One of the best things (and biggest blessings ) about being at CSC is being able to help kids. We see the change that a little love, food, medicine, consistency and commitment can do for a child.  We have again been given this opportunity with the recent arrival of two brothers Jinno (age 4) and Jonel (age 2).  Jinno and Jonel are happy to be here despite the fact that they have to take lots of medicine, indure a few injections and are isolated away from the other kids.  The fact that their situation before coming here was quite dismal has much to do with their excitement to be here I am sure.  An infant sibling died while their birth mom was experiencing severe post partum depression, the boys were sickly and Mom simply could not cope.  We are saddened that we didn't visit the family earlier, and heart broken that the baby died.  It was decided that the boys would come to CSC at the first visit to their home.  The birth mom will get  help as well.  Jonel had to make an emergency trip to the hospital a few days after arriving at CSC;  the worms that had invaded his little body were trying to come UP rather than go DOWN as any smart self respecting worm would do. ( As an aside....any of you want gross worm stories...just ask any CSC staff person! We have enough stories to write a book! )  Jonel was choking on live worms.  He is now back here with us and the worms have "passed on" if you know what I mean. These little guys will be in Iso for a long time though;  ear infections, skin rashes, pneumonia and TB all in one little body is tough stuff.  What a blessing it is to see their faces filling out, that little spark of mischievousness that every little boy needs showing itself and the recognition and joy in their faces when I walk into the ISO room for a visit! These two will make great CSC KIDS!   The fact that they are also cute just confirms it!

     I am sitting here in my office attempting to get some work done - but there is so much going on just outside my window that it is hard to work!  I am just watching.....here is what I see. 

* John Nino is finally able to slow down his walking enough to stay upright (he started out literally running so has been falling down after only a few steps) - he's got the concept of "walking" now though!  A bunch of older kids are cheering for him.  

*A few of the teen age girls are sitting on the bench swing together...i am sure talking about their "crush' and all the important news of the day. 

* Some of the older boys are playing basketball right outside my window. John is sitting right at the base of the hoop and giving a play by play of what  is happening in the game.  He is making up lots though! 

*Kyle, Cyril and Jeffrey are doing their best to get a kite out of a tree....throwing a rock on a string at it to try to snag it..trying to wiggle the branches..and looking around to see if someone is watching them because I know they REALLY want to climb that tree!  It is really too small to climb though.....

*Ardian is riding bike up and down the driveway - and taking his hands off the handlebars whenever he thinks the aunties are not watching him.  hmmmmmm....

*I see one of the Aunties bringing some toys and books up to the infirmary, for John Lloyd, one of our 2 1/2 year old twins who got sick this morning (his  twin brother is John Loue) - their adoptive parents will be here in an hour or so.  Amazing how often the kids get sick when their adoptive parents are coming!

*Wilmar (it's his 8th birthday today) is running around with a little kite on an 8 to 10 foot string!  He has been trying to get that kite airborn for 30 minutes at least! He is certainly diligent!

*Little Leonard is sitting on a blanket in the middle of the yard,  he has an auntie with him and the older kids keep stopping by to give him a hug and some attention too..he keeps turning around because he does not know what to look at - too many choices.

*John Lloyd (the little one, 13 months old...we have two) is in a walker in the yard - he can now get everywhere in that walker!  He has been pulled back from the basketball game about 3 times in the last four minutes.  He wants to play basketball!  He also seems to want  to run over Leonard!

*Charryto is using the see-saw for a balance beam.

*Jeneviev and Riza Mae came to visit me in my office!   Joemar has been here most of the afternoon already! Actually lots of kids have been in and out - I love my "open door" policy (at least MOST of the time!)

*Angillo is being a real monkey on the "monkey bars".

*GiGi and Rhoella are obviously preparing some amazing meal with their collection of leaves, grass, stones and water on their toy plates.

I could go on and on...by the time i type one thing another event is happening...i need to stop and just watch so I dont miss anything! Wish I could share my view with you!

LAST MINUTE UPDATE...Kyle, Cyril and Jeffery were successful - they have their kite OUT of the tree - for the moment anyway!