Hi! my name is Violeta, I'm 21, I'm from Madrid (Spain), and I study economics at University Rey Juan Carlos.
Regarding my family I can tell you that I have one sister and one brother. My brother, Pablo, has down syndrom and lots of people decide to abort babies with this disease, so I want to defend indefense babies as in my family we have always chosen life.
Since some years, I spend my summers doing volunteering projects.
A friend of mine told me about  this Pro-life internship in New York  and she also told me her experience and how grateful this is, and I wanted to get involved in something like this, so here I am doing my first pro-life volunteer and I'm so excited.
In my first day I went to pray to Choices, an abortion clinic and I felt so sad because it is hard to see how moms get into the clinic, and I was so shocked because that day in about 4 hours maybe 15 moms entered to the clinic.
But I saw that one mom changed her decision about the abortion and then I felt that God does big thing and we should trust Him.
    

           "I want to keep my baby, but I'm afraid."

Supporting our clients all the way. 

I witnessed my first ever sonogram on Tuesday. The baby was 24 weeks old! It was a boy and he was giving a high five! Very cool! This was a life saved, as this young woman was legally too late to have an abortion. Leaving our centre the girl was excited to be keeping her baby, which was a total U-turn. She came into our office with the aim of having an abortion. Had she gone to an abortion clinic her baby would now be dead. She left us with light in her eyes.

The more I see these types of cases the more encouraged and comforted I become in this mission we are on. The majority of women and girls I meet do not want to have the abortion they set out that morning to have. I ask their confused and frightened faces if they actually want to have the abortion, if they really want to end the pregnancy, and if they want to keep their babies. The answer is almost always the same "I don't want to have an abortion. I want to keep my baby but I'm afraid." 

Beautiful young women are going into abortion clinics out of fear and coming out even more confused and regretful of their decision. They are afraid for many reasons, mostly out of fear of rejection and financial concerns. They are afraid of the future without realising the affects abortion could have on them. Effects they are not educated on in the abortion clinics. We offer support and truth. We offer love and encouragement. I am witnessing each day how this literally saves lives. 

I have had a handful of girls over the past few days say "thank you" to me. 'Thank you" I have to repeat it such is my gratitude at their openness to God's grace through our presence here. Young women who were about to have abortions say 'thank you." It's incredible! They are thankful because someone took the time to talk to them and truly care for their good. They are thankful for hearing that they have another choice; a choice to save and not to end. They are thankful for the truth. I am thankful for God's saving grace and Our Lady's intercession. 

Deirdre

Strength in mother's heart

It was a regular morning next to Dr. Emily's when I saw a man quickly walking towards the entrance with a woman reluctantly following him. Their body language has already told half of the story. Another intern Marga spoke to the lady while the guy was shouting her name from the doorstep of abortion clinic. She was distressed and did not listen. Then Marga came to me and told that the lady agreed to come to our office. Since she was a new intern, I showed the way. The man was adamant, he was getting agressive and made the lady cry. However she sticked with us. She read the pamphlet about negative effects of abortion and alternative options on our way, it seemed like she was finding comfort internalizing that information. The young man followed us and attempted to change her mind from time to time. 

How can one have such a strong desire to kill? It was her first pregnancy, and her intuition was unmuted. That young woman had all the gentleness and affection that her baby is going to need. But her man completely ignored our invitations to see the sonogram, he wanted to reject the idea of a baby being real human being. Not far from our final destination he left us full of anger.
We still don;t know if it is a turn-around, because the girl spent some time to cool down after such a shock and then told she would come back for a sonogram with her mother. 

I really want this baby to see a daylight and I hope that his or her mother will stay loyal to the voice of her heart.

                                            Next to Dr. Emily's that morning



Sigute

                                                 Heartache and Hope

First blog ever! Daunting! First time in New York! Exciting! First time to witness abortion on demand enacted. Frightening! First time to sidewalk council. Hopeless! First time to see women just after having an abortion. Devastating!

I arrived here a week ago from Ireland. My name is Deirdre and I'm a teacher. We have been blessed not to have legalised abortion, that is until 2013 where abortion under certain circumstances was passed into law. We don't have abortion on demand like here in the States, like here in New York. After spending one week outside insanely profitable abortion clinics I never want to see another land inflicted with this wrath. I never want to see another woman so cut up, confused and crippled by this atrocity. 

This has been a hugely challenging week. It feels like I've been here much longer. It feels as though I've been doing this for a long time. Such is the weight of this work. Such is the weight of this struggle. I don't know the impact of my presence outside of the abortion clinics but I have to believe that we are making a diference. I know that these girls need us. This story demonstrates that....

On Friday morning I tried to stop a girl on her way into a major abortion clinic. She was with a friend. She was black. I add that because to date I have only seen one white girl enter a clinic and so I believe that colour in abortion here is relevant. She didn't want to talk to me but as she left the clinic she was willing to talk to me. She told me that she was 18 weeks pregnant and when I showed her images of a baby at that stage in the womb she ran into the subway crying. Saturday morning she was back at the clinic. She confided in me that she was actually in the middle of a laminaria abortion, and she was in pieces. She said she wished that she had listened to me the previous morning. She was so regretful and it was so apparant. She had gone too far and I couldn't change her mind. We spoke again when she left the clinic abortion completed. My heart ached for her. Her heart was broken and she knew that this pain would linger. She had wanted her baby. She had needed support, encouragement and love but instead, she got exploited. It made me angry that the abortion clinic had taken her money and her baby when what she needed was help. I let her know where we are if she needs to talk in the future. I don't think I will ever forget her face, her regret, her confusion, her fear, her loss. I will pray for her and her baby. 

I encountered another girl on Saturday morning who I'd like to write about in my next blog. We are still in contact and I'm hopeful that she will keep her baby. Pray for her and her boyfriend.

Having hope,

Deirdre 

Giving real choices outside an abortion clinic.

Greetings to everyone!

I’m Borja and I’m 22 years old. I’m from Spain and I decided to come to New York because I wanted to help people and what better that helping babies who don’t have right to defend. I am studying law and economics, and I prefer do volunteering in summer than a good labor practices. This is the reason why I chose to join to EMC.

 I arrived with a friend the 18^th of June to the JFK airport; we were concerned because the United States was something new for us. Now I consider myself a new citizen of Woodlawn Heights. I only have been here three days since my arrival, but the days have been very intense and tired, but I’ve learned that we can do a lot of things to help these babies and their mothers who often don’t know that they do. I’ve realized that we have to pray so much for those babies who are helpless. They need our prayers that are never enough.

My first day of volunteering, I was in the Bronx’s office and I saw two young girls who came to the office to get ultrasounds. I could be with them and I saw their faces lit up when they saw the ultrasounds of their children in their belly. When I saw their smiles with their children, you can see that people change their opinions about their children’s life. The cause of this is that one day an EMC intern spoke to her that there are solutions which are better than the abortion.

I will hope that EMC interns can bring in the culture of life in New York City. This city needs your prayers.

Regards and see you soon in this blog.

Borja

Hi everybody! My name is Marga, I am a 22 year old Spaniard who arrived on Friday afternoon to the LifeHouse. My brother and sister were interns several years ago, and they kept telling me that once I got old enough I had to come because it was very rewarding for them and they grew a lot. And when I became aware of the situation here I couldn't wait to get here.

When we arrived I was surprised of how nice and welcoming all the interns were towards us, but it was more shocking on Saturday when I went with another intern to Plan Parenthood for sidewalk counseling, because the girls we talked to were actually willing to listen to us. I know it won't always be like that, but for my first day it was very encouraging seeing how eager they are to find help and a solution to their problem. So there is hope. Even when the time when we won't be able to spread the word among some women comes, there will still be hope: God will find a way.

Even though I learn a lot just by observing the other intern and some other sidewalk councilors that had gather there that morning, I was really looking forward to the training which took place this morning, first at the LifeHouse and then at the Bronx Office. We talked about sidewalk counseling, we roll-played, we saw some training videos, and I learned a lot. Nevertheless, it was overwhelming, since we got to discuss the American legislation on abortion which is far worse from the Spanish one I'm used to, and as a Spanish and catholic law graduate it was very frustrating for me. But at least women here are more willing to be helped so, again, there is hope.

I'll try to bear in mind every morning and whenever I'll feel useless (when for instance a girl I've been talking to for five or ten minutes walks into the abortion clinic anyway), that God will provide.

I hope I will have good news for all of you next time I post!

Marga

Hi, my name is Gonzalo Ugalde, I´m from Bilbao, and I have studied economics in the University of Navarra.

This year in college I finished my last year and around me everyone was worried about what would be the  unforgettable trip of the summer. I instead wanted a trip to do more. My intention was to have fun , but doing something productive at the same time.

 When I was doing my first semester exams, a friend told me the opportunity to come to NY to fight abortion. In Spain I have participated in pro-life movements, so when I received this information I decided to sign up for the Pro-Life Internship in New York City. And now, a few months later, I am training to save lives in NY. I arrived four days ago and I´m living living in a house in the Bronx with another boy.

 These days I have gone to the biggest abortion center of NY and I have seen a lot of mothers who don’t want their babies because they unknown that their babies are gifts from God. In these 2 months I want to help a lot of mothers to change their life’s vision.

 Respects


 Gonzalo

First days at EMC internship!

Hi! My name is Fátima Wesolowski. I am from Madrid (Spain), and I came here three days ago. I have felt very welcome ever since we arrived. 

On Saturday we went to an abortion clinic, where there were many other pro-life people from a local Church. We exchange opinions and thoughts with them. They had a different approach, but it was very enriching.

Later on, some of the interns, another boy who was already there praying and myself, got together to pray the Rosary. It was a very special moment, to see strangers praying together for the same cause. I really appreciated that moment because I think the most important thing is to pray first and then get into action.

Today was a training day, and I took it very seriously because I am aware of how important it is to be well prepared, so that we can be able to help the women in need and to safe those babies' lives.

So that is all I can tell you for now. I hope and I know that this is going to do a lot of good, so every effort will be worth it!

I´ll keep you posted,

Fátima.

A New Experience

                                                            Training at the LifeHouse

Hi everyone!

My name is Marta Wesolowski from Madrid (Spain) and I'm 21 years old. I grew up in a very big family. We are six sibilings: two brothers and three sisters. Since I was very little, my family has instilled me love for the culture of life and I find it one of the most important pillar of society and also I really want to share this with other people. Mainly, with those who did not have the opportunity to grow in an enviroment where you learn how valuable each life since it has been conceived.

The reason I'm here is because I want to defend the right to live. Work trying to save lives in the capital of abortion is very rewarding to me. Also, it is interesting to get to know other cultures. In fact, I'm impressed about the kind and helpul of the people of this city. For example, the day I arrived (19th of June) We were lost and a kind person took us to the door of the house.

Referring to my shrot experience here, I can say that it's very beautiful to work on this as well as hard, because it's not easy to convinve someone not to have an abortion, especially if the circunstances of the mother are not good.

I think that I'm going to help a lot of people, not only with the means that the organization gives to me, but also by praying for them

More will follow!

Marta Wesolowski.

Facing the Challenges

It has been three weeks since I have arrived in New York City.

I have learned so much in such a small amount of time that I am so surprised my brain has handled it all so well! It's MIND BLOWING just how much our brains can retain when we actually use them and not our smart phones... who would have known! ;)

I purposefully use my phone directions as minimally as possible and have been relying mostly on maps and memory. Sometimes I still enter the subway station heading in the wrong direction but you know what... I always find my way back!

The more thrilling thing is that I have learned so much about the women's body in relation to child bearing, development of the baby, abortion types/effects (not so thrilling), contraception, communication skills, sacrifice survival skills and a deeper love for God and my neighbors. What a blessing!

I must confess that most days I wish I didn't know all of this and could turn my cheek in the other direction but I have done that for far too long. I will always remember when Abby Johnson spoke at Our Lady of the Lake University and stated that if every Christian was active in fighting abortion it would have been conquered by now.

I saw a video on Tuesday titled, "The Silent Scream" and it was absolutely powerful. It was released many years ago, in 1984, and narrated by an abortionist who eventually became a pro-life advocate. The video shows a first-trimester baby experiencing extreme fear while the uterus is being invaded by abortion tools. The abortion was captured through an ultrasound and is very evident that the baby is silently screaming in fear of what is about to happen.

I have seen even more graphic videos of abortions and this is exactly why I cannot turn my cheek anymore. It is very easy not to be involved in such a cause when you don't really know and see the sad truths of what is going on in those clinics.

When I stand outside those abortion clinics, many women go in sad, some go in indifferent and others go in seemingly happy, all expecting to come out feeling liberated for exercising their right to choose. However, the majority of the time I see them come out... they're so devastated, so hurt, and some are very good at pretending everything is okay.

Do you know that feeling of doing something that is so unnatural to your being?

Well, this is a good way for me to understand what these women must experience after an abortion.

Going against the very nature to carry a new life is probably the most unnatural thing a woman can do! I don't mean it should be easy for them to be pregnant and give birth but it is natural. It is all a part of God's design and we human beings don't determine that... it's a natural occurrence. Sure we can prevent pregnancy, also by natural means, but to terminate it is another story.

This is why these women come out looking as if they have lost their entire selves.

I hope, along with Abby, that one day all Christians can be active in their pro-life stance. Together we can do many great things. :)

Sincerely yours,
Sarah

The end is just the beginning!

This is my last blog. It was been a relatively short journey but a learning filled one. I was the first  summer 2015 intern to come to the house now I am the first to leave. It is bittersweet to say  goodbye but alas it always comes. However, I am leaving on a great not with a double  turnaround! Two women who were planing on abortion came in today for a sonogram and  changed their mind based on the information and help that EMC gave to them. It was amazing  to see the life growing in the womb and to know that that life will be spared. I know that by  being here is making a difference in many peoples life's and it will make a impact that will never  be forgotten. I am very glad to be a part of those changes for the good.

 

Goodbye NYC I never forget this experience. Nidrea.

Making the Right Choice...

In difficult situations people tend to make decisions that benefits the moments without thinking about the future consequences. At EMC we try to help mothers make the right choice of choosing life for their babies.

I met a 17 yrs. old Latino girl this week. She is 21 weeks pregnant for a boy who is also 17 yrs. old. Her parents are separated, she got pregnant while living with her father. She is living with her mum at this moment. Her mom says that she will support her in decision but she would rather have her abort the baby. Her mom would have had her abort the baby earlier but she didn't have an insurance. It is amazing how God works sometimes! The girl’s mom believes the girl is too young to have a child and isn’t ready for such responsibility. The girl is now fond of her baby; she has felt it move and she would like to parent the baby. She believes that she can take care of the baby and she will do her best to be responsible. There is just one thing stopping her from making the right decision her mom’s opinion. I talked her into convincing her mom in support her and that she can do a good job taking care of the babies. I am praying that she does not give in to her mum’s opinion of her aborting the baby. I am praying she make the right decision in keeping the baby.

We pray for the mothers to make the right decision in choosing life for their babies.

Joy.

Seeds of hope

I spent yesterday morning ‘on duty’ (in words of construction workers nearby) next to Planned Parenthood in Manhattan. It was the first morning when I actually was able to predict who is coming into the clinic in that sidewalk full of passers-by. It has nothing to do with appearance, maybe it is just pain that can be sensed in these heavy steps of expected parents. When they see us, they want to avoid us but at the same time a small part of their being wishes to be stopped from aborting their child. And yes I tried to do just that, greeting them with a smile. A group of girls were coming and one of them was pregnant. Her friend told that it is ‘only’ 8 weeks of pregnancy… When they heard what the baby is capable of at this time, how the heart is already beating, they accepted the pamphlet with more information and our phone number but carelessly rushed into the clinic… It seemed like that friend was more interested than the pregnant girl herself. I did not see them leaving the clinic for the rest of the morning…

A few men who were waiting outside while their partners were in the clinic tried not to demonstrate their feelings, but after talking to them it was apparent that they carry hurricanes in their hearts. They felt helpless and one refused my help, another was in denial.

Deceased babies in this clinic are not forgotten; they received a tribute from street artists which can be seen by a lot of women on their way to the abortion clinic. The street of Planned Parenthood certainly has a different atmosphere.

Even though that was a morning with no turn-arounds, a lot of women took the pamphlet with the pro-life message into abortion clinic. Maybe this is a tiny seed of hope. Maybe this hope will grow gradually in them and they will be able to be open to life one day.

Sigute

It's A Miracle!

Today is the day that makes all the suffering worthwhile!

Let me tell you...

I have become better at distinguishing the signs of a woman going into the clinic for an abortion. I had little faith in the beginning, fearing that I would never be able to pinpoint these very delicate woman. But guess what happens when you have little faith? God shows us just how powerful He is and yup... He sure did show me today. In fact, He revealed so much of His power to me today!

Planned Parenthood in downtown Manhattan  

I was absolutely sure these two women were going into Planned Parenthood for an abortion and I was able to discern which one was there for the abortion and which one was there for support. I approached them as quickly as I could and was only able to provide our brochure of helpful information to the women supporting her friend.

Moments later that friend came outside, as most supporting figures do, to smoke a cigarette. Yes! A perfect opportunity to inspire her heart so that she, in turn can inspire the heart of her friend. I approached her and asked if her friend was having an abortion today, she confirmed that indeed she was. This women opened up to me and we began talking deeper about the devastating situation of the pregnant woman who I later learned was actually her cousin. I emphasized the amount of love she was going to have to give her cousin so that she can heal from such a traumatic event. Amazingly, she confessed that she herself had an abortion in her past and agreed that the effects of an abortion are indeed beyond difficult and lasting. Our conversation ended with much encouragement and I gave the rest for God to handle.

In the meantime, a man who works close with the Sisters of Life joined us on the sidewalk to offer us his sidewalk counseling wisdom! At some point he spoke with the same woman waiting for her cousin and here is where things got real!! She walked out of Planned Parenthood maybe an hour later and told us her cousin is keeping her baby....

What!?

Yes! God does exist!

The photo you will see below is the same diagram she took a picture of as requested by the man helping who asked her to show her cousin the truth about what the abortionist is planning on doing to her and her baby. This truly changed the heart of these two women and praise God a life was sparred this day!

I am so grateful that God gave me the opportunity to witness such a defeat over death.

However, the fight is not over. This women still requires all the prayers she can get so that she does not change her mind and continues to carry her pregnancy to term.

Let's pray EMC can see that baby in 28 weeks!

Sincerely yours,
Sarah

P.s. I know this diagram is challenging but please take a moment to see the truths about abortion. This particular type of abortion occurs during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Diagram by Nucleus Communications 

To Save A Life

This week we attended another abortion clinic in queens NY called choices. When we arrived  the pro‐life believers that were there told us that choices had done 10 to 15 thousand abortions last year. When we heard about this myself and the other interns we ready to put a decrease in  other numbers. We prayed the rosary for these women. Alone with trying to give out any  possible information about the procedure that we can. The women just do not know how their choices will effect them in the further. In the Office one day a girl came in and wanted a sonogram for a baby she wanted to parent. We were very delightful to help her. After the sonogram was done it was determined that she was supposed to be in her 12th week of  pregnancy but she miscarried in her 8th week. After looking at her file we learned that she has had four abortions in the past. She was very hurt about the lost of her baby now even with the  mindset to parent she cannot. This is why we have to give these women all the help that they will need to make the right choice for their baby and then theirselves.

Nidrea.

Advocate for the Unborn

Last week I had the opportunity to travel down to Williamsburg virginia to visit colonial Williamsburg with my fellow interns. I got to explore the revolutionary city and tour some historical buildings like the governor's’ palace, Capitol and one of the founding fathers Peyton Randolph’s house. I was fascinated by the history and beauty that colonial Williamsburg holds.

Williamsburg VA, holds the ideals of the founding fathers; Jefferson and Randolph advocating for the independence of the people of America. Just like how the leaders advocated for the freedom of people, the unborn children are relying on Pro-lifers to advocate on their behalf. They need people to advocate for them that they are not just a blob of tissue, they are humans and they have the right to be given the chance to be born into the world. Thomas Jefferson advocated for an Ideal Republic where "Under the law of nature all men are born free" and everyone has a right to Life and Freedom. One important thing I learnt from this trip is to make sure to give my all and advocate on behalf on the Unborn children and ask the mothers to choose life for their unborn children.

Joy. 

America from its birth to...death?

The way I feel about America has changed a lot after our visit to Williamsburg in Virginia. It is always easier to understand people if you know their history, and I have learnt a lot about the birth of this great nation. I was attracted to this country because Americans stand for their beliefs stronger than some other nations, no matter what these beliefs are. A visit to Colonial Williamsburg helped to understand where this American passion comes from.

We visited Capitol – a place where in May 1776 the desire for independence was spoken for the first time. Legislative wars took place here and were followed by revolution. Governor’s Palace was extremely beautiful as well – Lord Dunmore lived here during a Gunpowder Incident when he ordered removal of gunpowder from the magazine. It resulted in a conflict that made him leave Virginia. Also we visited the very same church in which some of the founding fathers worshiped. College of William and Mary, which was founded in 1693, was alma mater for Thomas Jefferson and other accomplished men. Justice, faith and education were ingrained deeply in the history of United States since the beginning of it.

Next to the Capitol

Getting to know how wholeheartedly this country fought for liberty helps to understand why people here believe in their dreams so strongly and convert them into reality without hesitation.

But was it worth fighting for liberty if so many citizens voluntarily chain up their hearts by murder of unprotected preborns? What the culture of death, laying hand on so many children of America, is leading to? In order to maintain its greatness, America has to stand up for the voiceless. 

Above the classroom door in College of William and Mary

Sigute

The Blood Of The Innocent Continues To Be Shed

My heart aches...

I'm not even sure where to begin...

I experienced what it is like to be in the shoes of a sidewalk advocate for the first time this week.
Planned Parenthood on Bleecker street is one of the oldest Planned Parenthood's in NYC and guess who the entire center is named after? Margret Sanger, of course. The women credited for pioneering birth control in our country to what is now the billion dollar, non-profit organization providing "healthcare" for women called Planned Parenthood.

Now, before I tell you what I saw while outside the abortion clinics this week, allow me to do a comparison that will hopefully put something into perspective for all of us to understand.

I also had the opportunity this week to visit the memorial site of the terrible attacks on the World Trade Center where thousands of people lost their lives. As a matter of fact, close to 3,000 people lost their lives on 9/11 including those killed at the Pentagon. The burial ground where the towers once stood is now a beautiful waterfall encompassed by the names of those lost that day. The constant motion of water symbolized to me that the spirit of these people will forever remain present at this place, in the hearts of New Yorkers and the nation. My friend and co-intern made the comment, "these people's names will be here FOREVER!"

That truly struck me and while it will be a day never forgotten, the truth is that the terrorizing attacks on our nation continue to happen every day! I learned that 3,500 unborn children are killed EVERY DAY due to abortion. Abortion is actually the leading cause of death! Can you imagine the leading cause of death being inflicted upon someone before they even get a chance to greet the world outside of their mother's womb? And where is their beautiful memorial for dying innocently so that abortion clinics may continue to make a hefty profit?

This reality has been weighing heavy on my heart all week, especially knowing that the farthest these children make it in our world is in the trash can...

However, that's not all. While all these children are dying, they're not the only ones losing their life. The misguided mothers tricked into thinking places like Planned Parenthood will help them, end up losing themselves in the process.

I will never forget the look on this women's face as she was leaving the clinic after just having an abortion. It appeared as if her soul was ripped out of her. I'm not even sure she was seeing anything in front of her but just trying to get away... to go somewhere. Her stride was as if every step was the deepest ray of pain pulsing through her body. She had just undergone a traumatic surgery and was sent out of the clinic with a companion who was urging her to walk faster.

Where is the love? Where is the care? How is this women's health the number one priority for these doctors, or more appropriately, abortionist doctors?

I was afraid to hear what she had to say to me as I approached her but all she could muster up as I offered her my assistance was - no, no, no. Words I wish she could have said to that abortionist who pained her this way.

Please pray for her spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental healing.

Also, pray for the clinic workers who are convinced that we are harassing these girls by being on the sidewalks to love and offer them true help in these difficult situations.

Sincerely yours,

Sarah