Living Apart from Our Kids: What It Taught Us About Parenting and Sacrifice

If you had told me years ago that I would live away from my children for a season of their lives, I would have said, “Never. I can’t do that.” But life has a way of humbling us, stretching us, and showing us what real sacrifice looks like.

Back in 2018, both my husband Julius and I were hit hard by unexpected career changes. My company of 7 years decided to move the entire marketing department to Cyprus, and though it was an opportunity on paper, none of us were transferred. My boss knew we had families here in Dubai and gently told us that life there might not be for us. Around the same time, Julius’ company decided to outsource his role, which meant losing his family benefits, including our health insurance. That hit us hard. It wasn’t just a financial blow — it was an emotional one, too. We had three children to think about, and suddenly, everything we built started to feel unstable. After many prayers and painful conversations, we made the hardest decision of our lives — to send our children back home to the Philippines, to be cared for by my eldest sister. It felt like a part of my heart was ripped out.

💔 The Pain of Letting Go I cried silently most nights. Not because I questioned God — but because I trusted Him enough to surrender what mattered most. I knew deep in my heart that there was a reason why He allowed our children to go home. I may not have seen it clearly at the time, but I believed that His plan was greater than our understanding. Letting go didn’t mean giving up. It meant trusting that God's way — even when it’s painful — is still good. We learned that parenting isn’t just about being physically present — it’s about being purposeful. It’s about making hard decisions for your children’s future, even when it breaks your heart. And sometimes, sacrifice is the highest form of love.

💡 What We Learned Along the Way Love is not limited by distance. Our kids knew we loved them. We were intentional — video calls, messages, small gifts, and constant prayers. We made sure they never felt forgotten. It takes a village — and that’s okay. My sister became their second mom. God used her to be a source of stability and love while we worked hard to rebuild our life. I'm forever grateful to her. Sacrifice built our faith. This season brought us to our knees — not in defeat, but in surrender. We learned to trust God with our children in ways we never had before. Quality over quantity. When we got the chance to be with them, we cherished every moment. We learned not to take time for granted.

🙏 Looking Back with Gratitude We didn’t just survive that season — we grew in it. Our marriage became stronger. Our faith became deeper. And our kids? They grew with grace and resilience. They now understand what it means to work hard, to trust God, and to value family. This story may not be ideal or traditional. But it’s ours. And it’s filled with God’s fingerprints, even in the painful parts. If you’re a parent going through a hard season right now — wondering if you’re making the right decisions — I want to encourage you. God sees your sacrifice. He knows your heart. And even when things feel uncertain, He is working behind the scenes for your good. Thank you for reading our story. I’ll be sharing more of our journey in the coming days — the trials, the wins, and the quiet in-betweens — all through the lens of a mother learning, loving, and walking by faith.