This is our first week in NYC, in the Bronx and among all this amazing people who saves lives every day. We’ve learnt a lot not only from those who work here but from the mothers that facing up hard situations decide to carry on with the pregnancy, demonstrating that life is a present given by God.
We have a very special friend we would like to mention here. Her name is Guillermina, she is a really brave mother of two girls. She is living with her little sister, who is studying at University, while her mum is back in Sto. Domingo.
When she first came into the office she was decided to have an abortion, but it wasn’t really hard to convince her to change her mind as she knew a new life was growing up inside her womb. She said she could feel her baby’s fear when she came into the building.
From the very first moment she knew something was going on against her soul and her first task in her life: motherhood. She loves the baby since she knew she was pregnant and now she is peaceful because she made the right decision: give the baby what he/she deserves: LIFE.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Flying over New York
Today I'm having a unique experience. I'm discovering a new way to get the word out about a crisis pregnancy center. I've never seen such a thing in Spain but today leader will be flyng a banner over a local beach advertising our centers. Prior to the ad we passed out pr-life literature (outside the beach entrance in order to avoid any problems with the police) to prepare the beachgoers for our ad. I feel that we are going to have an excellent response to our airplane ad, thus being able to help a large amount of women!
T.B.C.
T.B.C.
Alison
I am going to explain the life of a woman who has not been so lucky in life as we may have been. This woman came into our office in Jerome. She was pregnant and she wanted to abort because she was saying that she was not prepared to have the baby.
In fact, she did not have any other reason for abortion. What is more, she was having the support of his boyfriend.
However, the big problem was that she was thinking that her mum and friends were going to see her as a failure due to her pregnancy.
What we tried to explain her was that being pregnat is not a reason to feel apart from society or as a failure. In fact, it is something fantastic to create a life. Also, we suggested her to talk to her mum about it, that we were sure she was going to support her in everything.
She inmediately started crying saying that she was not going to be able to continue studying or even work and we tried to convince her in a sense that pregnancy is not a barrier for anything. I mean she could continue working or studying during her pregnancy.
Finally, she told me and a friend interning here that she was going to think about it and that she would call us back. She has in fact the sonograhm date for the end of July, so we hope she has some time to think about it and change her attitude towards the pregnancy.
Hope she does and we could have saved a life.
Irma
In fact, she did not have any other reason for abortion. What is more, she was having the support of his boyfriend.
However, the big problem was that she was thinking that her mum and friends were going to see her as a failure due to her pregnancy.
What we tried to explain her was that being pregnat is not a reason to feel apart from society or as a failure. In fact, it is something fantastic to create a life. Also, we suggested her to talk to her mum about it, that we were sure she was going to support her in everything.
She inmediately started crying saying that she was not going to be able to continue studying or even work and we tried to convince her in a sense that pregnancy is not a barrier for anything. I mean she could continue working or studying during her pregnancy.
Finally, she told me and a friend interning here that she was going to think about it and that she would call us back. She has in fact the sonograhm date for the end of July, so we hope she has some time to think about it and change her attitude towards the pregnancy.
Hope she does and we could have saved a life.
Irma
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Coney Island Picture Show
Today a few of us went to Coney Island to hand out literature and take pictures of the plane flying overhead. The beach was very crowded, and many heads looked towards the sky as the plane flew by.
Click on a picture to expand.
Click on a picture to expand.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Plane Simple
Today, EMC had a plane fly over the beaches in Brooklyn and the Bronx with a banner advertising "Free Abortion Alternatives" with EMC's number to call. All of the interns were split up to be at each beach that the plane would fly over so that we could pass out pamphlets while the plane flew over. When a woman called from the beach, her call would be transferred to one of the interns on that particular beach. The interns would then find her and counsel her there on the spot and if she needed a pregnancy test, we would administer her a pregnancy test. Over all, the day was great, and the plane advertisement was wonderful!
That was a true sign!
That was a true sign!
This was my first week at the house and doing pro-life work. At the begining it has been a bit hard. I was not used to do this time of work, so it took me like two or three days to get used to it. I started giving out brochures. I did that work for four days. This tuesday I went to an office to do counseling.
The title of this blog is about a girl that came yeterday. I was talking to her when Brenda appeared. The girl was looking at Brenda amazed. They actually met on Jerome avenue's EMC office the other day. She came to the other thinking about getting an abortion. This was the second time that these girls was coming to us. She started thinking about this "coinidence" and then she realised that these was not a coincidence. She told us that that mus have been a sign, a sign from God that she was receiving. After that sign, she decided to keep. Most times we get God's help to help these girls and these unborn babes, these is a good example of it.
This was my first week at the house and doing pro-life work. At the begining it has been a bit hard. I was not used to do this time of work, so it took me like two or three days to get used to it. I started giving out brochures. I did that work for four days. This tuesday I went to an office to do counseling.
The title of this blog is about a girl that came yeterday. I was talking to her when Brenda appeared. The girl was looking at Brenda amazed. They actually met on Jerome avenue's EMC office the other day. She came to the other thinking about getting an abortion. This was the second time that these girls was coming to us. She started thinking about this "coinidence" and then she realised that these was not a coincidence. She told us that that mus have been a sign, a sign from God that she was receiving. After that sign, she decided to keep. Most times we get God's help to help these girls and these unborn babes, these is a good example of it.
Friday, July 10, 2009
My first week
This is our first week in the United States doing pro-life work. We did not know what to expect at first but we have learned a lot this first week and was amazed at how much good work we were able to do in such a short amount of time. we have done everything from handing out pamphlets on the street to counseling in the centers. we can see right away how we are able to affect the pro-life movement every day.
Just this day we had a turnaround with a girl from the Dominican. At first she was very afraid of the abortion but felt like she had no other choice. She already had a baby of eleven months and her boyfriend was in another country. However, once we started talking to her she immediately broke down in tears and decided to keep the the baby. Liz took her to the chapel and told her that Jesus was her doctor.
I am very excited for the work to come. Pray for us!
Just this day we had a turnaround with a girl from the Dominican. At first she was very afraid of the abortion but felt like she had no other choice. She already had a baby of eleven months and her boyfriend was in another country. However, once we started talking to her she immediately broke down in tears and decided to keep the the baby. Liz took her to the chapel and told her that Jesus was her doctor.
I am very excited for the work to come. Pray for us!
The Corruption of the American Justice System
Yesterday, I went to an abortion clinic in Queens along with a few other interns. While there, we stood outside the clinic passing out pamphlets and counseling women who came in for an abortion. At one point, the clinic workers came outside and told us that we could not stand within 15 feet of the premises. Julie, a full-time worker for EMC, kindly told the women that the Clinic Access Law had not been put into effect yet (it goes into effect on July 20th). The workers then said that they were calling the police. And they did. The police came and asked us what was going on. Thankfully, the workers had gone back inside. Julie explained what we were doing, and the police officers told us that as long as we did not block the clinic's doors, we were fine. They then left without another word.
About thirty minutes later, two clinic workers called the cops again on us. Two new cops came, and without waiting for an explanation, they came out of their car and asked for my ID (and my ID only). I obliged, and they went back to their car. The clinic workers then came outside and went up to the police officers. Meanwhile, Julie had been trying to talk to the officers, but they would not listen. They listened to whatever the clinic worker had to say, though.
After awhile, one of the clinic workers went back inside and then came out immediately with a piece of paper in their hand. They handed it to the police officer. After a few minutes, both workers went back inside. The police officer came up to me and said that he was writing me up because I had been "blocking the door." I immediately became angry by this statement because I had not been blocking the door. That was a complete lie. Julie tried to defend me, but he cut her off saying, "You need to shut up. You talk too much and argue too much. I am talking to this boy, not you!" He then told me that I had to go to court on August 28th. The other police officer with him snidely said, "If you don't show up to court, then they are putting an arrest warrant on you!" The police explained that they were writing me up because I was not supposed to be within 15 feet of the clinic doors. When Julie explained that this law had not taken effect yet, the officer took out the paper the clinic worker had given him which only stated what day the law was signed. He would not even listen to us how the law was not in effect yet. He then said he was writing me up to "justify his existence." This angered me even more because a police officer shouldn't write someone up simply to show that the police do have authority. The officer also said that if I tried to plead not guilty, he'd make sure he was there to make sure I was found guilty!
So I now have to come back to New York City during my college school year to go to court. This just shows the corruption and injustice of some of the police officers in the country. I did not even break a single law, but I was treated as if I was a criminal. So simply say your prayers so that this all can be worked out!
About thirty minutes later, two clinic workers called the cops again on us. Two new cops came, and without waiting for an explanation, they came out of their car and asked for my ID (and my ID only). I obliged, and they went back to their car. The clinic workers then came outside and went up to the police officers. Meanwhile, Julie had been trying to talk to the officers, but they would not listen. They listened to whatever the clinic worker had to say, though.
After awhile, one of the clinic workers went back inside and then came out immediately with a piece of paper in their hand. They handed it to the police officer. After a few minutes, both workers went back inside. The police officer came up to me and said that he was writing me up because I had been "blocking the door." I immediately became angry by this statement because I had not been blocking the door. That was a complete lie. Julie tried to defend me, but he cut her off saying, "You need to shut up. You talk too much and argue too much. I am talking to this boy, not you!" He then told me that I had to go to court on August 28th. The other police officer with him snidely said, "If you don't show up to court, then they are putting an arrest warrant on you!" The police explained that they were writing me up because I was not supposed to be within 15 feet of the clinic doors. When Julie explained that this law had not taken effect yet, the officer took out the paper the clinic worker had given him which only stated what day the law was signed. He would not even listen to us how the law was not in effect yet. He then said he was writing me up to "justify his existence." This angered me even more because a police officer shouldn't write someone up simply to show that the police do have authority. The officer also said that if I tried to plead not guilty, he'd make sure he was there to make sure I was found guilty!
So I now have to come back to New York City during my college school year to go to court. This just shows the corruption and injustice of some of the police officers in the country. I did not even break a single law, but I was treated as if I was a criminal. So simply say your prayers so that this all can be worked out!
Want to hold your baby’s hand?
Want to hold your baby’s hand?
Sometimes the toughest women are in the most pain. Once inside the walls crumble. Today a girl came in Linda’s screaming and swearing for an abortion. She is twenty years old and she came in with her mother. The father of the child and the girl’s mother want the baby. The young girl was adamant about ‘getting it out’. Linda, after some time, convinced the young girl to get a sonogram. This is the part I witnessed first hand. She came in the sonogram room tense, angry, scared. She laid down on the table and Sand, the sonogram tech, put the jelly on her belly. On the screen I could see how tense her body was. As she was looking at the screen she said, oh those are hands! Linda said, Yes, yes those are and here are the feet, your baby is all there. Sand then let the girl hear her baby’s heartbeat. Through all of this the young girl refused to let her mother into the room. After about ten minutes on the sonogram table she began to relax and become happy. Her baby left the corner of her womb and came to the center. Linda asked her if she wanted to hold her baby’s hand. Linda took the girls hands and placed them on her belly. She asked the young girl to just start talking and relax. She did. The baby reached up towards her hands; over and over again the girl held her baby’s hand. Miracle, God enabled and willed. She finally let her mother in to see her baby. To make a long story short, Linda thinks she is going to Keep. Pray.
I had my first turn around. The girl I spoke to about the joys of adoption decided to keep and parent her child. I congratulated her on giving her other child a sibling. I told her to keep in touch with me and the center.
my first week
I'm new member of EMC, i've been just one week but i've already have experienced many things and been honest it's not an easy job, it's pretty hard sometimes but it's also make you feel that you're doing good. I've come from Spain and i'm so happy to be here to gave a hand to this cause, im really really happy.
In this week, I've seen many womens, many of these womens were not sure of getting the abortion, the most common excuse is that there are not prepare to be a mother, the truth is that they are scared. Or they don't thing that an unborn it's not a baby, but it is. Most of this womens knows that the abortion its bad, so thats why they just wanna get sleep during the procedure so they can "skip" the abortion, but the truth is that it doesn't solve anything because its still an abortion, and is something forever...
I started working on monday, it was a tough day, sometimes its not easy, mostly because i didn't know how to act i mean, it was in english and its dificult at the begining to express myself, but im happy to say that know i've improve a lot. but the next day, the tuesday was absolutely great!! its my first solo cuonceling because it was really busy in lizz's i talked to 4 women, one had had already 8 abortions and i needed lizz's help and we did great, at first she was 100% sure of taking the abortion, but we talk for an hour and then she change her mind!!! it was so beautiful you know, she said that she can not do it again to her baby! that was so so beautiful! awesome.
My two favorite stories of the week, because i was so proud of those, one was 16 years old she has a tough story, she was forced to had an abortion last year, her mother forced her, and she had been going all the year to counceling because the abortion, and she is pregnant again, her mother doesn't know this time but she is now in a better situation, her boyfriend, and his family too wants to help her, and even her sister, i was really proud of her when i saw her stregthness, i was really happy for her and for her baby. And the second story was about a jamaican woman unemployed, single, with a daughter in jamaica, for whom she had fight so hard to bring her to USA, she has been fighting for tree years, and know she get pregnant again, it was a really tough story, mostly because she knew that the abortion is really bad, but she beliebed that she cannot handle the pregnancy, not just the economic situation it was because of the father of the baby, he wantes to get rid of the baby!. she has an abortion when she was 18, at the same circunstances of the 16 years old girl. So she was really upset, she doesn't see another way, she suffered a lot because the previous abortion, but she was concern about her little girl in jamaica. After 2 hours talking she saw a way out, a way to carry on with the prengnancy, and she looks so happy, we offer her help, so she can carry on the pregnancy.
Its truth that i've seen a lot of stories, but those three, makes my job worthy. I do really beliebe it, and i'm so happy for those women, and babies.
In this week, I've seen many womens, many of these womens were not sure of getting the abortion, the most common excuse is that there are not prepare to be a mother, the truth is that they are scared. Or they don't thing that an unborn it's not a baby, but it is. Most of this womens knows that the abortion its bad, so thats why they just wanna get sleep during the procedure so they can "skip" the abortion, but the truth is that it doesn't solve anything because its still an abortion, and is something forever...
I started working on monday, it was a tough day, sometimes its not easy, mostly because i didn't know how to act i mean, it was in english and its dificult at the begining to express myself, but im happy to say that know i've improve a lot. but the next day, the tuesday was absolutely great!! its my first solo cuonceling because it was really busy in lizz's i talked to 4 women, one had had already 8 abortions and i needed lizz's help and we did great, at first she was 100% sure of taking the abortion, but we talk for an hour and then she change her mind!!! it was so beautiful you know, she said that she can not do it again to her baby! that was so so beautiful! awesome.
My two favorite stories of the week, because i was so proud of those, one was 16 years old she has a tough story, she was forced to had an abortion last year, her mother forced her, and she had been going all the year to counceling because the abortion, and she is pregnant again, her mother doesn't know this time but she is now in a better situation, her boyfriend, and his family too wants to help her, and even her sister, i was really proud of her when i saw her stregthness, i was really happy for her and for her baby. And the second story was about a jamaican woman unemployed, single, with a daughter in jamaica, for whom she had fight so hard to bring her to USA, she has been fighting for tree years, and know she get pregnant again, it was a really tough story, mostly because she knew that the abortion is really bad, but she beliebed that she cannot handle the pregnancy, not just the economic situation it was because of the father of the baby, he wantes to get rid of the baby!. she has an abortion when she was 18, at the same circunstances of the 16 years old girl. So she was really upset, she doesn't see another way, she suffered a lot because the previous abortion, but she was concern about her little girl in jamaica. After 2 hours talking she saw a way out, a way to carry on with the prengnancy, and she looks so happy, we offer her help, so she can carry on the pregnancy.
Its truth that i've seen a lot of stories, but those three, makes my job worthy. I do really beliebe it, and i'm so happy for those women, and babies.
A Warning
Many of the girls who come into our center do not know if they are pregnant or not and take a pregnancy test with us. Consequently many of these tests are actually negative. However, that does not mean we are done with these girls. These girls are actually my favorite to work with. It is important that we make sure they are not in the same situation again which could result in a potential abortion.
Bring in the abstinence talk. Surprisingly, the chastity talk actually makes a lot of sense to the girls but no one is telling them the truth. I talked to a women yesterday who was absolutely shocked that I would even suggest she stop having sex, was that even a real option?
I managed to talk at least three girls into a changed lifestyle of chastity. The funny thing is it wasn't even that hard, they just needed to hear the truth from someone. Sorry, MTV- young people do not in fact need sex to survive
Bring in the abstinence talk. Surprisingly, the chastity talk actually makes a lot of sense to the girls but no one is telling them the truth. I talked to a women yesterday who was absolutely shocked that I would even suggest she stop having sex, was that even a real option?
I managed to talk at least three girls into a changed lifestyle of chastity. The funny thing is it wasn't even that hard, they just needed to hear the truth from someone. Sorry, MTV- young people do not in fact need sex to survive
No such thing as chance
One cool thing about EMC is that we have so many outposts throughout the city -- I believe in the Bronx alone we have four different locations from which we work.
Earlier this week, I spent the day at our clinic near Fordham & Jerome, and I counseled a girl of about 18 who said a lot of the things we hear every day -- she's scared to tell her mom, she's just 'not ready' for a baby, she had never really considered the possibility that she might get pregnant, even though she's been sexually active for several years. We talked for awhile, she cried, I gave her a sonogram appointment for a few weeks hence, but when she left I could tell she was far from convinced.
Today I was assigned to another one of our clinics in the Bronx, on E. 149th Street. We had an incredibly busy morning, and I felt like I was rushing from girl to girl for several hours. While counseling one girl, I momentarily stepped out to grab a pamphlet, and there in the corner, filling out the intake form, was my girl from Fordham & Jerome. She had no idea the two centers were connected, and she had come to another EMC center looking for an abortion -- two in one week!
After I spotted her and she realized she was in another EMC clinic, and after talking to Jose and Maria for a few minutes, she realized that maybe God was telling her something, sending her across my path twice in one week. She happily told me that she was definitely keeping her baby now, and we agreed to meet up at her sonogram appointment in a few weeks.
In a city of 8 million people with untold numbers of abortion clinics and pregnancy centers, not to mention the fact that I could be in any one of six locations on any given day, I can only marvel at the amazing way God orchestrated our meetings this week. What a beautiful way to spend a Friday afternoon.
Earlier this week, I spent the day at our clinic near Fordham & Jerome, and I counseled a girl of about 18 who said a lot of the things we hear every day -- she's scared to tell her mom, she's just 'not ready' for a baby, she had never really considered the possibility that she might get pregnant, even though she's been sexually active for several years. We talked for awhile, she cried, I gave her a sonogram appointment for a few weeks hence, but when she left I could tell she was far from convinced.
Today I was assigned to another one of our clinics in the Bronx, on E. 149th Street. We had an incredibly busy morning, and I felt like I was rushing from girl to girl for several hours. While counseling one girl, I momentarily stepped out to grab a pamphlet, and there in the corner, filling out the intake form, was my girl from Fordham & Jerome. She had no idea the two centers were connected, and she had come to another EMC center looking for an abortion -- two in one week!
After I spotted her and she realized she was in another EMC clinic, and after talking to Jose and Maria for a few minutes, she realized that maybe God was telling her something, sending her across my path twice in one week. She happily told me that she was definitely keeping her baby now, and we agreed to meet up at her sonogram appointment in a few weeks.
In a city of 8 million people with untold numbers of abortion clinics and pregnancy centers, not to mention the fact that I could be in any one of six locations on any given day, I can only marvel at the amazing way God orchestrated our meetings this week. What a beautiful way to spend a Friday afternoon.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
A Portrait of the Future
Today I worked with a woman whom I first met while counseling last week. She has since gotten a sonogram, and today I took her down to meet with the Sisters of Life. I was struck by the difference in the woman in just the past week. At first glance, she seemed to be the same determined woman working her way through school and supporting her child. Yet her attitude was subtly different. She came in this time seeming so much more relaxed, and was more willing to talk and joke around with the people around her.
Perhaps it was the atmosphere at the Sisters that did this, the peaceful and prayerful presence that surrounds such holy people doing such important work. But I think it was something deeper, a hope sustained by the people working to find her housing and a job. Her boyfriend and one year old son had come with her, and I could see that as we worked with her, she could begin to envision a home and family. Such a vision offered a world in which a baby was possible. Painting this vision for women is often key to our work, because it allows a woman to look beyond the fears of the present. As this woman considers the help offered by the sisters, please pray that she will do the same and make a choice that ultimately protects her baby.
Perhaps it was the atmosphere at the Sisters that did this, the peaceful and prayerful presence that surrounds such holy people doing such important work. But I think it was something deeper, a hope sustained by the people working to find her housing and a job. Her boyfriend and one year old son had come with her, and I could see that as we worked with her, she could begin to envision a home and family. Such a vision offered a world in which a baby was possible. Painting this vision for women is often key to our work, because it allows a woman to look beyond the fears of the present. As this woman considers the help offered by the sisters, please pray that she will do the same and make a choice that ultimately protects her baby.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Suckers – Adoption – Tampa
Suckers – Adoption – Tampa
I mentioned very briefly in my last blog the suckers received by the women after their abortions at Emily’s abortion clinic in the Bronx. Today I saw a woman on the subway eating a sucker and I was almost made sick. I don’t think I’ll ever eat one again. Julie told me how someone, I for got who, says they use suckers to sort of slap us in the face. Suckers because their child was sucked out a tube; however, instead they call them Dum Dum’s, because the women are Dum Dum’s for having an abortion. I wonder if there is any truth in all this. Do the clinic workers purposely give the women suckers after their abortions just to spite us sidewalk counselors? Or are we reading too much into it? Maybe the clinic workers are trying as hard as they can to liken abortion to having a tooth pulled at the dentist. The dentist always gives you a lolli pop, if it’s a good dentist a toothbrush accompanies the candy. Now, what about the women? Would I accept a sucker on my way out of the clinic after killing my child? Would I ask for a specific flavor? These are all thoughts I have been having…
I told a woman my story about the adoption of my little brother. I have to be careful of who reads this because he is six and does not know he was adopted. That conversation will come later in life. Basically if you know my brother or you ever meet him and you decide to under mind my family by saying, Oh you are adopted, I will then have to tie your tongue in a knot. ;) But let me continue; I told the woman my story while I was committing the ultimate sin at Liz’s, showing a client the supply room. Of course I wasn’t told until afterward of its sinfulness. I do not, however, regret it. She needed to see that we REALLY CAN help her! I believe the counselor at that given moment knows what methods are best to reach the client. My client needed comfort, reassurance, someone to tell her everything will be okay. So in the cluttered supply room with baby supplies all around us I told her my story. (one of them) We adopted my little brother and before him I never understood what unconditional love was. He taught me how to love with no bounds, because of the age difference at times I feel like he’s a son. I am very protective like a mother. I told her how much joy my little brother has brought to my life. Yes, he is a little pest sometimes, but he’s my little pest. I love him so much and I can not imagine how my life would be today without him. I then told her that if because of her situation and circumstances she is unable to keep her child, she has the opportunity to provide that same joy that I have to others. She is able to carry her baby and then place it in a safe place with a family that wants and is ready for a child. At one point we returned to the counseling room. I left the room for a second and when I came back in she was inquiring more about adoption. She left undecided but saying she was going to look into adoption. I am going to follow up tonight or tomorrow.
I was also able to meet a girl that is from the same town I am from in Florida. She came all the way to NY because she was so afraid of telling her mom she might be pregnant. Her test was negative, but she has missed her period for two months. I told her to come back in two weeks for another test. I gave her my phone number and I think we will stay in contact.
-Shallyn
I mentioned very briefly in my last blog the suckers received by the women after their abortions at Emily’s abortion clinic in the Bronx. Today I saw a woman on the subway eating a sucker and I was almost made sick. I don’t think I’ll ever eat one again. Julie told me how someone, I for got who, says they use suckers to sort of slap us in the face. Suckers because their child was sucked out a tube; however, instead they call them Dum Dum’s, because the women are Dum Dum’s for having an abortion. I wonder if there is any truth in all this. Do the clinic workers purposely give the women suckers after their abortions just to spite us sidewalk counselors? Or are we reading too much into it? Maybe the clinic workers are trying as hard as they can to liken abortion to having a tooth pulled at the dentist. The dentist always gives you a lolli pop, if it’s a good dentist a toothbrush accompanies the candy. Now, what about the women? Would I accept a sucker on my way out of the clinic after killing my child? Would I ask for a specific flavor? These are all thoughts I have been having…
I told a woman my story about the adoption of my little brother. I have to be careful of who reads this because he is six and does not know he was adopted. That conversation will come later in life. Basically if you know my brother or you ever meet him and you decide to under mind my family by saying, Oh you are adopted, I will then have to tie your tongue in a knot. ;) But let me continue; I told the woman my story while I was committing the ultimate sin at Liz’s, showing a client the supply room. Of course I wasn’t told until afterward of its sinfulness. I do not, however, regret it. She needed to see that we REALLY CAN help her! I believe the counselor at that given moment knows what methods are best to reach the client. My client needed comfort, reassurance, someone to tell her everything will be okay. So in the cluttered supply room with baby supplies all around us I told her my story. (one of them) We adopted my little brother and before him I never understood what unconditional love was. He taught me how to love with no bounds, because of the age difference at times I feel like he’s a son. I am very protective like a mother. I told her how much joy my little brother has brought to my life. Yes, he is a little pest sometimes, but he’s my little pest. I love him so much and I can not imagine how my life would be today without him. I then told her that if because of her situation and circumstances she is unable to keep her child, she has the opportunity to provide that same joy that I have to others. She is able to carry her baby and then place it in a safe place with a family that wants and is ready for a child. At one point we returned to the counseling room. I left the room for a second and when I came back in she was inquiring more about adoption. She left undecided but saying she was going to look into adoption. I am going to follow up tonight or tomorrow.
I was also able to meet a girl that is from the same town I am from in Florida. She came all the way to NY because she was so afraid of telling her mom she might be pregnant. Her test was negative, but she has missed her period for two months. I told her to come back in two weeks for another test. I gave her my phone number and I think we will stay in contact.
-Shallyn
Monday, July 6, 2009
Back from Spain
After being an intern last summer here at EMC, I decided to come back for another year. I am from Spain--a long, long way from New York City. The abortion laws are completely different here from those in my country. Here, they are much less strict compared to my country so I am more than willing to help stop this abortion agenda in America. Since being back here, I was able to work in the Brooklyn office and see miracles happen. I love working in the Bronx, though, because my native language is Spanish and many of the Bronx women speak Spanish. I also have enjoyed working outside Dr. Emily's, the largest abortion clinic in the Bronx. I have had the privilege to see a few turnarounds since I've been back. I know I am here on God's will, and I will continue to keep everyone updated about my second time in the United States.
Not always a happy ending.
While working in front of Dr. Emily's, an abortion clinic, I persuaded a girl to come over to the sonogram van. I had high hopes that when she saw her baby in the ultrasound she would decide to have her baby. However, after a little more than an hour of conversation about what the right thing to do is and the best way possible to go about doing it she decided that she was not ready to have a baby.
She was finishing up college and wanted to look for a career and now just wasn't the right time to have a baby. She went back into the abortion clinic after we had exchanged phone numbers and we began to text each other.
She explained to me that she was thankful for people like us who care and appreciated our concern. She went on explaining how she knew what she was doing was wrong and that she knew she was going to suffer for it and that God didn't want her to do that. She still went in and got the abortion anyway. I told her we'd still be there for her if she needed to talk and am continuing to pray for her.
She was finishing up college and wanted to look for a career and now just wasn't the right time to have a baby. She went back into the abortion clinic after we had exchanged phone numbers and we began to text each other.
She explained to me that she was thankful for people like us who care and appreciated our concern. She went on explaining how she knew what she was doing was wrong and that she knew she was going to suffer for it and that God didn't want her to do that. She still went in and got the abortion anyway. I told her we'd still be there for her if she needed to talk and am continuing to pray for her.
Telling Mom
One of the lessons we have to keep in mind at the Lifehouse is that even when we have cases that seem hopeless, we may be planting seeds in someone’s heart. I was blessed to see this happen this past week with a young girl whom I counseled. Only 15, she came in frightened, accompanied by a friend who was the only person who knew she was pregnant. I’ve never seen anyone so frightened of telling her mother anything. When the mother called to check on her, she and her friend had an elaborate lie worked out about where they were.
The counseling session seemed unproductive. The girl was too desperate to listen to reason, and in too much of a hurry to “get the thing out” to stop and consider what she was doing. Recognizing how alone she felt, I suggested she talk to her mother. Yet, in my heart, I didn’t even expect her to show up for the sonogram appointment, much less open up to her mother. I was delighted, then, when I got a text from her a few days later. She had talked to her mom, who had been in the same situation at age 16. Because she regrets the abortion she got then, the mother wants her daughter to keep the baby. The daughter was so happy to have such love and support just when she thought she was most alone. And I learned an important lesson about how the Holy Spirit can use a few words spoken in passing to transform a terrible situation.
The counseling session seemed unproductive. The girl was too desperate to listen to reason, and in too much of a hurry to “get the thing out” to stop and consider what she was doing. Recognizing how alone she felt, I suggested she talk to her mother. Yet, in my heart, I didn’t even expect her to show up for the sonogram appointment, much less open up to her mother. I was delighted, then, when I got a text from her a few days later. She had talked to her mom, who had been in the same situation at age 16. Because she regrets the abortion she got then, the mother wants her daughter to keep the baby. The daughter was so happy to have such love and support just when she thought she was most alone. And I learned an important lesson about how the Holy Spirit can use a few words spoken in passing to transform a terrible situation.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
my first week
this is my first week being here so i havent seen any action yet, but while i was at liz's place, i watched a video which was in spanish but what i understood from it was that the guy in the video was talking about how an abortion was done. When i was about to leave, a young girl came in, i think she was 17 years and she was there for an abortion ...... i was so surprised about how people just walked in seeking an abortion. Tomorrow im going for training so hopefully i get hands on training on how things are done here
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Freedom for All
On this Independence Day, which celebrates the liberation of America from the oppression of Great Britain, we pray that the fundamental rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" are extended to all. We ask God's blessing on those mothers who struggle over this holiday weekend with a crisis pregnancy and its consequences.
We beg God for the grace of conversion for those who are making plans this weekend for another busy week in the abortion industry. One day, they will see the error of their ways - that they are not helping women, but taking advantage of their slavery to fear and despair.
We pray for all lawmakers, that they may be inspired by the patriotism of this holiday to stand up for the rights of all people, regardless of age, disability, or level of development. May they always stand up for the rights of all people, from conception to natural death.
And may God bless, you, all those who read this blog. May God give you peace, security, and abounding grace in all you do.
We beg God for the grace of conversion for those who are making plans this weekend for another busy week in the abortion industry. One day, they will see the error of their ways - that they are not helping women, but taking advantage of their slavery to fear and despair.
We pray for all lawmakers, that they may be inspired by the patriotism of this holiday to stand up for the rights of all people, regardless of age, disability, or level of development. May they always stand up for the rights of all people, from conception to natural death.
And may God bless, you, all those who read this blog. May God give you peace, security, and abounding grace in all you do.
‘America Runs on Dunkin’
Today I stood outside Dr. Emily’s abortion clinic, the biggest and busiest clinic in the Bronx, with Julie. For hours we stood on the gum spotted sidewalk, with a chain link fence keeping us ‘dangerous pro-lifers’ from the women driving in for their abortions. This was not the first time I have stood outside of an abortion clinic, I have also back home in Florida near my college campus. However, this is the first time I stood outside not only praying but observing and trying to learn the art of sidewalk counseling. Julie is flawless in her efforts, much like a young lady back in Tampa named Cari. Both are attentive and compassionate people. I watched Julie walk towards every couple, group of friends, and lonesome women walking towards the clinic with the same fervent look upon her face, she knows this back alley is a battleground and this facility has us often outnumbered. Even when women left the clinic with their souvenir sucker (Dum Dum lollipops) after their abortions Julie had the boldness to lovingly approach them. Never allowing herself to become visibly discouraged, she kept on counseling her heart out until just before the so-called doctors left for the day.
It rained today over the clinic at several different times throughout the day…
Twins were aborted today. Black babies, Hispanic babies, White babies, Indian babies…. All aborted today. This slaughter house holds no prejudice; money is still green no matter the color of the hand it’s coming from. The cha-ching sound is universal.
Julie road her bike to a Dunkin Donuts, myself riding the subway. At first the DD sign blended in with the other neon signs that were obnoxiously on in the day-time. Then I saw the safe, comfortable, delicious sign; it made me want an iced coffee, after all I was parched from standing outside the clinic in the sun. Just as I grasped the door handle I heard my name called from behind me. I let go of the door and turned around. It was Julie; she’d gotten stuck behind some slow pokes on the bike ride over. She told me if I was going in to go ahead and get whatever and she’d wait (or some equal dialogue was exchanged). I went into to grab the usual medium iced French vanilla coffee with cream and sugar, when I saw that their small was 20 cents more than a medium in Tampa! I was outraged, and thirsty, more thirsty than outraged. I caved and bought the coffee. As the guy was making my coffee I overheard the cashier girl talking with a man on my side of the counter, they seemed to be friends. He asked her why she wasn’t smiling and why she looked so sad. She looked around and sighed before she said nearly below her breath, I have an appointment. They guy paused then continued questioning her, abortion? Yes, the girl replied. With a pause, sigh, and jokingly light-hearted voice he remarked come on that’s killing the baby. At this moment I was unzipping my purse and pulling out the last English pamphlet I had left over from standing outside Dr. Emily’s. While I was extending the folded papers to her I spoke, we can help you, we can help you financially and in every way. I asked her to read the paper and think about it. I then offered to give her my phone number; she said the paper was enough. I said okay, and asked her again to read the paper and to think about it. She said okay, I said thank you, and then proceeded to walk out of DD. When I told Julie what happened she was more excited than I was. However, later on I realized the importance of this event, not only for the girl in DD, but also myself. I am not going to speculate on the outcome of the girl’s decision or her child’s fate, however, I can pray that God uses that pamphlet to soften her heart and make her aware of the help we can and will offer her. Now, like I said, this event was also for my benefit. Let me explain. I was feeling very small, insignificant, and ineffective. But the Lord gave me an opportunity to be bold (however small the boldness might have been). By being aware of my surroundings and receptive to His will I shared potentially life saving information by a simple extension of the hand, accompanied by a reassuring smile and a sincere plea to read the information. I pray God takes it from there and His child is brought into the world. I may never know, but it’s not about that, it is about knowing that I obeyed God by taking that opportunity He presented.
It rained today over the clinic at several different times throughout the day…
Twins were aborted today. Black babies, Hispanic babies, White babies, Indian babies…. All aborted today. This slaughter house holds no prejudice; money is still green no matter the color of the hand it’s coming from. The cha-ching sound is universal.
Julie road her bike to a Dunkin Donuts, myself riding the subway. At first the DD sign blended in with the other neon signs that were obnoxiously on in the day-time. Then I saw the safe, comfortable, delicious sign; it made me want an iced coffee, after all I was parched from standing outside the clinic in the sun. Just as I grasped the door handle I heard my name called from behind me. I let go of the door and turned around. It was Julie; she’d gotten stuck behind some slow pokes on the bike ride over. She told me if I was going in to go ahead and get whatever and she’d wait (or some equal dialogue was exchanged). I went into to grab the usual medium iced French vanilla coffee with cream and sugar, when I saw that their small was 20 cents more than a medium in Tampa! I was outraged, and thirsty, more thirsty than outraged. I caved and bought the coffee. As the guy was making my coffee I overheard the cashier girl talking with a man on my side of the counter, they seemed to be friends. He asked her why she wasn’t smiling and why she looked so sad. She looked around and sighed before she said nearly below her breath, I have an appointment. They guy paused then continued questioning her, abortion? Yes, the girl replied. With a pause, sigh, and jokingly light-hearted voice he remarked come on that’s killing the baby. At this moment I was unzipping my purse and pulling out the last English pamphlet I had left over from standing outside Dr. Emily’s. While I was extending the folded papers to her I spoke, we can help you, we can help you financially and in every way. I asked her to read the paper and think about it. I then offered to give her my phone number; she said the paper was enough. I said okay, and asked her again to read the paper and to think about it. She said okay, I said thank you, and then proceeded to walk out of DD. When I told Julie what happened she was more excited than I was. However, later on I realized the importance of this event, not only for the girl in DD, but also myself. I am not going to speculate on the outcome of the girl’s decision or her child’s fate, however, I can pray that God uses that pamphlet to soften her heart and make her aware of the help we can and will offer her. Now, like I said, this event was also for my benefit. Let me explain. I was feeling very small, insignificant, and ineffective. But the Lord gave me an opportunity to be bold (however small the boldness might have been). By being aware of my surroundings and receptive to His will I shared potentially life saving information by a simple extension of the hand, accompanied by a reassuring smile and a sincere plea to read the information. I pray God takes it from there and His child is brought into the world. I may never know, but it’s not about that, it is about knowing that I obeyed God by taking that opportunity He presented.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Second Chances
The other day I was counseling a young woman of twenty. I could tell right away that she was a warm and sweet girl but I started to grow discouraged when I saw she had already had an abortion a year ago. Having one abortion greatly increases your chances of having another abortion and it is very easy for a girl to develop a hardened heart. I took a deep breath and continued with the session reminding myself that there is hope for each girl.
I put in the abortion procedure video. She said as we started to watch she said to me "I also wondered what they did to me when I had the abortion." I thought of how sad it was that she had no idea what they had done to her. She started making shocked noises as the movie continued and commenting she didn't know if she could do anymore. Thanks be to God we did not even finish the movie before she yelled stop! stop! I'm keeping my baby!
She told me she had promised God that if she got pregnant again she would not go through with another abortion. She told me she knew she deserved a decision she could be proud of and live with. She knew it wasn't right to deny someone life and especially her own child.
Her eyes filled with tears as I told her how far along she was and when her baby was due. She was left with joy and peace as she walked out the office taking the second chance God had given her. She was proud of herself and so was I!
I put in the abortion procedure video. She said as we started to watch she said to me "I also wondered what they did to me when I had the abortion." I thought of how sad it was that she had no idea what they had done to her. She started making shocked noises as the movie continued and commenting she didn't know if she could do anymore. Thanks be to God we did not even finish the movie before she yelled stop! stop! I'm keeping my baby!
She told me she had promised God that if she got pregnant again she would not go through with another abortion. She told me she knew she deserved a decision she could be proud of and live with. She knew it wasn't right to deny someone life and especially her own child.
Her eyes filled with tears as I told her how far along she was and when her baby was due. She was left with joy and peace as she walked out the office taking the second chance God had given her. She was proud of herself and so was I!
Mother Among Moms
Yesterday I had the pleasure of escorting a woman named Michelle from Dr. Emily’s abortion clinic to the Sisters of Life. She had walked over an hour to get to the abortion mill that morning because she could not afford train fare, which is now $2.25 each way. Before entering Dr. Emily’s we gave her the opportunity to have an ultrasound in our mobile clinic. As she looked at the picture of the abortion procedures, she knew that she could not do this. Michelle does not believe in abortion and has four children at home. She is not working and is completely dependent on her fiancé for financial support. He was also pressuring her to have the abortion.
She sat in the mobile clinic for over an hour talking after she decided to keep her baby. We finally headed downtown to meet with the Sisters. On the train ride to Manhattan, Michelle talked non-stop, telling me all about her life and situation. She had so many concerns and responsibilities; she is truly trapped in her situation.
We stayed at the Sisters of Life, talking for over four hours. They served her lunch and it took over an hour for her to finish her sandwich because she didn’t stop talking long enough to chew. My heart went out to this poor woman. I could tell that she had so much bottled up inside. She obviously has no person that she can really talk to and her fiancé was extremely controlling. Michelle is only 27 but already has graying hair and looks like she could actually be in her forties. She doesn’t have enough money to buy diapers for her youngest child and often has to use towels. Michelle doesn’t eat as she should because she ensures that her children eat first, followed by her fiancé, and the leftovers are what she gets.
The Sisters provided her with a bag of groceries, maternity clothes, and diapers. These things lifted Michelle’s spirits, but the greatest gift given to Michelle was hope and love. For the first time in a long time or maybe the first time in her life, she had found someone who truly cared for her and her needs. She has become so used to not having any appreciation or attention. That day she was able to see not just the Sister’s love and compassion for her, but the love and compassion of Jesus Christ.
Please keep her in your prayers as she makes the beautiful sacrifices of a mother so that her baby can live. Praise the Lord, Michelle chose life!
She sat in the mobile clinic for over an hour talking after she decided to keep her baby. We finally headed downtown to meet with the Sisters. On the train ride to Manhattan, Michelle talked non-stop, telling me all about her life and situation. She had so many concerns and responsibilities; she is truly trapped in her situation.
We stayed at the Sisters of Life, talking for over four hours. They served her lunch and it took over an hour for her to finish her sandwich because she didn’t stop talking long enough to chew. My heart went out to this poor woman. I could tell that she had so much bottled up inside. She obviously has no person that she can really talk to and her fiancé was extremely controlling. Michelle is only 27 but already has graying hair and looks like she could actually be in her forties. She doesn’t have enough money to buy diapers for her youngest child and often has to use towels. Michelle doesn’t eat as she should because she ensures that her children eat first, followed by her fiancé, and the leftovers are what she gets.
The Sisters provided her with a bag of groceries, maternity clothes, and diapers. These things lifted Michelle’s spirits, but the greatest gift given to Michelle was hope and love. For the first time in a long time or maybe the first time in her life, she had found someone who truly cared for her and her needs. She has become so used to not having any appreciation or attention. That day she was able to see not just the Sister’s love and compassion for her, but the love and compassion of Jesus Christ.
Please keep her in your prayers as she makes the beautiful sacrifices of a mother so that her baby can live. Praise the Lord, Michelle chose life!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
The way God wants it
This afternoon at our Brooklyn center a Nigerian woman stopped by who had come in for the first time a couple weeks ago. On her first visit, she had been planning to have an abortion but changed her mind upon glimpsing her child on the sonogram screen.
She came back to visit and to chat, and she told us she had picked out a name for her child. She plans to call him Boluwatife. She beamed as she told us what her son's name will mean in Nigerian -- the way God wants it.
She came back to visit and to chat, and she told us she had picked out a name for her child. She plans to call him Boluwatife. She beamed as she told us what her son's name will mean in Nigerian -- the way God wants it.
A Brooklyn Rescue
On Monday, I was able to go the Brooklyn clinic. At one point during the day, a woman came in bawling with her sister. Linda, the director of the clinic, led the women to me and said, "This is Brian, he will take care of you now."
I immediately took the women into one of the counseling rooms and asked her what was wrong. She continued to cry her eyes out as her sister told her to "get herself together." I couldn't get the girl to stop crying. Finally, the sister said she had to go to work and told the woman to call her when the procedure had been finished (the sister assumed that she had taken the woman to an abortion clinic). After the sister left, I said, "I can tell you don't want to go through with this. Have you ever thought about keeping?"
The woman looked up from her tears and said, "I can't. I can't keep this baby." When I asked her why she couldn't, she replied, "I almost died during my last two pregnancies. Almost died. The doctors could barely keep me alive. They said if I tried to give birth again, I wasn't going to make it. I don't want to die..."
She then began to bawl again. I didn't know what to say at first. I prayed to the Holy Spirit to guide me. I was still thinking of what to say when she whispered, "I don't want to go to hell." I immediately looked up. "So you are a Christian?" I said. She nodded. "I was raised Baptist all my life. I don't know what else to do, but I don't want to go to hell."
I immediately felt at ease. I knew exactly what to say now. I explained that God does not give us anything we can't handle. Yes, at times things could be challenging, but if we trusted in Him, he'd lead us through all of our troubles. I told her about my favorite verse, Jeremiah 29:11 in which God explains that he has a prosperous future planned for all of us. I told her that God would not abandon her. She couldn't abandon God, either.
After talking with her for some time more, she finally looked up. She asked if she could make a phone call. As the phone was ringing, she told me she was calling her mom to ask what she should do. I remember, at that moment, I spoke to God saying, "Lord, I got her this far, but it is up to you. I can't do this alone. You said knock and I shall receive. Well, I'm knocking!"
Well, she talked to her mom, and her mom miraculously said, "Come on home. Bring the baby with you!" The woman was so overjoyed that her mom would help her raise her unborn baby. She had decided to keep her child! She turned to me and said, "Thank you for everything!" She then left. I texted her later that night and she said she was doing well. Praise God!
I immediately took the women into one of the counseling rooms and asked her what was wrong. She continued to cry her eyes out as her sister told her to "get herself together." I couldn't get the girl to stop crying. Finally, the sister said she had to go to work and told the woman to call her when the procedure had been finished (the sister assumed that she had taken the woman to an abortion clinic). After the sister left, I said, "I can tell you don't want to go through with this. Have you ever thought about keeping?"
The woman looked up from her tears and said, "I can't. I can't keep this baby." When I asked her why she couldn't, she replied, "I almost died during my last two pregnancies. Almost died. The doctors could barely keep me alive. They said if I tried to give birth again, I wasn't going to make it. I don't want to die..."
She then began to bawl again. I didn't know what to say at first. I prayed to the Holy Spirit to guide me. I was still thinking of what to say when she whispered, "I don't want to go to hell." I immediately looked up. "So you are a Christian?" I said. She nodded. "I was raised Baptist all my life. I don't know what else to do, but I don't want to go to hell."
I immediately felt at ease. I knew exactly what to say now. I explained that God does not give us anything we can't handle. Yes, at times things could be challenging, but if we trusted in Him, he'd lead us through all of our troubles. I told her about my favorite verse, Jeremiah 29:11 in which God explains that he has a prosperous future planned for all of us. I told her that God would not abandon her. She couldn't abandon God, either.
After talking with her for some time more, she finally looked up. She asked if she could make a phone call. As the phone was ringing, she told me she was calling her mom to ask what she should do. I remember, at that moment, I spoke to God saying, "Lord, I got her this far, but it is up to you. I can't do this alone. You said knock and I shall receive. Well, I'm knocking!"
Well, she talked to her mom, and her mom miraculously said, "Come on home. Bring the baby with you!" The woman was so overjoyed that her mom would help her raise her unborn baby. She had decided to keep her child! She turned to me and said, "Thank you for everything!" She then left. I texted her later that night and she said she was doing well. Praise God!
A Bronx Story
In my first day at Dr. Emily’s abortion clinic, I was nervous but at the same time motivated to help the women entering the clinic as much as possible. This time I was lucky because by the grace of God, I spoke to a woman named Lucy. As she entered the clinic, Chelsy stopped to talk to her, but she spoke Spanish. I asked Lucy if she wanted to have a free sonogram in our mobile clinic. She told me she knew she was pregnant, but she didn’t know how far along she was. Together, Chelsy and I were able to convince her to go for the ultrasound.
On the way to mobile clinic, she told me her situation. Her husband and her mother did not support her in the pregnancy. Lucy already has two children and was worried that a third child would be more than she could handle. I told her that it was not a question of support. I asked her how can kill your child when you have the chance to love your child. I told her that she needed to be brave because she didn’t have the support of her husband, but encouraged her with the support we could offer her.
Julie took her inside the mobile clinic for the sonogram and I returned to the back of Dr. Emily’s. I later found out that Lucy had decided to keep her baby. I felt completely grateful because I was able to play a part in saving a baby’s life. I knew it was because of God, but it was beautiful to be a part of it. I think my whole trip here is worth it because of this one child that will now live. It was amazing to know that the first woman I spoke to on my first day was also my first turnaround.
On the way to mobile clinic, she told me her situation. Her husband and her mother did not support her in the pregnancy. Lucy already has two children and was worried that a third child would be more than she could handle. I told her that it was not a question of support. I asked her how can kill your child when you have the chance to love your child. I told her that she needed to be brave because she didn’t have the support of her husband, but encouraged her with the support we could offer her.
Julie took her inside the mobile clinic for the sonogram and I returned to the back of Dr. Emily’s. I later found out that Lucy had decided to keep her baby. I felt completely grateful because I was able to play a part in saving a baby’s life. I knew it was because of God, but it was beautiful to be a part of it. I think my whole trip here is worth it because of this one child that will now live. It was amazing to know that the first woman I spoke to on my first day was also my first turnaround.
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