; " onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZuVmO3kUov2u6qZdsXAoz-yIrkut-OTSVS3yfghshKjUuKv1fC1ds4I5Kd-Xj5sOb3V2Ky0BHKolgshTp9zDhV8i4CwvbGWoItDMITc1IPKJR1BYxJSi0CHCLr2N3515rxL0huaydhY/s400/DSCN5176.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684869982662606530" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Uncle Patrick eating the brain, another specialty. I tried it and quickly chased it with some Coke Zero...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyg0kFc6FECJZJfw3bgE6F2vwF-EpanYVjNnfUfajY2cXt9MtNCXR-eU5CZwf_49zi1xDWrtEAv-Q165zNG-Gcr7db3GykQIeNSBEDu1JqYzt8b5E81pymuxJ_gKwjTf4xle-MvRYvuU/s400/DSCN5189.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684870022696033010" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Master carver!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbY0yY6I70vl_NVUUGG_gYOReUsTcCZSORMoHXfvLg9TTRtmv9F3Gp8Gqf4zAhBd5GJSQBIae8B8YwILXUIwdLfAkUtdlZ0zdm1HIVNFweiSIroExy6yR6d57RKdb5odL_msQ37G6wfww/s1600/DSCN5185.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbY0yY6I70vl_NVUUGG_gYOReUsTcCZSORMoHXfvLg9TTRtmv9F3Gp8Gqf4zAhBd5GJSQBIae8B8YwILXUIwdLfAkUtdlZ0zdm1HIVNFweiSIroExy6yR6d57RKdb5odL_msQ37G6wfww/s400/DSCN5185.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684869989241939634" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The birthday girl! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz83rKve84PXD2YW5r25NuUwZUp-ilxoDq82A81I8MlK6BoXOQasixUuueqe8EOGv4wE4WY6zXK2MWhwTlrlTqEG6CdUHt2mllwegLscg3v89vYH2RA5Q6YCfDQw2JncIq-dHbEZ1Slpw/s400/DSCN5196.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684870000021874594" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Some of the party guests:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaggtBqCxr0ccIud8_iP9h4L5WBPk3hWbZQnsWTwGF6xEA1ziRLIfCcmwibTSfdrd4nWviChxUODQJ_B0SvQ94metUlX3Hwt6PDJrFzOJTETyLiACad23FiLoMQ7FfWIKG31qky25mW8M/s1600/DSCN5197.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaggtBqCxr0ccIud8_iP9h4L5WBPk3hWbZQnsWTwGF6xEA1ziRLIfCcmwibTSfdrd4nWviChxUODQJ_B0SvQ94metUlX3Hwt6PDJrFzOJTETyLiACad23FiLoMQ7FfWIKG31qky25mW8M/s400/DSCN5197.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684864869402341218" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Some of the young'uns in the Eicher crew!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTy5RHsFMsdF9GI8TDyrFNM6cMCJdf1YnsozRhli7EvbV9E_u40CxumsXZTUBUa1jtm2ktRx6W11_TOcjGlHIRJWvadXZcxVpoIGpkkf7MG5IKnWEFjLDm89e5cYmPjogDt7Od1QUR3E/s1600/DSCN5199.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTy5RHsFMsdF9GI8TDyrFNM6cMCJdf1YnsozRhli7EvbV9E_u40CxumsXZTUBUa1jtm2ktRx6W11_TOcjGlHIRJWvadXZcxVpoIGpkkf7MG5IKnWEFjLDm89e5cYmPjogDt7Od1QUR3E/s400/DSCN5199.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684864866695420962" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Special guest: the principal of Children of Hope School</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_GnaWA3puI1MHA-oMfh6o4EGEB7fWDHOsMVtDepKX7mRZnBtj2bQsr-1XTh1QV_e9lJAablfxKta5vAAjMX177suXbsRdtrmDytG0xdFNutwixximX4G3GzjP9qxhCi0LLzEhiFkQ3o/s1600/DSCN5178.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_GnaWA3puI1MHA-oMfh6o4EGEB7fWDHOsMVtDepKX7mRZnBtj2bQsr-1XTh1QV_e9lJAablfxKta5vAAjMX177suXbsRdtrmDytG0xdFNutwixximX4G3GzjP9qxhCi0LLzEhiFkQ3o/s400/DSCN5178.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684864843620669298" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The cool kids table...</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMVLY1akBJ4C0eCNrvJAbaCNxeO0qjt-KfXU8AYvFxD-_taAcZYmzvnMRtOUxFAfc48ww2q7CYKeSlKXWP9_R_aunERPKWxs1m0OaVfmeH8ITqHTVX7aAZ6MBxVrrh5q8VyuYL_OiAE8/s1600/DSCN5174.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMVLY1akBJ4C0eCNrvJAbaCNxeO0qjt-KfXU8AYvFxD-_taAcZYmzvnMRtOUxFAfc48ww2q7CYKeSlKXWP9_R_aunERPKWxs1m0OaVfmeH8ITqHTVX7aAZ6MBxVrrh5q8VyuYL_OiAE8/s400/DSCN5174.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684864829445706370" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, and this one too!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQAAO_1pYN7ANkFaCd5pRWrGq-pSDb4Hr-Z2IDMlK2e0eG8goICrXkl16I67W4hV8HITEg2tjldaH650cPl1C5Ymhr3HlEJgd1LUAbfFuGhD997JsJ-YQ_9-4rS2xvW9gLcWTru6Jlbc/s1600/DSCN5172.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQAAO_1pYN7ANkFaCd5pRWrGq-pSDb4Hr-Z2IDMlK2e0eG8goICrXkl16I67W4hV8HITEg2tjldaH650cPl1C5Ymhr3HlEJgd1LUAbfFuGhD997JsJ-YQ_9-4rS2xvW9gLcWTru6Jlbc/s400/DSCN5172.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684864822400305506" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">WACKY FACES!!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lVO4-ajnFspaFw_qj_Yui4wwErqUG8UxLQ8P23cWl3F8ttySDBRD0NtVZXmqb9HUBZRIAmARRtk_b9OT00-x3sTYWTD685afGRyWr8sdJF3swTuK1O_FE5yhJ_iZ53HYP92Z-NgM8tg/s400/DSCN5211.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684870020235324418" style="text-align: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for reading and caring about these wonderful kids!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Funny story from this evening's festivities:</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was sitting at a table with some of the older kids. One of them, by the name of Ardian, looks at me and says, "Punch me." I exclaimed, "What?!" To which he responded, "I don't know." I was utterly confused. I looked at some of the other kids nearby and asked for help understanding. Then one of the other kids said, "Bit me." Again, I asked, "What?!" He also said, "I don't know." All of the kids kept repeating variations of "Punch me," and "bit me" and then following that with "I don't know." I still don't recall what led to my lightbulb moment, but I eventually realized they were sharing an idiom with me. Ardian was trying to tell me that he knew how to use the phrase, "Beats me." Oh Ardian, so close, so close....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>lsahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029204715247996672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865066633543129694.post-8356453816587843982011-12-05T22:48:00.001+08:002011-12-05T22:48:42.250+08:00It ain't easy being an Auntie...<div>Since my arrival in August, there have been 3 different occasions when staff members have taken on the role of Auntie. The first and second times were for a few hours (just through the evening meal) while the childcare workers, guards and house parents attended two days of workshops.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>The third and most recent occasion was this past Saturday night. The ante had officially been upped! The staff was to cover the evening meal, bathtime and bedtime in all 3 houses! All without the assistance of the older kids as they had been recruited to serve the workers their evening meal. A nice change for the Aunties!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ye84SjmNjmKCBIu61UMonRHx75eqYaan7dWu79vrXA2rRINRmpoe3_m33byvbWuWDF_JJLiAcoIXpL43orzaNrlz2u0uNC856YDgauaM5jw3NTtRg1uLhRbEsalKDEZ_mAcvRdgIe7E/s400/DSCN5025.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682621059569178482" style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Some of the happy servers!</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div>Our plan of attack was this: get through dinner and showers by 6:45pm. Then we would have all of the kids, preschool age and up, out to the covered picnic area where we would premiere Cars 2 on a screen borrowed from the school. The 3-year-old population was also included in the movie watching---for as long as they could keep their eyes open! They all pretty much faded by 8pm.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHfZV79vEiTbBRMfqc9MRfzg3Q17PXs3cWqqUzyXm5wzEqhWdnVwRqoVY2BQvT8zVcQP7x1BbSIQwrYTvPCI_ypsezF1sJaTQSxG0w1fx2k5XvFds9ZGsPX5x2FfDayzBrCMy5dji53s/s400/DSCN5028.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682621034021996466" style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">See how mezmerized they are!</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hGGAAcNX6R0bZfLV2jg6FAsUiifSd921JrhKGB1JlUqOg-lKawWUP6aCJYrBar9R6GfHfK611rB4ndRY7ag4zB57ZwtTd89W1L3-MrgWCiLYfXwlfOSYGmw1uHDMrjBjRtd7p3IuBao/s400/DSCN5027.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682621020492592098" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">This looked like an intense scene! ;)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOOJtNLwU-ZL6os9m5N-J_aICgPeWptF8FW2qgkhn2ZeZAPX70elvBsNBXyjARAtvxiZByXI4tUd4TR5RKM1DGPu3vZgJeUL8nKdl-NL-W5Jihpc0ySGK8mz4djWiHuhy1ZWL3sVvC3k/s400/DSCN5026.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682621012044116194" style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">So many tsinilas (Cebuano for flip-flops)!</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div>By 9pm, all of the kids had been prayed for and tucked in. We were then ready to participate in the culminating celebration of the Christmas season---serving ice cream cones to the workers as they left the party---only in the Philippines!</div><div><br /></div><div>The pictures make the evening look like it was a breeze, but as the saying goes, looks can be deceiving. Our Aunties work unbelievably hard. There are meals to prepare, serve and clean up after. There are kids to shepherd, play with, and care for. There are medicines and time outs to administer and just general order to restore and maintain. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>All of our workers are truly special individuals and they are dedicated to the ministry. We ask them to do things differently in our home than they likely would in theirs. We expect a lot from them and they rise to the challenge on a regular basis.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>At the end of the shift I was exhausted, grateful for the Aunties' return and appreciative of all of the work they do every day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Please remember our workers in your prayers. They spend every day loving and caring for our kids. They are God's hands and feet at CSC.</div>lsahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029204715247996672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865066633543129694.post-63530466133486915732011-11-25T20:03:00.000+08:002011-11-27T01:31:54.227+08:00Thanksgiving--Filipino style!Yes, Thanksgiving is not celebrated here in the Philippines, however, it WAS celebrated by the American staff. And it was celebrated in style....<br /><div><div><div><div><br /></div><div>At the start of this week all of the kids were given pictures of turkeys to color. There were 5 different pictures, as the kids had been split into 5 different groups. There would be one winner from each group, chosen by a mystery judge. The winners would then be announced on Thursday afternoon, following the Thanksgiving program. Look below for the pictures of all the entries!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifi5rRkLVxGSqnqYyRiugSvnIoylX5v35KUvr1K1_nzXGBE89LWZIEwdOO-KGZpZupQa5EI28iPDKjeBO0d_VaUBjKWRUW_keMxrhZECE4pVaw52c9DwzG0bYrIjr-qWAlAez0EVzX6YY/s400/DSCN4770.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679350294388396098" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VNXLrlzqaYWV4d-xRTvEfqs7H5sAlcfYvUDRT9HULyAAm7aPb0e9APXxiI0vRok69yzRe2a80odBwmhg55OYye_WhWg-gHioWdvz-eBHlgvmkD44Lw2WC8dyn2WyP09zq6L1Co6hdIw/s400/DSCN4771.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679350303561964274" style="text-align: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhq-Ad9pSh_HdH1wCDLu66W1zOoqwE19msskKHGosX67rIeoHNdZ2urmqg6dyj-NkuaFLZq2LsBbdCJH4avY3b8OM8rXxDTVH7diVryW2U0t4KPEBTBp3UNLSikrd3kJVWruBz4p_ZB4/s400/DSCN4772.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679350316014944562" style="text-align: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegBdyvPl3LgW3KTEbLo6qykhPBS1BC379DBRgSo9XgSY3LtMnzErE7giWZxwV_00-wK3vpPMxB4lEDMoqKoD7N6bJYVo71X0jLKO9vJyI-tj5FqwBz6e7vEf_lpDi_2HuWT63OQ2cWpc/s400/DSCN4769.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679350288669514130" /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGtVCnuQQ_EVQnxSQNAtIYK-DYlf7JCIlg4clgxX2yoy0e8AfrDT21q_1iqtstouLS-xPM6pOZgVqmM-mfkDgod_eDAdQfG-Q-kfMLsU8LQ_frOiO2a4Di0DGSx2HMBU90K6dZBE1MR8/s400/DSCN4768.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679350280385788978" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The prize.........BUH BUHDA BUHHHH......Thanksgiving dinner with all of the staff at the Ohlendorf's home. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Thanksgiving program consisted of fun songs about turkeys, there were poultry-like actions for some of them, as well as turkey-themed games, the Thanksgiving story was told by master storyteller Uncle Paul, and a real live turkey was brought in for the kids to touch. Few actually touched it, but many squealed with delight....or maybe it was fear. I can't be sure. ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>Then last, but not least, the winners of the coloring contest were announced. And they all looked quite shocked at their win!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTtt9lP8ZDDjQLqNtnrceqfTRlip-ky4qiZslcdIAgy-VLIpmGXFTCDweOsI3_BNzBY2Cq6H4r1LKAa4Px1tMPbPkxP7I6s3Q-bOVLMYIA2grA7huDs06MuFWcarWrVFG3iPGRFDIUMo/s400/DSCN4823.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679356219746959650" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div>The kids then left for home, and all of us staff members made a mad dash to our homes to continue the holiday cooking.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was in charge of the pumpkin pies and mashed potatoes. I had made and baked the pie crusts the night before, and had gotten all the potatoes scrubbed, rinsed in bleach water, rinsed in filtered water, peeled, rinsed in filtered water again, and cut. I constructed an ant moat for each pie, to ensure their safety while I slept, and went to bed. I was quite confident in my preparations as I went to bed that evening. I got up early the next morning to fill and bake the two pies, had them cool on the ant moats and then popped them in the ref (fridge) before going to work. While doing that I noticed that the potatoes looked kind of gross. I didn't know that they turned a sickly gray after being peeled and cut! I did what I normally do in a situation of such magnitude----I called my mom. She assured me the potatoes were okay to eat, but that the mashed potatoes would likely be gray in color. Blech. I could not have that. I did not want my gray mashed potatoes to be the kids' first introduction to this entree, as it would be for the majority.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, I did them all over again after school and arrived at the party dripping with sweat and pride! The meal was delicious and the company was even better! It wasn't really anything like the way we do Thanksgiving at home, but it was wonderful just the same!</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbrSROjBao6H9FGRzTtZAqE8Em_GF7sqUpSm8obyz_LS4zrdyraKjSPq8XE47FpmKq3fKieEDLmvXNPx4nUL2POwUpXju3yH1Ym7zCVYDu0QxjgiFaDMyozIzUNq1B8vwWQhPqRfznXU/s400/DSCN4765.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679356236747417394" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The glorious pies!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJO6A5ZPBbMtxO3110jHxB3ayXcdnQ811GD9WaTthH9FwRm3QATb-X0gJq-N-_E-KYNgdxn8aBoHKOJ7MinSlzEs0FU7UJZC0eLdmBVI82ufOu4piTBF9l7UK0BK6M5lYjRF09XdYCNI/s400/DSCN4853.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679356225681444866" style="text-align: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Some of the kids had my camera---they took it upon themselves to document the feast being enjoyed!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I hope you all had a blessed holiday! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div>lsahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029204715247996672noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865066633543129694.post-17380988964170979432011-10-12T22:33:00.000+08:002011-10-12T23:13:29.223+08:00Typhoon Ramon<div style="text-align: center;">So, yesterday evening we had a bit of typhoon action. I woke up to rain on Tuesday morning (kind of unusual as it normally rains in the afternoon, right when PE is about to start for the kids!) and the entire day was cool, overcast and rainy. The winds picked up in the evening and the rain intensified. The noise from the wind was something I had never heard before.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Around 11pm that night I was trying to fall asleep but the storm was so strong I was too worried to sleep. I remember feeling really grateful for the bars that cover all of our windows, maybe not the original reason behind their addition, but an effective safety measure nonetheless. My fears were only minimally relieved by this thought, I still felt the need to pray for the safety of our house, the shelter and school, and also all those out there I knew were less fortunate than I who were likely losing their house to flood waters or to the intense winds.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We were south of the main path of the tropical storm, as I understand it and damage to our property was superficial at worst. So, we were protected for sure! I have provided some pictures of our impacted landscape. We are very thankful the half of the mango tree that fell did not land on our vehicle!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Also, the shelter and school had been protected as well and only sustained battered shrubbery and such. There are some pictures of the older kids cleaning up the grounds before school and some of the pre-K kids continuing the job after the older ones had left.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhNMZO8Lf8uLQK7DDon1l-LajDz20RVhOWp1gFpjG980yru59_kdmqFG_Mk7ZHL-DKj-pk65mVBM5BiiZoI04FYYgC-J7K_O0SucANFkW_OdzXRPMTaJtfZmXROtK3cZd9FJzofemfKs/s1600/DSCN3825.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhNMZO8Lf8uLQK7DDon1l-LajDz20RVhOWp1gFpjG980yru59_kdmqFG_Mk7ZHL-DKj-pk65mVBM5BiiZoI04FYYgC-J7K_O0SucANFkW_OdzXRPMTaJtfZmXROtK3cZd9FJzofemfKs/s400/DSCN3825.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662615438082755186" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; ">The ominous clouds---well, not really, these were relatively harmless---they mainly just looked cool.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQoyVdRjjfIkq8_6iF263m653fO6VYQLGm12aLuCZQHEqmqrP_U4FpUEQt6oU8fQ6lrVvMJXpGVpp-4RucR_q4ameA3UGT5aELqiBwMKtnpESJWs2FWCv8N_gSpsfOVCQMW1a-pa5aYI/s400/DSCN3795.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662615430801094370" style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UCZvlLFdt2yp0U5Ge5aKqEoDq8gZ7YJLiT85vtyH-Dil1bcB-qLEmMVGkiVAqG2Ja6bdbEsg9a7razh4BQ24RxVAvycdSThb8Wo7ylneM12H0XFON3w6k2sCPExnDD85m4eNO_FxQlM/s1600/DSCN3794.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9UCZvlLFdt2yp0U5Ge5aKqEoDq8gZ7YJLiT85vtyH-Dil1bcB-qLEmMVGkiVAqG2Ja6bdbEsg9a7razh4BQ24RxVAvycdSThb8Wo7ylneM12H0XFON3w6k2sCPExnDD85m4eNO_FxQlM/s400/DSCN3794.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662615427693589490" style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center; ">This is the destruction our yard sustained. Nothing major at all, we were blessed for sure! I was sad for our mango tree (the huge branch immediately above)</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYKrENNIGe_PDZBKPLchNTBalacZM1ziIdOEWRckDV2Y3FaC13MRK_PJljyBi_Rb8kojTBogB7xmzCde4JpAXU8WMQ2X-cBhE3NPvs-cJ7ZEdCyael2_11UFkjl2L55aH9Uldupowt4kk/s1600/DSCN3798.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYKrENNIGe_PDZBKPLchNTBalacZM1ziIdOEWRckDV2Y3FaC13MRK_PJljyBi_Rb8kojTBogB7xmzCde4JpAXU8WMQ2X-cBhE3NPvs-cJ7ZEdCyael2_11UFkjl2L55aH9Uldupowt4kk/s400/DSCN3798.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662615454365769394" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Before school clean up crew</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RhxhatM7sQxKKAjaPW849YpUDMmzz85AWKkWpcppzBa5R1YCzc3FQGzWq6LWm-kAOB7mKAeCThkMoypX7HGqk6dViWYBSrskBuDuEYkE7tHPN-96e6GQA2ffXoROfx5kYykIQtBb_gA/s1600/DSCN3802.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RhxhatM7sQxKKAjaPW849YpUDMmzz85AWKkWpcppzBa5R1YCzc3FQGzWq6LWm-kAOB7mKAeCThkMoypX7HGqk6dViWYBSrskBuDuEYkE7tHPN-96e6GQA2ffXoROfx5kYykIQtBb_gA/s400/DSCN3802.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662615453548363538" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">One of our maintenance men restoring damage sustained in our garden.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCdJzPIEQ-WAh67hlMq23v4bavbhJGfyiVMGNObGBOI-DYMfAQIeQVoto3LCeKWHgDQLmGp9JoQF4eG9m2y9HSnTXsy1tJWd65g5I891PR6S66LMu92sL2j_ZnPHzHGlkjEwHBM8DAGs/s1600/DSCN3824.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCdJzPIEQ-WAh67hlMq23v4bavbhJGfyiVMGNObGBOI-DYMfAQIeQVoto3LCeKWHgDQLmGp9JoQF4eG9m2y9HSnTXsy1tJWd65g5I891PR6S66LMu92sL2j_ZnPHzHGlkjEwHBM8DAGs/s400/DSCN3824.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662617693598657538" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; ">The true workers are the 4-year-olds!</div><div style="text-align: center; ">I hadn't really seen this done before, but have seen it often since I arrived in the Philippines. Puddles are swept, with the brooms you see above. The water is swept into the grass or spread out along the concrete so it dries quickly.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Di4Kz1Ue8mLR118ye9E_UgoDd98F1pcfG1aYq1mgnzlbBGs_2D1Nh9e-URZH1Bf-0kKMf7nI969pdTjCJMTKympfN94VRk8t1FCMq1B5TfOx_3hiWdqeO8ycq43x3Uom6YlXl63Yu98/s1600/DSCN3821.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Di4Kz1Ue8mLR118ye9E_UgoDd98F1pcfG1aYq1mgnzlbBGs_2D1Nh9e-URZH1Bf-0kKMf7nI969pdTjCJMTKympfN94VRk8t1FCMq1B5TfOx_3hiWdqeO8ycq43x3Uom6YlXl63Yu98/s400/DSCN3821.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662617690397078514" style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; ">PEEK! </div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Thanks for reading!</div></div></div></div>lsahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029204715247996672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865066633543129694.post-37432615705150856302011-10-08T18:12:00.000+08:002011-10-08T20:03:07.776+08:00So long September!<div><div style="text-align: center;">October is here, it kind of snuck up on me. It didn't bring vibrantly colored leaves and cooler temperatures with it, something I am still getting used to, but it has come nonetheless! And October is the second of the four "-ber" months, so Christmas music and decorations are popping up everywhere! Which makes me smile.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have been here for 2 months already! I can scarcely believe it! Excuse the tardiness of this monthsary post. I have now recovered from a week long sickness and during that time I was less than motivated to do anything that did not involve sleep, taking medicine, sleep, blowing my nose and sleep.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are some of the great times I had in September!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What are those toddlers doing you ask?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFWgB2Q7lGLrn80VcQo8iVt7-G8uFIt8LlcKfdPh90D0v3cBWng2WlAKrQaBL9mUTuUJdVQod2Vc9PYRmoc9m-VSz4zaQr_HcHYBXMw43T5IzxTGxd3fU0z0u6mhsoN0XMG1diMxJPKo/s1600/DSCN2689.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFWgB2Q7lGLrn80VcQo8iVt7-G8uFIt8LlcKfdPh90D0v3cBWng2WlAKrQaBL9mUTuUJdVQod2Vc9PYRmoc9m-VSz4zaQr_HcHYBXMw43T5IzxTGxd3fU0z0u6mhsoN0XMG1diMxJPKo/s320/DSCN2689.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661079164179120850" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">They are playing tug of war! They were kind of confused by the activity (as illustrated by some of the kids above), so I was encouraging all of them,telling them, "Pull! Pull!" and making the appropriate motions with my arms. The little boy below, in the orange t-shirt, looked me in the face and said, "Bira! Bira!" I learned that day that is Cebuano for pull---from the mouths of babes...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDi3FXdsJb07fObT9YDPiZP1dxAIzRe-ZjSTIyYAfHY2uJw4FzVPbWLzOI8msEZ27iFMQDcTk8Rt_gtQ954fu2FMGOaK8zzSVQT0vrO58HSHM0BESF6W2nEoq1RqLMBnX6Z6Fo6xi7lc/s1600/DSCN2690.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDi3FXdsJb07fObT9YDPiZP1dxAIzRe-ZjSTIyYAfHY2uJw4FzVPbWLzOI8msEZ27iFMQDcTk8Rt_gtQ954fu2FMGOaK8zzSVQT0vrO58HSHM0BESF6W2nEoq1RqLMBnX6Z6Fo6xi7lc/s320/DSCN2690.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661079160925384482" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Below you can see one of our Aunties barbecuing supper. It smelled heavenly---and no Coleman involved! </div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGyv3J54rmPynrtrOgflo92SzDSAJelm4J4WjszQhuXbjlgXFuxngHwxWV-HpP8xYcFHO-ocfKccczD_4UrIXiAzKsA9zPpEieTho0t94V9nivePqZfzrlwDOsNfa5-nSrwFscazWmTiY/s1600/the+chef.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGyv3J54rmPynrtrOgflo92SzDSAJelm4J4WjszQhuXbjlgXFuxngHwxWV-HpP8xYcFHO-ocfKccczD_4UrIXiAzKsA9zPpEieTho0t94V9nivePqZfzrlwDOsNfa5-nSrwFscazWmTiY/s320/the+chef.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661079156201237954" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is Teacher Amy and her Preschool class. We had taken a field trip to a floral shop and had a bouquet made for Teacher Shari, who was visiting from the States.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2A-CIGWmG6ynSL-AxTGpejLu2BdQKXPJUqLWqxDfbgK3tmH1ekgZ_Siq1xDKe01KZOuprW6uaEElim7fdpxuDl14JKFrarpMUFpKFnprEhlrWn84nQ2b7AkUligJr-FjpBohK8IDo8No/s1600/DSCN3344.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2A-CIGWmG6ynSL-AxTGpejLu2BdQKXPJUqLWqxDfbgK3tmH1ekgZ_Siq1xDKe01KZOuprW6uaEElim7fdpxuDl14JKFrarpMUFpKFnprEhlrWn84nQ2b7AkUligJr-FjpBohK8IDo8No/s320/DSCN3344.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661079151151369394" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Teacher Tammy and I took some of the older kids on a field trip to an adventure park. They let us cool off in the fountain after---this is a picture of captured joy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEiZii5UKdF3mPR38yyMgIzG6vsQkf8djcaCLpMPLxgG4uFoerKk98v34OeRg3ZsIMJu1AM3ISr1iJTDZS9lKgARgA9xxq14Cy0dzErweMfSEj8EnfxQZDeZTC1enfG8AZdT5pX5QuIc/s1600/DSCN3099.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEiZii5UKdF3mPR38yyMgIzG6vsQkf8djcaCLpMPLxgG4uFoerKk98v34OeRg3ZsIMJu1AM3ISr1iJTDZS9lKgARgA9xxq14Cy0dzErweMfSEj8EnfxQZDeZTC1enfG8AZdT5pX5QuIc/s320/DSCN3099.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661079146608492418" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was taken on the way to the adventure park. We hit a bit of traffic. The guys started playing a board game while waiting!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BhoRmzDEuoo7zQCoysjg9M0ZMQ-VtCO52HQHR3Sx25N2-LKp5ggoC7-KhRTGEMi-FevLWM0EQ5XLBFFXj_tHIKsOwztwzGtHEvxUlT73nMnnWb_qj0TX3YhMqAOWGXKF9sWGJ0y2ySU/s1600/The+boys.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BhoRmzDEuoo7zQCoysjg9M0ZMQ-VtCO52HQHR3Sx25N2-LKp5ggoC7-KhRTGEMi-FevLWM0EQ5XLBFFXj_tHIKsOwztwzGtHEvxUlT73nMnnWb_qj0TX3YhMqAOWGXKF9sWGJ0y2ySU/s320/The+boys.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661069519959083074" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The birthday boy modeling his new pair of sunglasses!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDlURIoV02iMiZI02YozbdGAMcd16G2G5DGTtDgySAnsYg4ZRo-nFNHtwTrSPLVUz4t7MWkFb2qIEApBv3RGRQwyziXowXoqwaAj9k5d-55RasDybV_0kJjjKaWKa-QtHMoFafhTw3y8/s1600/DSCN3421.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDlURIoV02iMiZI02YozbdGAMcd16G2G5DGTtDgySAnsYg4ZRo-nFNHtwTrSPLVUz4t7MWkFb2qIEApBv3RGRQwyziXowXoqwaAj9k5d-55RasDybV_0kJjjKaWKa-QtHMoFafhTw3y8/s320/DSCN3421.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661069522319841506" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">The toddlers posing---they are so good at it! Also, I spend a lot of time with the toddlers, as they are at the shelter with me all day, and believe me I am NOT complaining, they are so much fun!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQbQZAC5pNZ4mRPFmZbM-C1FXOoLR6xnXgTEYSRpBlJTKIza5unjLB7NWqrJBjXx0Bn21oHcnsW1WkGZKiDALZr9uOsBrjo0iO57Jnz3BREb_qWLN-P0fn1hDvhrqA1Gt4DViARQfPbc/s1600/Nick%252C+Maddie%252C+Micah.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQbQZAC5pNZ4mRPFmZbM-C1FXOoLR6xnXgTEYSRpBlJTKIza5unjLB7NWqrJBjXx0Bn21oHcnsW1WkGZKiDALZr9uOsBrjo0iO57Jnz3BREb_qWLN-P0fn1hDvhrqA1Gt4DViARQfPbc/s320/Nick%252C+Maddie%252C+Micah.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661069515738294050" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">I also get the pleasure of seeing this smiley face all day! When he arrived he was significantly delayed in his development, because of the neglect and abuse he and his siblings endured. He is still behind in his developmental milestones, but the gap is shrinking since he started working with our physical therapist, Jinkee. Praise the Lord for His goodness!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvjctnZNy1kLEU7IL2_Ga5BoCXn0aF9WxNc442Bdhu0w3YulQKyBv0495flTQS2G5X0qjSullhGGMPmCI89P7uBICqx1vLOIpvsNVA3ri5xOkfrRSfH5y1DzjTNpxv4lj1rP1Qu1jKnI/s1600/DSCN3544.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvjctnZNy1kLEU7IL2_Ga5BoCXn0aF9WxNc442Bdhu0w3YulQKyBv0495flTQS2G5X0qjSullhGGMPmCI89P7uBICqx1vLOIpvsNVA3ri5xOkfrRSfH5y1DzjTNpxv4lj1rP1Qu1jKnI/s320/DSCN3544.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661069512714763106" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Many of you know that I like to bake. And I have begun my adventures in baking in the Philippines. Between converting all substances to the metric system, having to factor in the heat here (nothing can ever be room temperature), and that ingredients and equipment aren't always available, it is an adventure every time! This was my second attempt at baking chocolate peanut butter molten cakes---they were received well by all the tasters, but I think I need another attempt before I consider them a success!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aNr2OjhU9M9HIn2h6-vxwgSF3UMRfdoHF3qz9g4qUAZRLJRs09QoHXCA95aDrIUOJa37rCkR7Jsx98TtmMIDlczI7m9GK9yZuBtzeSKanTOHvNcehsU4HolxsyY4EsuvSYwx0ZQVPiU/s1600/Wish+I+had+ramekins....JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aNr2OjhU9M9HIn2h6-vxwgSF3UMRfdoHF3qz9g4qUAZRLJRs09QoHXCA95aDrIUOJa37rCkR7Jsx98TtmMIDlczI7m9GK9yZuBtzeSKanTOHvNcehsU4HolxsyY4EsuvSYwx0ZQVPiU/s320/Wish+I+had+ramekins....JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661069508301573218" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks everyone for reading the blog! Keep praying that I will receive the wisdom, confidence and strength I need to do this job to the fullest!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bless you all!</div></div></div>lsahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029204715247996672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865066633543129694.post-78304528982286652572011-09-26T21:30:00.000+08:002011-09-26T22:04:32.837+08:002 things,First off, I miss fall. I miss it more than I ever thought I would. My family has been informing me that there has already been a frost, the days are getting cooler and the nights chillier. And Kraft recipes, a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">listserv</span> to which I subscribe, keeps sending me wonderful recipes for "perfect for fall" comfort food-laden meals! I miss fall. I miss the way the air smells. I miss the dark clouds and the stark contrast of the vibrant leaves against the sky. I miss the chili, hot cocoa, warm coffee, comfy sweaters, blankets and boots that come with it.<div><br /></div><div>Last night, today and this evening have been overcast, blissfully-tempered, windy and stormy. I think God heard my heart's cry and answered---this weather is unusual for the Philippines (I am LOVING it), but I heard that it might continue into tomorrow----<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">YAY</span>! So, I will enjoy this atypical weather for as long as it will remain.</div><div><br /></div><div>Secondly, I am so blessed to be here. This past Saturday I was able to participate in an amazing event. We had received word that all the paperwork and rigmarole had been completed; that one of our teen boys was being adopted. This boy was legally a member of a family in Colorado. He just didn't know it yet. He didn't even know that things were heading in that direction. This is a boy that has been living at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">CSC</span> since the age of 11. He had seen plenty, heard plenty and experienced more than he ever should have by that age, and yet, his heart is the most tender and true of any 15-year-old boy I have ever met. This boy had seen many kids come and go in the four years he has been with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">CSC</span>, and more and more he was losing hope that he would ever have a family. He is a single, he has no siblings and he was nearing the cut-off age of eligibility. I cannot even begin to imagine the pressure and stress he felt on a regular basis. He hides it well most of the time, though, he can appear really low sometimes. This is a contrast to the smiley, joking, energetic boy that is seen most often.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was amazing to see him come in to the room where all of the staff and his house parents were nonchalantly gathered (though there were specific seats for individuals and his was to be the one directly across from the video camera we had hidden on the rack with all of the hand puppets). He and two others had been asked to come up to the school for band practice--this was a guise, to throw him off of the scent----and it worked beautifully! We made conversation about the band and the upcoming show and then transitioned into some pictures we were looking at, of some former <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">CSC</span> residents that this boy might remember. We showed him the book---the book being the picture book created by his adoptive family welcoming him home, they have adopted from CSC before. </div><div><br /></div><div>The moment when realization hit was subtle, but apparent. He was blown away. As it began to sink in, as the meaning of it all hit him in a way we will never fully comprehend, his resolve broke. The tears flowed and the intensity of his emotions increased. </div><div><br /></div><div>Relief. Acceptance. Gratitude. Love. Realization of a dream come true. An answered prayer. </div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe those were some of the feelings he felt. I can't be sure.</div><div><br /></div><div>I only saw a boy being told he finally had a family, and I can never understand what that truly means to him, but it was a privilege to be part of the miracle.</div><div><br /></div><div>And again I say, God is good.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can handle more moments like these---they MORE than make up for the fact there is no fall here... :)</div>lsahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029204715247996672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865066633543129694.post-9668036733648100892011-09-19T21:29:00.000+08:002011-09-19T21:59:04.138+08:00Learning as I go...Well, first off, I cannot blatantly post a picture of Isaiah on my blog because of privacy concerns and protective measures set forth by the adoption board with whom we work. So, I will eventually put a picture of him up, but you will just have to guess which one he is! ;)<div><br /></div><div>Secondly, today something interesting happened to me. I had a meeting at 10am with the supervisor I am working with here in the Philippines. I arrived at the shelter this morning at 730 and prepared for my upcoming meeting. I left my office around 9am, checked in with Ruth (one of my partners in crime on the Childcare team) and planned to walk down Good Shepherd Mountain---er, road where I could catch a taxi to my final destination. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was around 915 after I finished chatting with Ruth so I was a bit concerned that I would be late and planned on picking up the pace on my walk. I had been advised to walk with confidence---act like I know what I am doing---as I venture down the road. I am aware that I am quite the transparent human being, so I knew this task would be a bit of a challenge for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>I walked out the gate, said goodbye to the guard and started my trek down. I had made it a little ways and was feeling pretty good about how it had gone so far when a motor driver approached me and offered a ride down the road. I was kind of grateful for the offer because I really like riding on the motors and I was also concerned about time at that point. As we started to take off we passed one of the Aunties walking up to the shelter. She greeted me and then seemed as though she was greeting the driver, whom I thought she recognized. We made our way down---I had never ridden one down before, it was a bit more worrisome than going up but nothing I couldn't get used to. Like I said, I like the motors---a complete shock to me!</div><div><br /></div><div>So, anyway, as we were going down, the driver kept asking where I was going, and I just kept saying down to the road. When we got to the bottom he gestured to the right and I said okay, thinking he would just pull over there and let me off. But he kept going. I then more frantically repeated, "Dinhi, Dinhi" which means "Here" in Cebuano. He then stopped and let me off. I paid him and felt good about being able to check that off my list of "firsts."</div><div><br /></div><div>Fast forward to 130 this afternoon. I received a text from one of our counselors asking me if I was at the shelter. I stated that I was not there yet---I had had to run errands after the meeting. I decided I would call her to check in. It turns out, she was texting me because she was concerned about my safety and my whereabouts. Apparently, the motor driver I had received a ride from this morning, was not a hobblehobble driver on that road. The guard at the shelter and the Auntie who had greeted me this morning were both concerned about my having caught a ride with him. The Auntie even memorized the number of his motor and reported it to the counselor! This counselor is friends with several of the hobblehobble drivers and was in the process of checking in with them about this driver and giving them the number of his vehicle; while waiting she decided to send me a "vague" text to determine my location.</div><div><br /></div><div>Such a covert op was underway without the teensiest bit of awareness on my end! I guess there have been several startling events that have occurred on that road: acts of violence during muggings, etc---which I was informed of this afternoon, once I had arrived, safe and sound, back to the shelter. It is very sweet of all of them to be so concerned for me. I have had no real concerns for my safety the whole time I have been here so I think I don't have my guard up as much as I should---apparently I have convinced myself I know what I am doing----thank goodness the guard, the Auntie, and the counselor knew otherwise!</div>lsahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029204715247996672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865066633543129694.post-48441287599815235312011-09-18T22:56:00.000+08:002011-09-19T00:20:56.392+08:007 more!I fear that I am sounding like a broken record as every post seems to comment on the never-ending excitement at CSC, but it is impossible to have an uneventful day, let alone week. And this past week was certainly no exception.<br /><div><br /></div><div>That is actually one of the main reasons behind my lack of regular posts. It sounds like a justification, and in some ways it is a flimsy excuse (trust me---I'm working on it), but it is very true that at the end of the day I really don't know which one thing, in a sea of 10 things, I should actually make the feature of my blog post. So then I put it off and it becomes even more daunting. It is actually quite the blessed curse---to have so many exciting things to share with others. I have, however, succeeded in narrowing it down. The one thing I will share about this week is that we have 7 new kids! So, it is really 7 exciting things---see how quickly they multiply?!</div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div>About a week and a half ago, I was able to meet with a sibling group of 5 who was referred to CSC. There are many steps in the process of admitting new kids to CSC, and this was the second step. The first visit had been in the family's home, allowing us to see the home environment and to do a cursory assessment of the children's health, etc. This was the second visit, wherein the children spoke with our counselors, and were able to see the facilities. Below you will see two pictures, they are NOT of the same child. 2 of the 5 children are twin boys---and they are going to be a handful, fo<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">r sure! But those smiles melt the heart... They are currently in ISO with their brother and two sisters. Once they have passed all worms and have overcome lice they will move into the Eicher home!</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><br /></span></span></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9Tp8tf9xvO-s1U2l-OjUnz1kKA6z3YPNcPLnHAscktgrbvSuXUS-CHny3Suqumn5LAMopWHom16Z-lAtvvCWH8dHFU8mPvtaRQ75sciLgOAKK7h7cfpOuxCkzrwvhD4M3up7kwn47GA/s320/Marky+2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653732796727137570" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKt1BxLJuTyhz_IY4Mz2QnW13AJmABgc6UmsC7KT_J1JaRktZmIA05IGqPSk5wmSxBKQBFyq4cNBRmE_loaRY6fvYoCPANfvoZso2i-CkrdLVG6I24E2jKw13zbPYJo39uRGE9rRvZJQc/s320/DSCN2852.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653732788460536674" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></div></span><div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I know that I experienced a myriad of emotions throughout this visit; I can only begin to imagine what the children were feeling. How do you understand that your life is about to change drastically? All that you have ever known will be no more. It is a tough situation because the children are being given up because the mother is unable to support them, a common occurrence here. Another all too often situation is that not all of the children are being placed at CSC. </div><div><br /></div><div>Such is the case with our newest baby. He arrived at CSC at 3 days old. He was the youngest of seven siblings. One more than the family could care for I guess.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg556LQ1pH_sekxu8p4LpbQKASvypJGCMVOid9qWCEBpDyETUOIwh6DbAFY0DI9JQd4_Au1K03JFfO6gRIgXD2GYF_2k4BEL9_z4iChan-6cdIhcX5wqTW4EEHhOC7E2PIKDVU9rjHABcw/s320/Arthur+at+3+days+old.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653731898867024178" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></div><div><br /></div><div>The final newest addition is a 5-month-old boy. He was referred to CSC by an aunt, his parents having each taken him for bits of time, however, no one laid claim to him. I was given the privilege of naming him. At 5 months old, he had yet to be named. I was shocked. Again, I considered the task a privilege, but my heart broke for this one who had lived so many days without a name. I decided he should be called Isaiah. It is one of my favorite books of the Bible and it means, "the Lord helps me." It seemed quite fitting...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>PICTURE TO COME!!!!</b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I know that I have never had the fears these mothers have had; I have not had to live each day in survival mode. I have not had to make such an excruciatingly difficult decision: Which of my children will leave my care in the hopes for something better? How do you make sense of that? I can scarcely wrap my head around it, and I am an adult. How are the children understanding this? </div><div><br /></div><div>It is often said that children are resilient. I agree. I also believe that God intended for them to be resilient. Perhaps it is because they are nearer to Him than adults are. As we age I think we tend to seek the truth instead of living by faith. And sometimes the truth just plain hurts more.</div><div><br /></div><div>With that said, please say an extra prayer for these new ones. They have already gone through more than they can comprehend in their short lives and these events will no doubt resurface again throughout their lifetimes. Please pray they feel God's love despite not feeling loved by their families. </div></div></div></div>lsahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029204715247996672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865066633543129694.post-71679882403638901142011-09-06T23:15:00.001+08:002011-09-07T20:08:33.403+08:00happy monthsary!Well, I have already been living in Cebu for 1 month. I cannot believe it is true!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The time has gone by quite fast. Sometimes I feel like I just got here yesterday!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> But below you will find a pictorial recap of my month thus far....enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXo4w0Ov65nq26az8PHmHA1vp-GCHdMufzHiNkmTTzQB2o7yeyV1jVYGWLTcymn9JvY4nVqjKif5vsH6trfy_MlZLWKe3C66lJ5ttqUJzKJX_YbIJUZGVYhSvsFDhVTNLh29VIbJ234I/s320/Star+Wars+Jeepney+%2528copy%2529.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649583255085633186" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-KrDZc4Qt7bVk35bCgmgtGlPhCbAo4Lb6lSi2039jSJbcSYg70dn_pJgiGnt6SO0khBbbSGa87CQhEbAeRSQRo0gJiUDiWjOl7IzX8YF8BWgiGGfoyACEs9_wygLRVdLIyChMN-hcyA/s1600/Bike+rider+with+golf+club+%2528copy%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-KrDZc4Qt7bVk35bCgmgtGlPhCbAo4Lb6lSi2039jSJbcSYg70dn_pJgiGnt6SO0khBbbSGa87CQhEbAeRSQRo0gJiUDiWjOl7IzX8YF8BWgiGGfoyACEs9_wygLRVdLIyChMN-hcyA/s320/Bike+rider+with+golf+club+%2528copy%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649583259065238914" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These are the modes of public transportation that I utilize when getting to work. The first picture is of what is known as a Jeepney. This one is Star Wars, Attack of the Clone Wars (my nephew Zack would be impressed by this!)--but they are oft uniquely painted. They are open in the back, that is where you hop on. You pass your coinage up (7.5 pesos per ride---my morning commute calls for 2 separate rides) and hold on to your possessions and try to blend in---of course I don't, but I always try. The other picture is of a motor. They cost 15-20 pesos and they are what take me up the mountainous road known as Good Shepherd Road (taxis DO NOT like making the trip). I LOVE the motors---a totally surprising revelation for me. You can see this man is transporting a golf club as well. A daily game is to be the person who saw the most outrageous cargo on a motor. One day, when I was on my way down Good Shepherd Road, I passed by a motor whose passenger was holding onto a bookcase! I won that day...</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjly5qM2osEVK_pF-Uv-eHxHfDdzHskK5nAhen9xHMHL0MF_FHr3P6YR_wzlb55kVL3nclWXr_DkXk9yVHmV9ov6epDLPdaG2jmFJgORTCiuMq7J17U5Tc7GgucH1M-l5r0ueOzcQP6bB0/s320/Comfort+room+%2528copy%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649583262917534306" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Not only have I begun learning bits and pieces of Cebuano, but quickly I picked up on linguistic oddities. For one, the restroom is known as the CR here, which stands for Comfort Room. And the refrigerator is known as the "ref" and napkins are referred to as "tissue."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8heMay2_QGJEjdnFNajZTZJCJYg5dN-_BE6KdXNUhffJTugWVUh3VM08NjR9q2x_PldJzCx_vchdk10u9JURaQQ0XK9gMw0IjsiYm7qXnNsD9Ean46zPL95-Ropzk3jEQPQMEeEnSFI/s1600/Pretty+%2528copy%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8heMay2_QGJEjdnFNajZTZJCJYg5dN-_BE6KdXNUhffJTugWVUh3VM08NjR9q2x_PldJzCx_vchdk10u9JURaQQ0XK9gMw0IjsiYm7qXnNsD9Ean46zPL95-Ropzk3jEQPQMEeEnSFI/s400/Pretty+%2528copy%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649271799533359314" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWUUEPprPeeykXHwliHR3Gk0D5gmDY6QQm1Fad6M_9I20obkC4RcDG333ufK_YS8fx0qCXGtJRXCf-JY1XZGdovq-MxEcR_Yls0-4CR26agiGsirjBLsiMZyJCstgAbt3Txw1H8_tWiY/s320/Mountains+%2528copy%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649583260922828674" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is so easy to get pictures of breathtaking views! I get to see this everyday!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAScbpipX87iepXAKu3qk5vmvWibQaWjkXa0BAPXx3FV8gFItugwc3Vz9-9C6ESsMLz8XqY7Zn6seJehOwbBZOUuoReDM8TzbJ3gH9Ow6jIIs5shibxtl1W91uD6xBV7aR-gpizunD8dE/s1600/My+phone%2521+%2528copy%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAScbpipX87iepXAKu3qk5vmvWibQaWjkXa0BAPXx3FV8gFItugwc3Vz9-9C6ESsMLz8XqY7Zn6seJehOwbBZOUuoReDM8TzbJ3gH9Ow6jIIs5shibxtl1W91uD6xBV7aR-gpizunD8dE/s400/My+phone%2521+%2528copy%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649271802302464450" style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">My phone! It was quite hard for the few days I was without. I did have to take a technological step down (so long, smart phone...), but it does the job!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1YXier-Q1P7QCSPZfckSfAuadhr2NmE9cK7wiZKnHkswR4-X-EinwKPhp4CNjlJR0BphwLzPq6pwAM7wraznmmEMFAYKnFH5KAjjbLUE7qXWFAEgMTdFzamGqQft9TLo-bcxvVgCwZc/s1600/The+duo+%2528copy%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1YXier-Q1P7QCSPZfckSfAuadhr2NmE9cK7wiZKnHkswR4-X-EinwKPhp4CNjlJR0BphwLzPq6pwAM7wraznmmEMFAYKnFH5KAjjbLUE7qXWFAEgMTdFzamGqQft9TLo-bcxvVgCwZc/s400/The+duo+%2528copy%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649271792023784530" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div><div>Friends! I am rarely away from these two inspirational and entertaining individuals! Amy, in red, is our Pre-school teacher (but she wears MANY hats) and Tammy teaches our older kids a myriad of subjects: math, science, reading, and American Studies to name a few!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhZenpVatMpLdp3xsYswd4ACcCdsy22RyF8heMhIm3lCFV8kg-3cvJKvxOvH8C2w9xuJJQ-6ntFWSp6SMszNonR1I8RwLJMjdLrx5DZrclO0YR9r2X3U-YTvF4vv4TINTSINXidmGkHg/s400/My+office+%2528copy%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649271794692098402" style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">My office is the set of four windows above and to the left of the garage. I share it with the lady in red from above (Amy) and another stellar lady (Ruth)---together we make----dadadadaaaaaa----the Childcare Team! And yes, we can leap tall buildings in a single bound, we are just that good.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmy966l4HWywkS50pKsL5LxPZem2_2lkcs-AE0WvMDUlfOlt6LjGrzNLid8aLmcqaF_tooeHxEgnbtv2Muifi_2V_WdoOUa_5ugPfAPuZCWpub7qAyii9bB7SpasixF9zyKoBArp4GtIc/s1600/Step+1.+Bleaching+vegetables+%2528copy%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmy966l4HWywkS50pKsL5LxPZem2_2lkcs-AE0WvMDUlfOlt6LjGrzNLid8aLmcqaF_tooeHxEgnbtv2Muifi_2V_WdoOUa_5ugPfAPuZCWpub7qAyii9bB7SpasixF9zyKoBArp4GtIc/s400/Step+1.+Bleaching+vegetables+%2528copy%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649271791644603858" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If I want salad or fresh vegetables of any kind, I have to bleach them. Ugh.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzJh0_cY86hKId-vMOW8xkcfYSR8qMZuC0PpORb2Dtp1V4plzQRoyk2vMmfA2VIbj4A7_jgqt_mqAnivciKVWdtj9Nz4AH6a1lxUnvHkZmvQwsC-YG9oSulERGB0RQNk8ImvHDif6VT8/s400/Dinner+at+Amy%2527s+3+%2528copy%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649277729148516770" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Good food and good friends make it a little easier to be so many miles from home!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkRp5Z0AmffutMMaNmVl81WJ1b47NKLdHYVQVPU6T0hlJ4Op8e6iQh5izXbQl0skP6RGb3whZGaInv2eJsNDVWb6LUugvqZHNut5Ue8p1ZjUokmJoye-mNnb2J_gEWdY7Mnp7mMvq4e0/s400/Ant+moat+%2528copy%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649271185868452162" style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ants are creative, or just very persistent. In order for brownies to survive longer than 5 minutes in our home, it is imperative that an ant moat is created. To do this, one stacks mugs upside down onto two plates, water is placed on the plates and the dish holding the chocolate delicacy is carefully balanced atop the inverted mugs. Voila!</div><br /><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AtGZY4PzO4i7I4wohOLIJL5d67UDN9neQhj-oDeR_nBd7SzPBgrw5ti0HdmLrJqblqvvkFDbqnBQozJQigqhwse948JiA8_mZfUAL5NhZT-BcYKKYFm8PRYrYcbOp1ZF1QOFW7Dtrfc/s400/Banafee+pie+%2528copy%2529.jpg" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649271180978487474" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">OR...one could just buy a refrigerated dessert to avoid the situation altogether. And if you are going to get a refrigerated dessert---Banoffee pie is the pie of choice in our home!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMs86sdYfTwx4lKypvkhm7hzKZZo_B-nfch7YJ70yAHRHN9e5diYkQWftlIPaVL6p1VOH0ZPoZjYWm4xofGaumvIropkd6vFmhvL2aqKWmIfn20k7L9Mjrz2db8lCEVNcO6SQ2PHSYHEE/s400/3+boys+%2528copy%2529.jpg" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649271176671904626" /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">The kids LOVE to make signs with their hands ANYTIME a picture is going to be taken. Apparently, a Filipino movie star did it decades ago and it has never been forgotten! If you don't want the hand signals in a picture, you have to tell them, "Dili," which means "no" in Cebuano.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3_7Kfj3j_-5bjYuBe0TbqNTl4l3BuI9GOUkGNIEZU9KIF1dspPdW6FYmpGrE6oXaKa5q5gllGrSTMlosCF1ke8NnTLNL4wAZ-9FoGwik0B2MwAlx7nUBQ995C7VQ3WbDvgAupWh9MFk/s1600/Andrea%252C+Me+%2526+Jocelyn+%2528copy%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3_7Kfj3j_-5bjYuBe0TbqNTl4l3BuI9GOUkGNIEZU9KIF1dspPdW6FYmpGrE6oXaKa5q5gllGrSTMlosCF1ke8NnTLNL4wAZ-9FoGwik0B2MwAlx7nUBQ995C7VQ3WbDvgAupWh9MFk/s400/Andrea%252C+Me+%2526+Jocelyn+%2528copy%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649271176915973842" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Hugs are very easy to come by at CSC and that is nice, because I like hugs.</div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vtxAR-yylHRKSBTDnKs0X5Xfr1MmvKO_y67DAoOm2qzhLgThLM64cJDtBDE0bhpHPI__UvE_Wtf9ktM6AbL4wZ9gZUVIP5FLHhuMjtEP-3m-dK_kKI0T77QQzhSdeZ6Ff2F317k1U2E/s1600/Favorite+snack+%2528copy%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vtxAR-yylHRKSBTDnKs0X5Xfr1MmvKO_y67DAoOm2qzhLgThLM64cJDtBDE0bhpHPI__UvE_Wtf9ktM6AbL4wZ9gZUVIP5FLHhuMjtEP-3m-dK_kKI0T77QQzhSdeZ6Ff2F317k1U2E/s400/Favorite+snack+%2528copy%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649271171545911234" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I have learned that I enjoy ube. It is a root vegetable that is often used in desserts because it is sweet (kind of like our sweet potato I presume), but ube might have more points with me because it is PURPLE! Also, Coke Light or Coke Zero are the drinks of choice for me here. Diet Mountain Dew cannot be found, ah, the concessions one makes! ;)</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a snippet of what my first month in Cebu City, Cebu in the Philippines has been like. Again, thank you for reading my blog, for praying for my safety, for sharing my experiences with others--keep spreading the word about CSC---and most of all, caring! Your support means so very much to me.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">God bless you all!</div>lsahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029204715247996672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865066633543129694.post-44836332755196842072011-09-05T21:58:00.000+08:002011-09-05T22:52:22.482+08:00Muddy Monday<div style="text-align: left;">Today it rained. It violently downpoured for a half hour in the most intense part of the storm. My office mates and myself patiently awaited its end---well, we did grumble a little bit. I think there was only one umbrella and all three of us had a different place we needed to be. And so we sat. Once it was over, we left the office and continued onto our tasks.</div><div><br /></div><div>I had completed my work for the day and was saying goodbye to the few kids outside---the grass was much too wet to play marbles, the most popular game at the moment---driving all but 3 kids to play indoors! And those kids had chosen the cement steps as their playground. I continued across the grounds as I made my way to the gate. I could tell there was a commotion there from quite a ways away.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once there I could see that just outside of our gate, a driver had gotten his vehicle stuck in the fudge-like mud that covered our "road." Thanks "ulan"---that's rain in Cebuano. Our maintenance all-star, Jerry, had tied rope to the vehicle and was pulling it out of the mud when I arrived. Just then, the ropes snapped. The vehicle continued to accelerate with all its might---burning rubber for sure! The black tread in the picture below is the remnant of that incident. Soon after that vehicle had made it past our gate to continue up the hill, another van got stuck and began sliding--quickly---backwards down the mountainous road. Many of our older boys had arrived at the scene and together, with other workers, they quickly dumped rock onto the muddiest part and began spreading it out. In the picture below you can see a somewhat trepidatious motor driver about to cross over the rock (no doubt grateful for it) to continue down the hill.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjun6q-ZchX6s41l_6AzaElVXu2L-sHnUtYkccVwsXaFmh-sO-GKoM5S4cAVF2csE2cCEqYM7yWRqSOo_5yauXCrX_oahZf69p3e3w6OqzUrWWXqz7LGUMPeJ8k1sR_PnfNfpC9FEXMWIM/s320/Worried+motor+%2528copy%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648881094033084450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div>The white van in the background is the one that had slid down the hill, it had been by the green gate, but soon it began sliding backwards---and did not stop until it reached that spot in the road.</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoONO4h3doKOR-abOhFVlFmsijHR25lQ4AZHXTTRe3_YzMzK7XvbrDuGfHsk8HR1mRGT9KcmuEw47ZKMGyW7Z3KdHe8W7-2XNIakeLSTLDVNHXTls_7HP1bEVCiX1pSQDW9WM7YgGkpH8/s320/Dumping+rock+%2528copy%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648881076932009714" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " />After the rock had been evenly dispersed, the vehicle again attempted to make it past our gate and they were successful! Hurrah! The drivers and passengers all called, "Salamat!" as they passed. That is "Thank you!" in Cebuano. I had little to do with their success, but I appreciated their gratitude nonetheless. ;)</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Check out the goats I was hanging out with while I watched the hardworkers.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmN1j0cOG0j-Mw8XWNR6-2kGV-TLNxGdw6sYtbe7A8X-I-mzwhAiMiJie4VDiDyDW7TfyXFbH6U0W-WQu1SbohL5qbl9zIaZtyAHyLiHM6nWP9IhNor2hB-JinHw3GdPyiczQ27xf0Jso/s1600/Goats+%2528copy%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmN1j0cOG0j-Mw8XWNR6-2kGV-TLNxGdw6sYtbe7A8X-I-mzwhAiMiJie4VDiDyDW7TfyXFbH6U0W-WQu1SbohL5qbl9zIaZtyAHyLiHM6nWP9IhNor2hB-JinHw3GdPyiczQ27xf0Jso/s320/Goats+%2528copy%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648881091226126242" style="text-align: left; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a>Below you'll see the hardworkers I spoke of! I was extremely impressed by each of these boys' willingness to help -- they are always there, whenever a job needs to get done! It was at this point they had walked up the road to the school's gate. They were putting rock from up there into bags to take back down to the shelter's gate, which seemed to be the slipperiest spot on the road.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgdr13hQARXswhC5aSkj46TYJcI7dYFzwCibQRBtrU1S3OyKVBCDARiFWcsIFQ4g_-NUG9ztX7tB-V8ZwRBoy_vORF4bt61aOTVA3YfSU8XF81bpsGftrjtwl0BVSsPZdGcTAjyylRqU/s1600/Helping+%2528copy%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgdr13hQARXswhC5aSkj46TYJcI7dYFzwCibQRBtrU1S3OyKVBCDARiFWcsIFQ4g_-NUG9ztX7tB-V8ZwRBoy_vORF4bt61aOTVA3YfSU8XF81bpsGftrjtwl0BVSsPZdGcTAjyylRqU/s320/Helping+%2528copy%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648881084297433250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Tools of the trade!</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yfMFKVTF_l3XC1HfN1tFP3hF_92a5r-G7caWzcwVidy50qP18mRc3bB2bZQCEfeG6XRZl2OaMI3MqNWNSXtX3QULENPPQ5ZfxaECRBNJx5w2lHsjhv4h5UIQCW9ixPZ5VIh6o7s9zvQ/s1600/Tools+of+the+trade+%2528copy%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yfMFKVTF_l3XC1HfN1tFP3hF_92a5r-G7caWzcwVidy50qP18mRc3bB2bZQCEfeG6XRZl2OaMI3MqNWNSXtX3QULENPPQ5ZfxaECRBNJx5w2lHsjhv4h5UIQCW9ixPZ5VIh6o7s9zvQ/s320/Tools+of+the+trade+%2528copy%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648881070818061426" /></a><div>Shovels, hands, feet, rock. God uses the simplest things to make His presence known. I know it may seem like this was just a case of nice people helping other seemingly nice people. And ordinarily I might have had that very thought, but this occurrence impacted me in a surprising way. Jesus' greatest commandment is, "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another" (John 13:34). I think that any time we do that, any time we reach out to others, we are allowing God to work through us. We are showing God's loving nature to others. I was not really part of the helping, as I said, I hung out with the goats. But I had a perfect view of God's hands and feet moving in the bodies of my co-workers...</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>lsahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029204715247996672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865066633543129694.post-53415655624750879482011-08-27T15:45:00.000+08:002011-08-27T17:00:33.430+08:00Buwan ng Wika <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBImCKXo8R91k5L0V-v7ptzmz9zNyntHSQUan4obliP60fsgA1zfOhrlYcTQYr-XsFTMd0yBj3YlEHcETCVswOWVpTp5GVWuqdTMhgzWyTZI10lxCeZV3ikkIzb8mMta5k9BnEKTXCTk/s1600/Argei+Kem+on+drum.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBImCKXo8R91k5L0V-v7ptzmz9zNyntHSQUan4obliP60fsgA1zfOhrlYcTQYr-XsFTMd0yBj3YlEHcETCVswOWVpTp5GVWuqdTMhgzWyTZI10lxCeZV3ikkIzb8mMta5k9BnEKTXCTk/s200/Argei+Kem+on+drum.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645457203596560338" /></a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdHeE9QNw7LiSHQTHv8nx-_H-ftoYgXWPCKK1Z2ZFGltp4I-mjGOCFOmpyC-xAET75rEDD15VObwlHOakfMXpghgQarC-pbA5DZu4q61P61h9VQsyOGDCJrkTrzhNUZnD9blPQmIbrag/s200/DSCN2468.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645457200529438882" />
<br />
<br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0VbSCb-foS9tBHlvI5GjItT-4fERf_VduSYC0OdEVz2edAD1eh-V0B1NORBmbJr6JAPVL_r-B4rkHzyME1A1rEi4u78bfcgtmogzGcdbfKaDNECUU24s5BN1VqChQOCcBtGH41RCpXw/s1600/DSCN2560.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0VbSCb-foS9tBHlvI5GjItT-4fERf_VduSYC0OdEVz2edAD1eh-V0B1NORBmbJr6JAPVL_r-B4rkHzyME1A1rEi4u78bfcgtmogzGcdbfKaDNECUU24s5BN1VqChQOCcBtGH41RCpXw/s200/DSCN2560.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645457193712113650" /></a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzXJcrjPd3reSIf9WYRKfvQyNYLQSLHN6KRAGX-Rr-fnZdZz1MuhxM5OVx2sBrr26WPFQ87DlOIWcQiugtjpCWzTvtFW9G5SXUtStp4RjhxR49Y_rSe9WbEzEbLqErlVcxcwTUD7-gHg/s200/DSCN2522.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645457192757573234" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3G_Zyqhvq4_EJg1D6gL0WmQbdl7efMbnS5KV0fAGofSPIwYzI7x3xIPQ4CZkfBVkvW_CRubhfGk8Sy6-m8EB1dvIQhcxlOeZe_yv_hbVq7f9Eu4wfOUE-vktTBOcZQVHlQeyVoT-T6mA/s200/DSCN2519.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645457181316995026" />
<br />
<br />
<br />Basically this translates to, "Yay, Tagalog!" Sort of. August is the month of national language in the Philippines. Tagalog is the national language, however, in Cebu City, Cebuano is spoken, not Tagalog. So, the bits of Cebuano that I had been understanding had been replaced with Tagalog, which left me a little more in the dust than usual. But the day is really more about celebration, fun, games and the traditions of the Filipinos---and fun was had, to be sure!<div>
<br /></div><div>The kids have been working very hard on dances, readings, songs, motions---all while fighting off the cough & fever illness that has been spreading through the houses like wildfire. ISO (our Isolation area in the Infirmary) has been at capacity for about a week, so some houses have had to create their own isolation areas! So, the kids in ISO were quite upset---they all wanted to be at school! </div><div>
<br /></div><div>The event was kicked off with a parade that started around the houses and ended at the school. The morning was filled with games---the kids had been broken into teams by color and although the kids wanted their team to win---they all just really focused on having fun. And even though all the instructions were in Tagalog---after the third round of a game, I kind of picked up on the rules and they were REALLY fun to watch! Then, there was an authentic lunch prepared for the teachers and kids held in the yard between the houses. Delicious fried chicken, pansit, rice, watermelon and Kalamansi juice to drink. Then it was back up to the school where the children dressed in their costumes and presented us with amazing dances and recitations. What a talented group they were and considering that most had been in ISO all of this week---they really pulled it together!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Then that evening, Teacher Amy and I served as "buntays" at the Duterte home. It was a Friday night and we felt alright so we brought a movie and EVERYONE sat--enraptured by the movie Enchanted. Partway through the movie we were brought surprise ice cream by a returning adoptive family---they brought it as a "thank you/farewell" as they were leaving tomorrow. The kids were stuffed, sticky and ready for bed after that! As was I!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Another week has flown by! And I think I have not posted for about a week and a half---I think that is how long my mom has been asking me to write a new post! ;) I plan on making posts on a regular basis from here on out. Yes, it is a vague statement, but it is one I believe I can uphold! So, I will soon decide just how regular that basis will be....</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Thanks for reading! Thanks for your support and your prayers! Also, if anyone is curious about any particular aspect of Filipino culture or CSC, feel free to ask in the comment section and I will do my best to respond with as much information as possible!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>God Bless!</div>lsahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029204715247996672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865066633543129694.post-8694541704173569802011-08-17T22:44:00.000+08:002011-08-19T20:51:33.577+08:00I don't even know what to call this one...<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">So, this morning has been a whirlwind already. Sandy had to catch a flight this morning, so Ruth and I accompanied her to the airport. I am grateful to have another chance to say goodbye, and it also allowed me to avoid taking public transportation----although I will have to do it SOON! On the way back from the airport we stopped at a squatter village to take pictures of some improvements the birth mother (of former CSC residents), had been able to make to her home because of financial assistance from her now grown kids. She now has electricity and a shower with running water. She was also able to put up some partitions so she now h</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">as a 2 BR home, where once was a one room space. I was amazed at the living situations for these and so many Filipinos. This particular squatter village is impacted every time we get a lot of rain as they are near a river that often overflows. Some have built their homes up a little bit, on stilts, to avoid major damage. Interestingly enough, at the end of this horrible, pot-hole ridden, rocky dirt path (which was once paved, but has since been ruined by continu</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">ous flooding) there is a major thoroughfare and directly across from this dirty path is one of the Philippines' major malls. Stark contrast.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">
<br /></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhpODWsYHwugPzaH56jNsFt864n8evQGcZE2V0yIM-POo7cvl_0Ya-C4XVQyvSjaTyCfr8elyfWbz98BIUYAsGNWUdEs-VM8Z1HIhw50wuu69eu-hikZ493bkH8oY-JsesrucuRt0k50/s400/DSCN2216.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642544879042791746" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNpECKwwgk_j-EcVTQPA2BQWdvZz9os-0SVV3OXF6OKLqFrUALd1RKBhX09uCpXX83SITNYllhPP5K4sYVLEDFF3lR8HGKToVFEWNYnk9eqSb9W0TNUp87T-9Ug3rjXCQxEG3QwoifVI/s400/DSCN2215.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642544878350265586" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit470Sqk1r5SuxyxJ2fgaD_50Zs10W9C7ztdxYPdyyjZ_axH7CIg-N_JWSqIvFXipq05mwLKZy7YpClvAtzHoP_OB0vKoApa3MvVHgoVxhPxAO8SFR1DCJP_UcsX19y0iVriV1Ifw1JUY/s400/DSCN2214.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642544872625211154" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "> </div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADwx5aOfLfU4XnDWrjQBvF4pDD_vDdYBJum8Kvf9y2sZtj0IScLx-U8HsquQ62OuSl_dNMQPaallM5is5Rg_TYTSAe0dG3-pu8I7WL4F6wfa0I9lPwBwKH1ER6GctDDnq0W8FMXafIVU/s400/DSCN2213.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642544869313497858" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; ">From there, we continued onto Banawa. Ruth and I had made our way up much of Good Shepherd Road, at the top is where the shelter and the Children of Hope School are located---it is, however, a ghastly road. It is partially paved, but that almost has made the conditions of the road worse, and garbage often lines the road. Today was no different, at first. We had to slow down, to a stop to make it through the potholes and to allow a hobblehobble (motorcycle) to pass when I saw a garbage bag start to move and yelp! There were two yellow garbage bags that had been tied up and they each had a dog inside of them. My heart crumbled. Ruth and I didn't know what to do. The dogs were writhing and yelping in the bags and we did not know how we could get them out---we had no tools or anything. Someone walking down the road heard them and stopped. He walked closer to them, but they started yelping and rolling around and he got kind of spooked and kept walking. There was nothing we could do, so we decided to continue on to the shelter and to talk to one of the workers or the guard when we got there. Once we arrived, Ruth attempted calling the "barangay," kind of like our county, who would be in charge of sending someone out, but after several different calls and different numbers---the final numbers we were left with were always busy. Ruth spoke with some of the Aunties and other workers about the situation. And Ike, brave Ike, said he would go down and let them out. And he did! It turns out the dogs had mange and were missing much of their hair. Ruth believes they were put in bags because they were sick. </div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; ">
<br /></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; ">
<br /></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; ">It is a different life here and just when I think I am open-minded about the ways of others, I am faced with situations like this one that require me to see how my expectations have been shaped by my American life...where dogs and cats are pets--loyal friends even. Just one example. And we have that understanding because our culture can have that understanding, we are privileged in that way.</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">
<br /></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div>
<br /></div><div>I am being stretched here and it is interesting----it is also uncomfortable, frustrating, wonderful, fun, informative, eye-opening and amazing---interesting seems to be vague enough to cover all of that! ;)</div><div> </div><div>
<br /></div><div>
<br /></div><div>Thank you for reading...there is sure to be more to come...</div><div>
<br /></div><div>
<br /></div><div>
<br /></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><b>DISCLAIMER:</b> I want to stress that no one I came in contact with was okay with the situation with the dogs, but definitely none were as affected as I was by the whole thing.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div>
<br /></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div>
<br /></div></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "></span></div></div></div>lsahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08029204715247996672noreply@blogger.com0