Follow-ups

We have written about some kids who came to CSC earlier this year, and it might be a good idea to provide a follow-up. I know some of you have been reading and praying, and are concerned about the well-being of these kids.

Jovan was the pathetically malnourished boy we took in back in mid-January. He has spent quite a bit of his life in the hospital, but is currently doing better. He still recurring upper respiratory infections, but these are less severe lately. He is catching up developmentally, scooting around in the walker and working on taking steps.

In early March we took in his twin sister, Jeralyn. She had been given to someone when she was just a few weeks old, and that person had not pursued legal adoption. So, together with the government social workers, we decided to work on getting her. It took a while but eventually she was able to join her brother Jovan in our Cherne Home nursery. It has been great fun to see them get to know each other and interact as twins. Jeralyn is way ahead of Jovan developmentally, as she enjoyed decent health and nutrition as a baby. It is great to have them reunited and to know that they will have a chance to grow up together.

There are other children in the family who have been referred to us, and we are considering the possibility of taking in at least two more. Right now we don't have available space but there are nine children leaving fairly soon so we will have room for them. So the story of Jovan continues to unfold. We are thankful for the opportunity to work with Jovan and his sister, and to see the incredible changes in their lives.

Joevani and his siblings, Sheila May, Jayson and James, are also doing well. Joevani has responded so well to the changes in his life, and the opportunities that he now has at CSC. He lives in the Teen Home and has been enrolled in our school in a bridge program to prepare him for high school. He will continue that program for one more year. He works hard at his studies and wants to be successful. During summer vacation he is taking a computer class and spending extra time with his siblings at the Shelter. He loves to push James around in the wagon and help feed him. Sheila May (9) is a very active young girl, who loves to run and play and who has made good friends at CSC. She will need some surgery on her jaw and face, and we are consulting with plastic surgeons here about that possibility soon. Jayson (5) had a good start to pre-school and will be in that class again in June when school starts. James (17 months) is a very happy little guy who usually has a big smile on his face. He loves the attention of his older siblings.

Just a few short months ago, these kids were suffering in dire poverty and hopelessness. Now they are on a different path, and we are excited to see what God has in store for them.

Thanks for your prayers for all these kids. Opportunities to help kids like these are one of the great things about our jobs here in Cebu.