We put a lot of time and effort into our annual banquet. With virtually no exceptions, we feel that it is worth it. This year we had a splendid banquet where everyone did a great job and lots of people showed up and they gave generously. We had former residents presenting testimonies and poems. We had a video that explored our theme of "Take a Hand, Join the Family." We had a US Senator in attendance and the sibling group of nine whom she helped get adopted together in a fantastic family, who were also at the banquet. We had great music featuring Sam Butler and his family. And we gave an award to Tim and Karen Erickson, the volunteer dentist and his wife who went to CSC over the past 16 years to work on our kids' teeth.
It is amazing the number of people that it takes to do the job that we do with the children under our care. It takes many workers: child care workers, therapists. counselors, nurses, teachers, social workers, accountants, house parents, janitors, guards, drivers, administrative assistants and carpenters. It takes Senators, immigration officials, adoption agency personnel and embassy workers. It takes board members, US office staff, supporters and prayer warriors. It takes pastors and missions committee members. It takes adoptive families. I know I'm forgetting some people. Our banquet brings a lot of these people together. Our web site brings others in who cannot attend. How I wish that someday everyone who participates in the success of CSC could get together in one place so we could thank them and we could reflect together on just how great God has been and what joy we have experienced in being a part of CSC.
It has been a lot of fun and a great joy to be part of this ministry for the past 32 years. We have ridden the crest of the wave as God has continually taken us through challenges and tough times, and given us not only the basic needs of the ministry, but the desires of our hearts for the children.
Thanks for being with us for all or part of those years. Who knows how much longer God will allow us to be a direct part of CSC. But we will enjoy every opportunity to bless the children in Cebu and be blessed by them. Thanks and God bless you all.
