Purpose and Dedication: a OneSky-Trained Foster Mom
Du Huikun finds meaning in her life by creating a loving home for young children living in welfare institutions in China.
Du Huikun remembers clearly the day in 2016 when her cousin introduced her to the idea of fostering children in OneSky’s Family Village program. Excited about her cousin’s suggestion and ready to find meaning in her life by helping others, Huikun enrolled in OneSky’s comprehensive training. Along with learning ways to interact with children through nurturing, responsive care, she also practiced exercises and techniques to communicate with children who have special needs. Training sessions on providing healthy meals and building routines to create structure also helped prepare her for her new life.
Despite the training, she still worried she wouldn’t be ready when the time came. “I wondered if I knew enough to become a mother for children who needed extra care.” Then, the day she and her husband, Shaobo, first met their children, her anxiety lifted, and she found strength and comfort knowing that she could really help them not just survive but thrive.
“Ensuring the healthy, safe, and happy growth of my children is now my top priority,” Huikun shares.
Both Huikun and her husband take the children to school every day. Huikun fondly remembers when they had several younger children who couldn’t walk. “Every time we went out, Shaobo happily carried them on his back, and they all had a great time together. He is incredibly supportive of my work!”
Huikun’s passion for connecting with her children through food has become one of the best parts of the day. The preparation of meals has become a tradition for the entire family. Huikun shares, “The kids always clean their plates when I cook. I know each of their favorite meals, and sometimes they even help me in the kitchen!”
“The hearts of these children are fragile. They need compassionate, consistent care from people who love them. That’s why we are here,” she says. “There is no doubt that is where I belong.”
Shangli, a OneSky mentor overseeing the family program, speaks highly of Huikun’s dedication. “She watches the children closely and promptly attends to their needs. She creates a sweet and warm home where the children thrive. Plus, she seamlessly incorporates lessons learned through her training into her everyday routine. Even in the face of challenges and stress, she remains remarkably calm. Beyond that, Huikun demonstrates a generous spirit in her willingness to support other moms in the Family Village program.”
Over the years, the couple has opened their hearts and home to 19 children, and through that time Huikun has accumulated a wealth of parenting lessons. She emphasizes the importance of celebrating each child’s accomplishments and providing encouragement during moments of sadness or pain.
“My heart is bursting with love and pride for all of them,” Huikun emphasizes. “This work of caring for vulnerable children is the most meaningful thing I could ever do.”
Jul 22, 2024
