She stood in the doorway of her new room; her welcome basket sitting on the bed, and
a beautifully made quilt given to her by one of our faithful supporters. She was trying to
be strong as she faced the reality of being newly pregnant, alone, and only 17. With
just a small backpack of clothing and a few hygiene items, she made her way to sit on
the bed.
Exchanging pleasantries, I tried my best to make her feel comfortable as she quietly
removed the few items she had brought. We reviewed the initial paperwork and made
small talk, but she was afraid and in an unfamiliar place that for now, she will call home.
Her boyfriend left her when she told him she wouldn’t get an abortion, and is demanding
a paternity test, deepening her feelings of abandonment and rejection. She has
experienced so much loss in her life, and just for once wanted to be loved.
She is trying to fit in amongst the chaos of community living with other mamas and
children all around. As I showed her the home and explained to her that there was a
refrigerator and pantry full of food, dishes and cups just for her, access to a computer,
toiletries provided and a home to call her own, she was consumed with emotion. Trying
to hold back tears, she began asking me questions. She wondered how to get enrolled
in school, if she could get an appointment to see a doctor for prenatal care, and when
she might hear the baby’s heartbeat. I assured her that our team and community
partners would jump in to assist her with these things within the next few days.
Mother’s Day would look a bit different for her this year…
Within a few hours, she was sitting at the kitchen table, eating lunch with the others as
they gave advice on what to expect during her pregnancy. She was already settling in.
As I listened to the laughter of these young moms, though complete strangers before
coming into Love and SONshine, they are now knit together like family. As they learn to
trust and rely on one another, it occurred to me that for many of our mamas, they have
healthy and loving support for the very first time.
As we surround them with care and compassion, and share the love of Jesus, we trust
that the seeds we’ve planted will manifest someday. After all, isn’t this what it’s all about?
Impacting eternity by transforming lives with guidance, hope, love and lasting change.
