We have so many reasons to be thankful, including your love, support, and friendship.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus“ (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
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CSC and the EOC
We pray that you had a blessed Thanksgiving! This is the third in our "three-part update" of things that have happened in, and around, the Children's Shelter of Cebu since we returned to the Philippines (click here for part 1 and part 2). It's fitting that it would be posted on Thanksgiving Day, because we had so much to be thankful for in September and October.
If you receive the Children's Shelter of Cebu (CSC) quarterly newsletter, then you know that CSC recently had a brush with Cebu City's Emergency Operations Center (EOC). If you don't receive that newsletter, head to CSC's website and find out how you can start getting a copy, and how you can get more involved with this life-changing ministry!
Long-story short, the EOC came to the Shelter to test every worker and child for the coronavirus, sequestering those who tested positive in an "isolation area." It could have easily turned into a very stressful, traumatic, and frightening time, especially for the children. I'm happy to report that the experience had the opposite effect. There were smiles, encouraging words, and a God-given peace that surpasses all understanding.
Typically, the EOC will require individuals who test positive to be extracted to a government isolation site (an old school, gymnasium, or other public facility). Fortunately, they approved of our plan to turn one of our homes into an "isolation area" which allowed everyone to stay on-site. More importantly, the love, care, diligence, and calm exuded by the house parents and staff was inspirational. The older kids even acted like good ate's and kuya's (big sisters and big brothers) to the younger kids.
*Below are pictures of EOC testers and the police tape they placed on our entrance gate.
Thank you all for praying with us during this time. This happened in late September, and our 14-day EOC imposed lockdown/isolation lasted until early October. At the end of it, we had a big "Service of Thanksgiving" which included an online message streamed to all of our staff (locked-in, locked-out, work from home, etc.). Of course, the kids and everyone on-site capped off the service with a special meal. It was a blessed early-Thanksgiving in October!
You can check out the video below.
Thanksgiving
Speaking of Thanksgiving, this year we celebrated Thanksgiving early at the Shelter. On Sunday, November 21st, we had our official "Thanksgiving Service" complete with fun games and a special meal immediately after. The kids had fun bobbing for apples, racing to see who could roll kalabasa the fastest (kalabasa is the closest thing in the Philippines to large, orange American pumpkins), and all sorts of other crazy shenanigans.
Then, on Friday November 26th (today), our family is having it's own little Thanksgiving dinner. Since turkey's aren't quite as abundant in the Philippines (you can find an imported Butter Ball turkey, but it will cost an arm and a leg ... pun intended 😉), we are opting for lechon manok (spit-roasted chicken) from our local Chooks-To-Go. As we type this, we can smell the french fried onions for green bean casserole cooking in the kitchen. Our hearts are full. It's not an exaggeration to say that this is one of the most meaningful Thanksgivings we've ever celebrated.
As we reflect on the past year, we realize that on paper it would seem as though we have little to be thankful for. The entire country is still on some level of quarantine, large gatherings are still prohibited, many places (including grocery stores) still don't allow children under the age of 15, and movie theaters are still closed (though we hear they're expected to open again in December). It's been a long 616 days since the Philippines imposed a nationwide quarantine.
But through it all, we've grown closer to one another and closer to the Lord. Kids at the Shelter, and our family, have learned to truly appreciate the time we have together. We've not only survived the past year; we've thrived. For that, and for all of you, we are exceedingly grateful.
It's been a long 616 days since the Philippines first enacted its quarantine ... but through it all, we've grown closer to one another, and closer to the Lord.
Now, as the number of positive coronavirus cases begins to drop in and around Cebu, we are firming up our plans for potentially lifting/easing lockdown in early 2022. Of course, this hinges on the government continuing to ease its own restrictions, as well as whether or not Holiday gatherings cause a spike in coronavirus cases come January/February. For that reason, we ask that you please continue praying with us—pray for wisdom and guidance—as we seek to determine when it would be best to enact our plans for opening up.
A Message From The Kids
In our last blog post our kids wrote a "quotable quote." This time, we're going high-tech and recording a video. Click below to hear what each of our kids is thankful for this year.
Thank you all for being our partners and support base as we serve the Lord here in Cebu. Have a blessed Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas! God bless!
PRAISES AND PRAYER REQUESTS:
Last month, one of our sweet little girls was adopted by a local family living right here in Cebu City. Please continue to pray for her and her new parents; that they would adjust well to this new chapter in their lives.
As noted above, please continue praying that the situation in the Philippines improves. The pandemic is finally looking like it's under control, and the government is slowly pealing back its restrictions, even those put in place for minors.
Please pray for our family; that we will be able to continue spreading God's Gospel of love, grace, mercy, and salvation, both in word and in deed.
THANK YOU FOR PRAYING WITH US! The Lord's blessings be with you and yours!
Learn more about the Children's Shelter of Cebu here.
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