Foster Family Focus

I have covered many aspects of Christian Action's work on this blog, but today I'm dedicating this space to the work of especially committed people - foster families in Hong Kong. When we bring children to Hong Kong for surgical procedures they desperately need love and care during what can be a traumatic time. This is when foster families in Hong Kong step in - usually at some cost to themselves, and I don't mean financially.

Earlier this year I wrote about Ming and Qun who were both brought from Xining Children’s Home to Hong Kong for surgery.  When we gathered together recently to farewell these two children it was an emotional time for all of us.  They had become such a big part of our lives and all the ‘aunties’ and 'uncles' who lent a hand with their care in Hong Kong will miss them so much.

Qun and I have a cuddle

Ming’s Hong Kong foster parents, Connie and Ben, will be taking Ming back to his foster parents in Xining themselves. They have loved him as deeply as if he was their own child and their amazing domestic helper, has also loved Ming like a mother.  Connie and Ben have established a family trust fund to help pay for Ming’s future medical and educational needs.

Qun’s foster mother, Emily, was unable to complete her goodbye speech because she was overwhelmed by tears. Her husband Bryan stepped in and told us how Emily had wanted to take Qun along with them on their family holiday to China over Easter. Unfortunately this was impossible, so Sarah, a long time friend of Christian Action stepped in to take care of our baby girl for those few days.

When Qun needed to be watched round the clock during the most critical time of her recovery Anja, another willing angel, stepped in to help. Anja reported for night duty at Prince of Wales Hospital to relieve Qun's other aunties and uncles - Melanie, Nicki and Ken, and give them a much needed break.

It’s quite likely that both Ming and Qun will be back in Hong Kong for follow up procedures. In the meantime, we have received the good news that both children have been placed on the adoption list!  Please pray that their forever families find them soon!

The marathon runner, Mark MacAlpine, who has raised thousands of dollars to pay for Ji’s surgery, prayed for all the children, despite the fact that he himself has had a few surgical procedures lately. Ji and his foster mother will remain in Hong Kong until September when we’re hoping his surgery will be complete. 

Thank you to everyone who has been ‘family’ to these three precious children, regardless of how big or small your role has been.