Settling In

We have been blessed in our time at Valley Cathedral Children’s Home. Right away the kids from our team began making friends with the children who live here. Sometimes the girls read to the children, other times they swing and play. The adults have gotten in on the action as well. spent most of our time holding children on our laps, plWe haveaying, reading stories, carrying them and otherwise being loved and loving. This is not a place for those who don’t enjoy hugging and being hugged.

Our accommodations are spacious and comfortable. Most of us have air conditioning and a room that overlooks the ocean. The sunsets are beautiful. Warm water seems to be hit or miss in our shower, but anything cool is somewhat welcome – even if it is a shower.

While there are potential opportunities in the prison and someone was looking into the potential of visiting a hospital, the real ministry we are engaged in is to bless the children and the staff of the various Valley Cathedral ministries. The children love the attention they are receiving. We hope to help the staff of the orphanage and the various churches associated with Mommy Zelma’s ministry, reducing their burden while we are here.

This week there is a camp going on in cooperation with the school. They are learning songs, first aid, knots, teamwork, etc. The kids from our group began to participate, but most became discouraged when nearly everything was in Tagolic. Josh, Adriana, and Annalise all stuck with it to the end.

As part of the camp, there was an evening service last night. Our group put on a couple of puppet shows and a drama. Doc presented a teaching. I think all of it went well. I had to bring Annalise home and put her to bed, so I didn’t stay for the campers’ talent competition that followed.

While we are certainly feeling blessed in so many ways, there have been challenges. There has been some strife among team members. I have had more difficulty adjusting to the change in time and temperature than I had anticipated. That may also be the case for others. But at this point all of these issues are relatively minor and I am confident that they will all be worked out as we begin settling into a routine.

I suppose I am talking in circles by coming back to the kids, but that is what this part of our journey centers on. I have a few children who are in the process of adopting me: Jason and Hannah. My story is not unique; everyone has their favorites and has been selected as a favorite by one or more children. One little girl Jenny has stolen everyone’s heart, especially Alexie’s. She is three and when she came to the home last year, she was the size of a small baby. Now she is growing and healthy – and very much, adorable.

While their backgrounds vary and are generally heartbreaking, it is encouraging that they are able to stay here. The living conditions are at a standard much higher than most of what I saw as we drove here from Manila – even what I saw in Manila. The buildings and grounds are clean, well maintained, and attractive. They are provided with nourishing meals and education. Most of all they are cared for by a loving staff of dedicated people.

Grace,
Tom