In 2022, Chan Sing and I took a leap of faith and signed up as foster parents. But the journey began a decade earlier when, in 2013, I received a calling to be a “mother of the motherless” during a vision while watching a documentary. Unsure of how to proceed, I spent the next ten years serving and comforting crying toddlers at church, teaching orphans in various countries, and even transitioning to a career as a primary school teacher.
When I met Chan Sing, I shared my calling with him. I emphasised my commitment to caring for the motherless whether temporarily through fostering or permanently through adoption. His agreement to this mission allowed us to walk together on this path.
In 2019, we married, and later that year, we attended a movie screening of “Unplanned” which further ignited Chan Sing’s compassion for neglected children. The 100 Homes initiative also introduced us to the idea of each church having a foster family to care for vulnerable children.
Amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, we heard the cries of children in the neighbourhood and read news reports about rising abuse cases in Singapore. Attending fostering tea sessions and watching heartfelt videos from the Heartbeat Project reinforced our commitment to help vulnerable children and families.
In 2022, after prayer and extensive discussions with mentors, parents, and family members, we applied to MSF to be foster parents. We received our first placement in 2023.
Despite its challenges, this journey has strengthened our marriage. We often find ourselves aligned on parenting decisions, and witnessing the growth and thriving of our foster children brings immense joy—especially the development of their self-esteem. Challenges have emphasised the need for effective communication between us.
The HFG-SG community has been a valuable resource for addressing day-to-day fostering challenges. Our church’s Life Group and extended family have also provided crucial support. This fostering experience has enriched our emotional and mental capacities and deepened our marital bond. We look forward to serving the vulnerable children for as long as we are able to.
“Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. God settles the solitary in a home…” (Psalm 68:5-6a)
