Contributed by Michelle Liao • Dec 14, 2024
I never imagined the day my son would leave home would come so soon. At just 12, Matthias packed his bags and stepped into a new chapter, leaving behind a home that suddenly felt far too quiet.
This year, our eldest son transitioned to secondary school and moved into a hostel. It was a big step for him—and for us. Back when he was in Primary 5, Matthias boldly declared that he wanted to attend a specific CIS (Chinese Independent School) and nowhere else. As two “banana” parents (non-Chinese speakers), we felt completely unprepared and overwhelmed. My husband kept asking, “What’s next?” as the path forward was unclear.
The application process was daunting and emotionally taxing. We didn’t know the language, and even Matthias’ teacher was surprised by his bold decision. But she supported us, guiding us through the complex, Chinese-filled application process step by step. At the school’s Open Day, we were struck by its vision, rooted in Franklin Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. These principles, which emphasize values like responsibility, proactivity, and integrity, deeply resonated with our Christian faith. We saw how they mirrored biblical teachings about stewardship, self-discipline, and living a life that honors God. When we learned that the school offered dual academic tracks, including SPM, we felt a profound peace that this was part of God’s plan for Matthias.
When school began in March, the real challenges emerged. Matthias moved into the hostel, and we adjusted to a quieter home, expecting to see him every weekend. But by his first exam, he decided to stay at school for three consecutive weekends to focus on his studies. The emptiness hit us hard. His younger brother, Thaddaeus, missed him deeply, often asking when Matthias would return. I stepped into the “ko-ko” role, playing with Thaddaeus to fill the void. Even with these adjustments, our hearts ached. Matthias came home for only half of the weekends we had expected him to, spending the rest of his time in the hostel. The quietness at home was something we never quite got used to.
Every homecoming became precious. We stocked his favorite snacks, took him to eat his favorite meals, and made sure to create a space where he felt loved and supported. Even Thaddaeus had his own way of showing affection, always handing Matthias his fully charged phone as soon as he got in the car. Yet, every time Matthias left again, it felt like part of us was leaving too.
Amid this emotional journey, we’ve seen God’s hand in every step. He gave us the peace to trust Him, the strength to let go, and the wisdom to support Matthias in his growth. Most importantly, He changed our hearts. As parents, we’ve learned to release control and surrender our fears to God.
Looking back, we are grateful for how God carried us through this season. While the road ahead with Junior 2 and more exams will be challenging, we rest in the assurance that God will continue to guide and protect us. He hasn’t just walked with us through this journey—He has reshaped our hearts to trust Him more deeply.
