It’s not that difficult to find people in need of help the world over. It’s also not that difficult to find children in need here in the Philippines. So what are the challenges of beginning/operating a facility like Casa Esperanza of Angels?
Our most difficult task is finding staff that has the same dedication, commitment, and goals as CEA. Caring for your own children can be difficult enough, but caring for a house full of children that come from various unfortunate situations and different personalities can put you to the test!
We are very fortunate here at CEA in that we screen each child in an effort to admit those that will not just survive here, but thrive!
Another challenge we face is government regulations and requirements as we are fully legal in all we do here. We were recently monitored by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that oversees residential care facilities such as ours.
Our assessment went well with only a few minor areas of improvement needed, but it is a constant challenge to meet all the regulations and standards set by the government.
However the rewards are priceless! The children of CEA are thriving! They are happy! They often sing and laugh throughout the day! They play hard and they work hard at their daily chores and school work.
They are growing quickly with the nutritious meals they receive. Their minds are full of new things they are learning each day as they grow.
Several have put on baptism as they have learned that God has a plan for their lives. All these things make every challenge in our church-building work (a core part of our mission) worthwhile to get to the reward!
Construction Update
Progress continues on the construction of the family cottage. The corrugated sub-roof has been installed. Over the corrugated metal we will install a native cogon grass roof to complete the “native look” ascetics of the cottage. The rough in electrical is complete, the rough in plumbing and septic are complete, some exterior porch and retaining walls are in progress, as well as finish work.
We have set the first of two storage containers as part of our garage/shop/storage project. We are currently doing some modifications to make it functional for our needs. This first container will help to relieve some of our storage problems. The second storage container and roof over both will be completed at a later date.
Summer Vacation for the CEA children
July begins “summer vacation” for the children of the Philippines. Although they have not been attending school for face to face classes, they have been completing their modular class studies this past school year here at our orphanage facility.
We are so very thankful for our dedicated volunteers that helped tremendously to carry this unexpected burden on our staff.
We are in the process of planning and organizing summer activities for the children. Our volunteer teachers will continue to come each week to assist with various projects, activities, and creation of “fun times” with the children during this summer break.
Ephesians 2:4-5 (NKJV)
4But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
Ronald and Georgia Brown
Casa Esperanza of Angels
PHILIPPINE MISSION INC.
Tanjay City, Philippines
June 2021 Newsletter
Volume 7 Issue 76