They're All Gone

It's been quite some time since I posted a blog. Not that I haven't had anything to blog about. I always do, but I get conflicted about how to do it. So many of the the things that I would like to share involve very personal situations with the kids or the ministry that I can't put in writing. So even though I think it would make very interesting reading for those who care about our children and CSC's ministry, it stays stuck in my head. I don't suppose most of those things will ever come out to my tappings on the keyboard.

But I was sitting in my office today and I looked up at the wall where I have a big picture of our 2006 CSC Twins baseball team. I went down all of the faces in the two rows of kids and thought to myself, "he's gone, he's gone, he's gone, he's gone, she's gone, she's gone, she's gone, and so forth. They are all gone, save for one kid I still have in my house. He's soon to be gone, too. That was a great season with a lot of terrific memories. We won every game and the championship. Anthony (a kid I used to have) and Neil helped me coach the team and every kid filled an important role on the team. Baseballs sprayed to all fields with the Twins at the bat and our defense was sterling.

But the best memories of those kids are not what they did with a glove on their hand or a bat at the plate. The best memories are of what they were like when they came to CSC, how they blossomed under CSC's care, and what they have become now that they have joined adoptive families. We hear about all of them from time to time, speak with one or another on occasion using some form modern technology, or even get to visit a few when we are in the States.

Some have continued to play baseball, while some have gone on to less demanding sports like basketball, football, soccer, or tennis. Several are excelling in music, while at least one is active in drama and dance. Most seem to be active in their Christian faith, while some are showing an interest in missions. One is even going off to college this fall. Oh, and that one kid I used to have is now a U.S. Marine.

I know how I feel when I look at that picture and see the bundle of personality, talent, humor, potential, challenges, and fun those kids were. The thing is, I could be looking at any picture from three years ago or 25 years ago and the feelings would be the same. I am grateful for the chance I had to be a part of their lives and for them to have been a part of mine. I hope they are grateful for the role CSC played in their lives, that they are serving God, and honoring their parents. I hope they see the picture the same way I do.