Young Moms

Today Wuli and I travelled a total of 5.5hrs, roundtrip, to visit a mom. She is 18yrs old and just delivered. Her aunt called us to ask for help. First, we are so thankful that they heard from us via an Ob/Gyn clinic! We had sent over 100 letters to clinics up and down the east coast with our brochures and news about what we do and all. So thankful that this doctor gave them the information.

First, the mom's mom and aunt met with us. Their decision is pretty much set, but after a bit, the momma came down. She delivered yesterday afternoon. At first, she just sat there starting at the table, wiping away the tears that fled down her swollen cheeks. Her aunt and mom tried to get her to talk,but she wouldn't. She wants baby. She feels the family SHOULD take care of it and all live happily ever after (ok, that part was me being sarcastic!).  She did not finish highschool, was working some, but at her age, she could only make 1/3 of what regular minimum wage is. Her mom is a widower, her older brother a police officer. She is the only girl in the family, as in the relatives. AKA....spoiled and did what she wanted to. Boy's family, divorced and both parents remarried, married and divorced, a few times each! He never attempted highschool. She commented he couldn't come visit her because he has forgotten to check in with his probation officer so was locked up (he is 17rys old!).
We got to a point where it was obvious she was not going to talk, nor was she about to be given a chance. I engaged her aunt and mom in small talk while Wuli, who was sitting directly across from her talked to her. In the end, she was continuing to say she wanted to keep baby. She seems to have it all figured out. Wuli gave her her name card and she refused. Tears were flowing and anger and bitterness were setting in.

Our center's goal is and has never been adoption. When dealing with unwed mother's we will have the unwanted babies. Our first opinion is that babies and moms stay together, that is what is natural and what should happen. After counseling and their own personal evaluation, the decision that is made is respected. Our work is to make sure they have the proper information to make wise decisions and resources available to help them with their decision. That is who we are and what we are called to.

Please pray for this momma. We do not know what the final decision is, we do not know if we will even hear from them again. But we showed them that we cared, and the adults could see that. We told them that we just want to show the unconditional love that God has given to us.

We'll see what goes on tomorrow.