This week we had an adoptive mother here to get her little darling. One of the emotions that is fairly common for parents coming to get a young child is guilt. They feel guilty taking their child from a place where they are loved and cherished, and where they have lots of friends and doting caregivers. I always take time to explain to them that CSC as a lot to offer the children under our care, but we can never be a family to our kids, at least not in the full sense of the word. Our children need a mom and dad, and the security that comes from being in a family.
The other day I brought three brothers to Manila to apply for their U.S. visas. They will be participating in a Summer Hosting Program and will be in Montana for four weeks. We were only in Manila for one day. We arrived back in Cebu on an early evening flight and took a cab back to CSC. The boys were excited to be back at the Cherne Home. As we entered the house the kids were waiting on the steps to welcome them back. The house parents and aunties were so excited to see them and hear about their trip. I had a strong sense that the boys were coming home to a place where they were loved, appreciated and missed while they were gone.
CSC is not a family for our kids in the same way that an adoptive family will be. But we are a home, and a place where they really belong for the time that God gives them to be with us. I am happy and proud to be a part of this ministry.
