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Monday, February 28, 2011

Shenyang International School

It was an absolute pleasure to have Shenyang International School with us for a short-term trip at the beginning of February. We and the community were blessed by their presence and servanthood. While here, they took part in a few different ministries including feedings and construction. Specifically, they helped build a home in the community and worked diligently on a storage area we are building behind the YMC. Thank you SYIS for coming, and we hope to see you again soon!

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Thursday, February 17, 2011

His Kids

I volunteer in the nursery, spend time with the older kids at the Children’s Home, and co-lead two after-school music and art clubs at the JCCV with my friend, Claire Friesen. Upon completing a year of college, I came to the Children’s Home in early October and plan to return to Virginia at the end of April. I am grateful to KIM for taking me on as I am, without a degree or any special qualifications other than my desire to love and serve. I knew, even before I came here, that these seven months were God’s gift to me, a time to learn and grow.

[caption id="attachment_1263" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Art and Music club at the JCCV is so much fun!"][/caption]

My time here has proven to be just that—a gift—with days rich and full of challenges. The work being done here is painfully necessary: bringing food to flood victims, bathing street children, giving sickly babies another chance at life…and there is indescribable joy in doing it.

Every one of the kids at the Children’s Home has lived through loss and pain that's beyond my experience. They’ve been deprived of the sweetness of childhood, the comfort of resting in a mother’s arms, the thrill of riding high and kinglike on the shoulders of an awesome dad.

Some days I struggle to show each child the love they deserve. I want to be everything to them—mother, father, sister, brother. I want to hold them tight so that they know I’m there. I want to race across the yard to them when they cry so that they don't have to wonder for a second if anyone cares that they're hurt.

One of the lessons I’m learning is to trust God’s care for these kids. He is the one who holds them secure. He has a plan for each one, and despite the darkness that’s touched their lives, these kids are thriving.

I love the sudden smile that breaks across Christian’s face, Paulo’s half-scared pride on the monkey bars, Zerena’s crazy-crayon flowers, Princess’ funny dances and warbling songs. I love Maricel for her grace and calm; meeting my eyes at times when I’m exasperated—caught between two kids toddling in opposite directions—she just smiles, offers her hand and walks with me.

[caption id="attachment_1262" align="alignright" width="207" caption="Swinging on Tita Hannah."][/caption]

The sights of Cris John and Kenth scampering across the grass after the visiting cats, of Tyra’s fascination with butterflies, of Yuki’s first wavering steps, and little Alex’s independence as she asserts her personhood and speaks her first words are all a delight. These kids are incredible. They never fail to fill my heart with wonder.

I am so thankful for my time here—for the friendships, the welcome, and the shy kids who have finally given me their trust. I’ve never had the opportunity to stop everything and just care for people before. That’s my only duty in these seven months—to be available to obey God and love His children. I know I’ll refer to these months for the rest of my life. God is blessing me richly. I’ve found a wealth of grace and joy that I know I’ll draw strength from and carry with me wherever I go.

-Hannah Cranston

Thursday, February 10, 2011

KIM Reading Program

[caption id="attachment_1235" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Ellie engaging a student in a reading exercise"]
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Mark and Ellie Hymes first came to the Philippines in August 2009 to introduce to the Cuatro Christian School a reading program they had been using as a ministry in their home church in Kansas City, Mo.  After a formal invitation to come be full-time missionaries with KIM, they decided to take an early retirement, pack up their lives and move here.

Since coming permanently in November, they’ve taught the CCS teachers how to run the reading program. Now, as of last week, they officially have their first four students.

[caption id="attachment_1236" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Mark working with one of his students"][/caption]

While it’s always KIM’s goal to better children’s lives, Mark shared the real purpose for their being here—“It’s all about the relationships that God has us here for,” Mark said. “It might be a little awkward at first, but six months down the road, we’ll be close, and that’s where real relationships can occur.”

Monday, February 7, 2011

CCS Art Show

[caption id="attachment_1223" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Art teacher Jessica Kemnitz with students of CCS and their artwork"]
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Jessica Kemnitz had come to the Philippines four times in the past, leading short term missions teams from Seoul Foreign School, where she taught.  In November 2010, she came for a bit of a longer trip, having decided to take a year’s leave from SFS to spend some time and energy teaching art at the Cuatro Christian School.

The CCS Art Show has been an annual event.

[caption id="attachment_1225" align="alignright" width="150" caption="One of the classes at the JCCV in their art-plastered classroom"][/caption]

This year, Jessica had a goal of getting as much parent involvement as possible.  "We want the parents to be involved in their kids' lives, including their education,” Jessica said. “Also, we want the kids to not only see what they're capable of, but what other kids and the school as a whole are capable of." Goal met.  The Art Show had it's largest turnout ever, as parents, uncles, aunts, and grandparents came to the school to see the students' artwork  proudly displayed on the walls.  In addition, the students from  the CCS and JCCV took turns migrating to each other's  buildings to view the pieces of artwork.

"It was a great day, and  a wonderful chance for the community to see the students' accomplishments displayed for all to  see," said Jessica, who plans to stay until April.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Malaybalay Update

[caption id="attachment_1206" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="The grass on the soccer field is growing!"][/caption]

As the sixth World Race team to visit Kids International Ministries and Mt. Moriah camp in Malaybalay, “P Squad” has a little different task in front of them than previous racers. The previous squads have had one or two big projects to work on and might or might not have seen them finished.

[caption id="attachment_1205" align="alignright" width="300" caption="World Racers Cutting Bamboo Filipino style."][/caption]

While there are no new major building or planting projects being started right now, P Squad has the opportunity to see the finish of a number of projects that have been started by other squads, as well as complete a few important smaller projects that will improve the grounds at Mt. Moriah camp.

[caption id="attachment_1204" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Due to mud, the water tank has not always been easy to access. World Racers are helping to make the path solid and sturdy."][/caption]

One big project that will be completed this month is to have the soccer field completely planted. S Squad worked tediously at the field with the hopes of finishing, but due to vehicle malfunctions, wasn’t able to. Now it will be in the hands of P Squad.
Other projects include making roads on the grounds more solid, continuing work on the chapel on grounds, taking care of children, jail ministries, working with college students in Malaybalay, and painting a mural in the Children’s Home.