Child abduction in Shanghai

Mr B and I were at a lunch with friends last Sunday and the topic of child abduction was raised.

Are they true? Mr B questioned. For some reason these stories didn't register with him when I did previously relate to him. And the conclusion was: yes, it is true that child abduction in the expat communities does take place in Shanghai - not to the golden haired, blue eyes expatriate children, but to Asian expatriate children that can easily 'traded'.

A recent case that I have been informed of happened in a popular supermarket near our place. This supermarket is heavily patronized by the many expatriates living nearby. We go to the same supermarket too. A Korean mother, who was doing her groceries, suddenly found her son missing. She was clear minded enough to order security to seal all exits and search the entire building. It was a real blessing that she found her son in a male toilet, shaved and with his clothes changed. A real close "shave". (apologies for the pun)

Another case I heard was of a child left in the care of a Chinese nanny as both parents work. The Chinese nanny was approached by a man at the playground to give him the child for a sum of money. He then told her to return back to her home province and not return.

I did ask my Chinese friends if these are such situations are just baseless urban legends. Sad to say, they assured me that it is true, there are child abduction cases even for local children.

I know that its virtually impossible for me to watch over my daughter 24/7/365. There are bound to be times where she has to be left alone or with others that I charge her care to. I know that I can only trust in Him to watch over her, similar to how I can only trust that He will take care of Mr B as he goes about his daily tasks.

One thing I do know is that, having lived away from Singapore for so many years, I no longer take many basic things for granted: security, healthcare, clean air...and my appreciation for what the government has done for Singapore has increased manifold.

Father in heaven, watch over my family as we go about our activities each day. Protect us from harm. Amen.