Welcomed In

The Choice to Mother 

People often say that motherhood begins with giving birth, but for Jesusa (name changed for safety), motherhood began with opening her heart. 

Jesusa grew up watching her own mother care for foster children who had experienced neglect, abuse, and abandonment. Their home became a temporary refuge for many children over the years. Some eventually reunited with their families, while others found permanent homes through adoption. One foster child became such an important part of their family that he remains connected to them even today. 

Inspired by her mother’s example, Jesusa decided to become a foster parent herself. In late 2023, she was introduced to siblings Princess and Rey (names changed for safety), who had experienced Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC). At the time, Jesusa knew little about the trauma the siblings had endured. What mattered most to her was that they needed a safe home, someone to care for them, and a chance to experience childhood again. Without hesitation, she welcomed them into her family. 

The Difficult Road

While opening her home was an easy decision, the journey that followed was not simple. Caring for children who have experienced trauma requires patience, understanding, and emotional strength. There were days when the siblings struggled with trust, adjustment, and healing. Like many families, they also faced financial challenges and the demands of everyday caregiving.

Though challenging moments came, Jesusa chose to face each one with compassion. Rather than focusing on the children’s painful past, she focused on helping them feel safe, loved, and accepted. For Jesusa, the difficulties were simply part of being a family. 

Circle of Support

Through the World Hope International (WHI) Philippines Team, Jesusa gained a deeper understanding of OSAEC and its impact on children. The team provided guidance, education, and ongoing support to help her respond to the children’s needs in a trauma-informed and nurturing way. They also involved the family in activities, interventions, and opportunities that promoted healing and strengthened relationships.

This support helped Jesusa feel more confident in her role as a foster parent and reassured her that she did not have to navigate the journey alone. 

Belonging 

Over time, Princess and Rey began to experience something they had long been missing, a sense of belonging. Jesusa made every effort to ensure that the siblings felt part of the family. She cared for them as she would her own children, supporting their education, attending appointments and healing sessions, celebrating milestones, and creating meaningful family experiences.  As trust slowly grew, the children became more comfortable in their new environment and more connected to those around them. 

Jesusa’s capacity as a caregiver increased. Through patience, learning, and consistent care, she became a source of stability and comfort for the siblings during a critical stage of their healing journey. 

Rediscovering Hope 

Motherhood is not defined by biology alone. Sometimes, it is defined by the willingness to open one’s heart and home to a child in need. 

When Princess and Rey needed safety, care, and belonging, Jesusa chose to love them. She became the mother figure they needed during one of the most difficult chapters of their lives.  Jesusa’s story is a powerful example of how foster care can transform lives, not only for children, but also for the families who welcome them. 

Through the support of World Hope International Philippines, foster parents like Jesusa are empowered to provide safe, nurturing environments where vulnerable children can heal, grow, and rediscover hope. Her journey shows that while families may be formed in different ways, love remains at the center of them all. 

Glaiza Torres

Social Worker, World Hope International Philippines

Read More about how our protection work is bringing hope in hard places.