It had been a slow day. The weather outside was unpredictable with the wind picking up and the black clouds rolling in. Many of our clients are young parents that come in regularly to check out the donations and to chat. Today, a couple had dropped in while out and about because they needed shelter from the rain. As they visit, we always have organizing things to do.
It is such a privilege to be available to share kindness and concern for families just starting out. There were no pregnancy tests today. A pregnancy test is an amazing opportunity around here because it allows us some quiet time with the client while they wait fro the results and lets us discuss their options with them. If someone is not intending to have a baby, getting those special little lines on the pregnancy test can be very frightening. In these cases we are available to talk with them as they consider their options...parenting, adoption and abortion. When faced with a surprise pregnancy, a lot of times they will automatically revert to a discussion of abortion as their only choice. We are there to speak the truth into their lives about the impact of all the choices. Every choice we make in life follows with consequences and determines direction! So we try to be there with them in their fear and confusion, always remembering it is their decision to make. For some, even if it is a surprise, there is an element of excitement. It is wonderful to be able to share in their joy.
And what joy when the baby is born! This particular day, Patricia came in with her four day old. She was so excited when her son was born. She had wanted a boy! It was a dream come true! She sat on the couch and shared her birth story and her transition back home. After a little while, she went to find some little boy clothes and, in order to assist and not because we love babies, the volunteer held the little one while his mom looked around. It is one of those wonder experiences when we look at those tiny beautifully formed fingers! God makes them so beautiful and so fragile.
In the excitement, Joanne came in. She was struggling as she worked towards the return of her children. Joanne’s house was not deemed safe for her baby and CAS had removed her child and placed in foster care while Joanne got things in order. She had been working hard and made several changes in her life. In fact, she had hoped that her daughter would be returned yesterday, but there had been a glitch. It was all still pending and her positive life changes were recognized, but it would be another week or so. Joanne was disappointed. She had decided to come in to let us know and maybe get a few things in anticipation of her daughter’s return. We asked if we could pray for her as she waits...she agreed that would be good.
In the midst of it all, we received bags of donations. Organizing all the stuff just seems to be an endless job. The clothing baskets were filled up, but the formula shelf looked empty. We wrote down Joanne’s needs on the prayer list and our need for formula in recognition of all God provides.
And so the day ended...Just one day in the life of a Centre...with love and kindness shining from our volunteers. If you have time and would like to volunteer as an expression of your faith and a way to impact the world, information is available on our website (pregnancyhelp.ca). We are still in need of people at both sites. Or if you would like be a pray-er, call in or email us at phcentre@durham.net.
- Kathy Michel, Executive Director
N.B. We are in need of boys sleepers, boys bibs and boys outfits (new and used). If you like to garden, we also need some to garden once a month and also someone to mow the lawn once a week at our Oshawa site. Call Sue at 905-720-3252.
Taken from the summer newsletter, available at the Info Centre today
It is such a privilege to be available to share kindness and concern for families just starting out. There were no pregnancy tests today. A pregnancy test is an amazing opportunity around here because it allows us some quiet time with the client while they wait fro the results and lets us discuss their options with them. If someone is not intending to have a baby, getting those special little lines on the pregnancy test can be very frightening. In these cases we are available to talk with them as they consider their options...parenting, adoption and abortion. When faced with a surprise pregnancy, a lot of times they will automatically revert to a discussion of abortion as their only choice. We are there to speak the truth into their lives about the impact of all the choices. Every choice we make in life follows with consequences and determines direction! So we try to be there with them in their fear and confusion, always remembering it is their decision to make. For some, even if it is a surprise, there is an element of excitement. It is wonderful to be able to share in their joy.
And what joy when the baby is born! This particular day, Patricia came in with her four day old. She was so excited when her son was born. She had wanted a boy! It was a dream come true! She sat on the couch and shared her birth story and her transition back home. After a little while, she went to find some little boy clothes and, in order to assist and not because we love babies, the volunteer held the little one while his mom looked around. It is one of those wonder experiences when we look at those tiny beautifully formed fingers! God makes them so beautiful and so fragile.
In the excitement, Joanne came in. She was struggling as she worked towards the return of her children. Joanne’s house was not deemed safe for her baby and CAS had removed her child and placed in foster care while Joanne got things in order. She had been working hard and made several changes in her life. In fact, she had hoped that her daughter would be returned yesterday, but there had been a glitch. It was all still pending and her positive life changes were recognized, but it would be another week or so. Joanne was disappointed. She had decided to come in to let us know and maybe get a few things in anticipation of her daughter’s return. We asked if we could pray for her as she waits...she agreed that would be good.
In the midst of it all, we received bags of donations. Organizing all the stuff just seems to be an endless job. The clothing baskets were filled up, but the formula shelf looked empty. We wrote down Joanne’s needs on the prayer list and our need for formula in recognition of all God provides.
And so the day ended...Just one day in the life of a Centre...with love and kindness shining from our volunteers. If you have time and would like to volunteer as an expression of your faith and a way to impact the world, information is available on our website (pregnancyhelp.ca). We are still in need of people at both sites. Or if you would like be a pray-er, call in or email us at phcentre@durham.net.
- Kathy Michel, Executive Director
N.B. We are in need of boys sleepers, boys bibs and boys outfits (new and used). If you like to garden, we also need some to garden once a month and also someone to mow the lawn once a week at our Oshawa site. Call Sue at 905-720-3252.
Taken from the summer newsletter, available at the Info Centre today
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