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

Sidewalk counseling

We have visited Doctor Emily's a lot in the last week. However Saturday June 13 was the most  inspiring day of them all. Today we meet other pro‐life supporters! It was very nice to have help  for the women that were going into the clinic. I handed out flyers to girls that were with a  partner or otherwise because you never really know what they are going into the clinic for.  Some women were very just did not want to speak about anything and some very emotional.  All we can do is to pray for these women and their babies.

More knowledge needs to be know about what is really going on. The workers that were ‘pro choice clinic escorts’ seemed very uncaring about what was happening so hopefully they do not  understand fully what is going on behind those closed doors and what they are helping to further. Nidrea.

LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE

Hi there! My name is Francis Ditekemena; I am from The Congo but I currently live in Madrid, Spain. I arrived in New York one week ago where I will spend the next three months as an EMC intern.

Last Sunday we went to pray the rosary in front of an abortion clinic. A taxi driver came with a young mom and after she got off, the taxi driver blessed himself and left. I think many people are tremendously chocked by the dramatic situation of abortion. Yesterday some of us were in front of another abortion clinic from 8 to 11 am, and only during this time, 37 moms went in the clinic.

Two days ago, a young mom came to the Bronx office and Kathy called me to observe how she attends to her. During the conversation, Kathy asked what she was planning to do with the pregnancy. She said, she just wants to cancel it. I was shocked by her answer and wondered why she didn't say abortion. Avoiding to say 'abortion' shows she consciously knows she want to do something very bad. I could see that this mom needs help. She needed someone to talk to and explain to her what abortion really looks like. I am happy the pregnancy test was negative for her.

Let’s pray together for the culture of life so that everybody can learn the beauty of motherhood. I’d like to keep sharing with you guys this great and changing life experience fighting the fight of Love and Life in New York City!

Francis DITEKEMENA

The Journey Begins

Hello everyone! My name is Sarah Contreras and I am from El Paso, Texas but currently living as a student in San Antonio, Texas. I will be spending these next two months in New York City as an EMC intern and would be happy for you to join me on this mission to help bring Love and Life into the lives of these gorgeous NY women!

What you will read below is what I wrote my first day experiencing the life of a New Yorker and working in the pregnancy center in the Bronx earlier this week on Tuesday, June 2....here we go!


Today was my first day as an EMC Frontline intern and I must say... what a day! Making my way to the Metro station was a journey in itself while I relied on the direction of my fellow intern who is four days new to the city and in fact new to America. While my visual sensory was being overstimulated by all the new sights before me, I managed to make it to the station without tripping or being careless with the passing vehicles. A women I met at the airport the night before said "be careful with those cars, they'll hit you if you're in their way!"

Arriving to the Bronx office was quite confusing when I found myself entering a door with a huge tattoo sign printed above it and various tattoo pictures once inside the hallway. Atop the staircase I realized that the EMC center was located  adjacent to the tattoo parlor and was pleased to see a warm little office. I met Kathy, the director of the Bronx office and she was so kind to get to know me a little and share her pro-life wisdom throughout the day.

It was 10 a.m. when the center's first expecting mother of the day came through the door - this would be my first time shadowing a counseling session. She seemed so sweet and already had two children but this third child just wasn't in the plans for her. Burdens that affect the majority of us from day to day such as financial struggles and timing issues were the very factors convincing this mom that this gift from God needed to be rejected. She believes in God and knew that she would be offending Him by going through with the abortion but in her words, nothing was going to change her mind. "I just can't do it," she repeated while shaking her head and hiding behind a smile. The session continued and I found myself in shock when she left. I knew how these types of conversations went based on other counselors who have told me but I didn't know what it would feel like actually experiencing it. To see a women, who already knows what the love of a mother is like, to say she "doesn't want it" with such ease saddened me and not so much for the baby but for her. She feels so helpless that she can only fathom the thought of getting rid of her child when she's aware that she will deliberately harm her baby and herself. Where has our world gone so wrong to convince women (and men) to work against mother nature's design to give and nurture life? We have made it way too easy for women to give in to the temptation of being so selfish to the point of self destruction... literally. By the time I finished listening to the second women's story of how she must choose abortion, I was in pieces. I want so badly to free these girls from the traps the world has set up for them. They are like precious seeds that try to blossom only to find themselves choking from the overabundance of weeds in their way. They are in desperate need of a Gardener who will help them to live without so much pain. EMC is the tool with which the Gardener gardens to reveal the beauty of these women and their ability to conceive and bring new life into existence.

Pray for us as we go into the dirt of New York in hopes of revealing the true beauty of this garden that these young and broken mothers posses so that their co-creations with the Gardener may have life and live it abundantly.

Sincerely yours,

Sarah

A Great Start

            I arrived in New York on Friday June 5 2015 with a fluttering and nervous heart wondering if I made the right decision by taking this internship. The first time I saw the city was on the way to the life house in Bronx, it was amazing and it reminded me of Lagos city in my home Country, Nigeria. When I arrived at the life house in Bronx I met my housemates who are amazing, that made me more comfortable and I slept with an excited heart looking forward to the next day.

            The next day I participated in sidewalk counselling in front of Planned Parenthood, an abortion center in Manhattan and it was a new experience for me. Although it was disappointing to see a lot of women walk into the center without giving the counselling a try, it was encouraging to see a Pro-Life prayer group praying in front of the center.

            After the sidewalk counselling, I attend a social meeting with other interns where I met other Pro-Lifers and it was a fun experience for me. I went sightseeing with my housemates and it was fun, we visited Times Square it was amazing. I also went on a fundraising cruise on the Hudson River (Estuary) and it was breathe taking. I had fun talking with other Pro-Lifers and listening to their experiences, it was motivating. With this little experience and great start, I am really looking forward to a great summer in the beautiful city of New York and I am ready for God to work through me.

I am an international student currently a biology major/psychology minor junior in Mississippi University for Women.

Joy.

A New Beginning

Hello Emc life blog. My name is Nidrea Roberson and I am a new intern here in NYC at the life house. I've been here at the life house interning for Emc for three weeks and I have learned a lot in that time frame. Before I get to my experiences I will say a little more about myself. I am a 22 year old girl born in Boston Massachusetts but from Montgomery AL. My major is psychology and my future goal is to be a clinical psychologist. I have always believed in life from the start of conception. When looking up a internship for my major I know I needed something that I was interested as-well as fitting along with my major. When I found expected mother care (Emc) I thought that it was perfect.

In my first week I was alone in the house so it was hard to find my way around NYC myself but I ended up doing fine with few mishaps. When I arrived to the Bronx office I meet Kathy (the head counselor for Bronx) for the first time and she was very informative for my first day. She told me the basic operations of Emc and showed me the starting ropes. I also meet two other interns there that did not life in the house so I was glad to not be alone anymore. So I sat In with Kathy and I saw how she did the counseling. She was very direct and the girls situations were very sad. However on my first day I saw a turnaround. :)

As the week went on I went to the Brooklyn office and I meet the 9 month pregnant Lori ( a head counselor in Brooklyn). She was only there for a short time but she did teach me some things around the office aswell. Her leaving for her maternity leave was so lovely because a women should be able to have a child and still have her job. Many jobs demote or penalize women for taking off time for that.

Later in the week and towards the next two weeks I learned more about counseling the women and the paperwork the was involved from Caroline ( a head counselor) at the Brooklyn office. I know how the abortion process is done as-well as the side effects from the procedure. I learned what help can be done for the women in order to keep the child. I also learned the history of planned parenthood. On Saturday I did my first sidewalk counseling. It was very different than anything I have done before. Many of the girls that went in we're so determined to have the procedure done that there was nothing to really stop them. There were tears of girls who did not want to go in however a planned parenthood employee came and took her in. We pray for these girls.

Now in my third week in the life house I have meet new girls that have come to life here with me so I am no longer alone. However, I am still learning.

A call of hope

It is hard to believe that it has been only over a week since I arrived because it feels like a month. So many people met, different places visited, various kinds of work done… It has already transformed me, 23 years old Lithuanian, a recent Psychology and Business graduate from Edinburgh University. I have learnt a lot and felt God working through people, and this is just a beginning.

During my first week I went to the Bronx and Brooklyn offices to help with pregnancy testing and consultations and prayed in front of abortion mills at the end of the week. Meeting friends of EMC in the fundraiser was a great experience. I have learnt a lot of sad facts about abortion and seen dreadful pictures and videos this week, but I am going to share a phone call that provides hope.

I called a client to see what her final decision about her pregnancy was, but apparently she left her mother’s phone number to us so I was speaking to her. She was frustrated because her daughter avoided talking about the pregnancy and did nothing about it, which indicated to me that the girl was unwilling to undergo the termination. It was her first pregnancy. Her mother’s position was neutral - she wanted her daughter to have an ultrasound for the sake of her health and then do whatever she wants with the pregnancy; however she was worried about unemployment of her daughter’s boyfriend.

When the woman heard how terminated pregnancy shocks the body that is prepared for growing the baby for 9 months, how abortion can result in breast cancer, how physically and emotionally healthier it is to go through the pregnancy, give birth and only then decide whether to keep a baby or to allow he or she to be adopted, the mother of the girl has changed. I was telling that the babies’ heart is already beating, how the baby has little fingers and toes. I told the woman that perhaps her daughter is hesitant to take any actions because she is afraid to be pushed for an abortion. There are numerous organisations willing to help if her daughter had nowhere to stay or needed baby supplies. I told her that mother’s words of support are more important and powerful than she can imagine and that these few words can make her daughter feel entirely different. Then the woman said she is going to cry, that she has never thought about these things… She was invited to see a sonogram together with her daughter and the boyfriend. She kept saying that she is going to cry and thanked.

This was the first time when I witnessed a change in heart and mind which is the goal of the EMC. Working with people who are the closest for a pregnant lady is very important because it helps to form a support net around her and her baby. In many cases this support from parents is enough to avoid abortion. 

Sigute

Pregnancy testing

Goodbye EMC

Tomorrow my flight is taking off at 3 p.m si is time to say goodbye to this amazing city, to all the people that I met here but specially to the mothers that I tried to help. This three month has been an incredible experience for me that I will always remember. Something has changed in me, and I have now more energy and formation to take part in the prolife movement in my country. Thank you very much for this extraordinary opportunity. I am going to miss everyone. See you soon, I hope!

GOOD BYE WITH A TURN AROUND NY!!!

Os escribo a unas pocas horas de coger el avión hacia Madrid. Han pasado tres meses, aunque la sensación que tengo es que llevo aquí mucho más tiempo. Aquí he pasado buenos y malos momentos, aunque al final siempre te quedas con lo mejor de cada experiencia.

Estas últimas dos semanas han sido las mejores. He podido visitar al fin la ciudad (ya que el frío y el cansancio nos lo han impedido durante todo este tiempo), pasear por la ciudad durante horas y divertirme con el resto de amigos que al final me llevo de este viaje.

Una última noticia antes de irme. Ayer después de hacer sidewalk counseling fui a la nueva oficina en Jackson Heights. Sólo vino una clienta durante todo el día y tras la charla que tuvimos decidió quedarse al bebé. Qué mejor forma de acabar esta experiencia que con un Turn Around? a mí no se me ocurre ninguna.

Muchas gracias por todo vuestro apoyo y oraciones, se ha notado que estabais detrás nuestro apoyándonos desde la distancia.

GOOD BYE AND WE HAVE TO KEEP FIGHTING AGAINST THE ABORTION

STRONGER THAN YESTERDAY

See you soon!

This is my last post because next week I come back to Spain. I´ve been for two months. I've never thought that this was like that, it has been different: hard work, get up very early, cold weather, the people...

I arrived to New York with an idea of prolife work and I've met some wonderful people like sister Dorothy, guests who were in our house (the women from St. Lucia, Brendan a journalist from Boston who has a prolife Tv program), and Kwadwo, who works in EMC twice a week and he`s a fantastic person! he was friendly with us!!

In this prolife experience I´ve learnt how the abortion hurts women, how important is the sexual education and having human values, but I´ve discovered the miracle of the life (how the life is growing inside women´s womb (if you want to know more about this, you should watch the report of National Geographic called Into the womb. It's great and amazing!)

And I've also helped some women to save their babies (or I hope so) or to understand the importance of abstinence or having sex after the marriage. 

We got to know some places of New York: Manhattan and the Fifth Avenue, St's Patrick Cathedral, Times Square with the big screens, World Trade Center... (it was sometimes really diffcult to visit these places because we were very tired and we didn´t have enough time). NY is a multirracial city, there are hispanics, black, chinese or asiatic and american people. 

Since I´ve been here, I praid for all those people who fight against the abortion and they do this job with an smile and treating well everyone. 

CHARITY is the most important rule to treat people and it's always necessary. But not everybody sometimes treat you with charity (and a boss must do it). 

We defend the life because no one have the right to finish it. 

I don't know when I'll come back to NY, only I can see: Goodbye!!

Dr. Emily's

Another day in Dr. Emily’s. I do not know what it is, but I feel uncomfortable. Is not the cold, is not the rain, is something more, is something estrange. The fact of know that they are killing babies is hard. I see people walking the street and I am sure that they are killing human beings in that place. Is hard try to stop women and explain that they want to do something really wrong.

Every Saturday there are a lot of people praying in front of the clinic and this give us strength. We try hard with every woman. Some of them do not want to know anything; some of them actually stop but they still going to the clinic. Is sad see this people going inside but we have to move on and try again with the woman who is coming from the other side of the sidewalk, and we do.

I know that this is almost the end, the end of my internship, so I feel bad for all of these women who will go inside the clinic and no one will be there, outside of the clinic trying to stop them, trying to explain them, trying to save them. I know that there are a lot of sidewalk counselors in the clinics, but there are other clinics that there is no one there.

Pray for these woman who do not have the opportunity of talking with a counselor before they come in to the clinic, the need it. Thanks!!!

having fun in USA

Aunque esta experiencia esté llegando a su fin, atrás quedan muchos buenos momentos. La gran mayoría son con las personas con las que convives cada día, el resto de internos. El único apoyo que tenemos somos nosotros mismos ya que todos nos enfrentamos a los mismos problemas, a los mismos retos, a los mismos desafíos.

Aquí se nos puede ver en un partido de baseball en el estadio de los Yankees. Disfrutamos de una tarde agradable todos juntos, aprendiendo más sobre la cultura americana. Menos mal que al partido vino una chica que trabaja en esta organización y nos explicó las reglas mientras avanzaba el partido porque si no, no nos hubiéramos enterado mucho. Por cierto, ganaron los Yankees!!! Aun así todos sacamos la misma conclusión: como el fútbol nada, pero fue relajante apartarnos por unas horas de los problemas, tristezas y desilusiones que conlleva ser consejero de mujeres que tienen la firme intención de abortar. Es importante en este trabajo saber pasar página y empezar cada día con ilusión, y para eso es necesario tener buenos momentos y algo de descanso.

No os voy a engañar, el descanso no es algo que abunde en esta experiencia. Hay que sacar fuerzas, ilusión, ganas y motivación de donde puedas. Generalmente lo encontramos en nuestras familias y amigos que nos mandan ánimos y fuerzas desde España. Aquí también nos animamos los unos a los otros porque como he dicho somos el único apoyo real que podemos encontrar aquí.

Seguid rezando por nosotros, los bebés y las mujeres. Todos los necesitamos!!! Gracias!!!

Goodbye NY!

Todos los esfuerzos que se realicen para sensibilizar a las personas en cuanto a demostrar que el bebe es un ser humano desde su concepción, motivará a los que están a favor de la vida, pero estos esfuerzos no tendrán ningún efecto en aquellos que defienden el aborto. Estas personas han endurecido su corazón hacia el "feto". Biológicamente, pueden aceptar que sea un ser humano, pero están convencidos que el niño no-nacido es menos importante que la mujer. Cualquier información que se presente, no los hará cambiar su posición. 

La lucha de los abortistas está enfocada totalmente hacia la mujer. Por lo tanto, la única manera de luchar contra ellos, es enfocar los esfuerzos pro-vida hacia la mujer. Es necesario cambiar el debate del aborto y discutir sobre su mismo punto de fuerza: los intereses de la mujer. 

Por lo tanto, se deben concentrar todos los esfuerzos pro-vida en probar que la segunda razón para hacer legal el aborto es falsa, el aborto no es seguro. El decir que "el aborto es seguro" es la razón más fuerte de los abortistas. 

El aborto lastima a la mujer. En muchos casos, ocasiona un daño irreparable a la función reproductiva de la mujer. En los últimos diez años, se ha comprobado que tiene graves daños psicológicos y emocionales. 

En muchos casos, el trauma post-aborto es psicológicamente devastador, afectando sus relaciones familiares, amistades e incluso laborales.