An Ordinary Wednesday

It was just an ordinary Wednesday. We opened the doors of Informed Choices at 10:00 am. The schedule was full for the day, and we were depending on God's love, wisdom and strength to serve the women who would come in that day.

Several of the appointments were mamas needing material goods. Maternity clothes were tried on and bagged up. Baby clothes, diapers and other supplies were joyfully received. Another mama arrived to pick up a much-needed stroller.

We also had pregnancy client appointments. A positive pregnancy test made one young woman very happy. She left with prenatal vitamins and an appointment for an ultrasound. She had just started a new job and didn't have insurance yet and was so happy for our free services.

Another woman, less than happy to be pregnant, came in for a pregnancy test and ultrasound and left with a lighter heart, prenatal vitamins, ultrasound pictures of her sweet baby, community referrals, and encouragement to come back in for maternity clothes and baby supplies.

We also offer walk-in appointments. In the middle of this ordinary Wednesday, Stephanie* arrived. She spoke Spanish only and was relieved when she was greeted by Mayra, our Spanish speaking receptionist. Right away, Stephanie asked if she could get an abortion. Mayra explained to her that we do not perform or refer for abortions, but that we would be happy to offer her a an appointment for a pregnancy test to confirm pregnancy and an ultrasound to verify viability and gestational age... Stephanie agreed to the appointment.

In the consultation room, Stephanie told Mayra she couldn't have this baby because she was “too old.” This is when the ordinary Wednesday started becoming an extraordinary Wednesday. 

It just so happened (only God could do this) Mayra was the same age as Stephanie and had just had a beautiful baby girl four months ago. There was much talking... crying... and praying in the consultation room. I could sense God's presence when I walked in the room to tell Stephanie the results of her pregnancy test and offer her an ultrasound.

In the ultrasound room, I was able to share with Stephanie (through Mayra's translating) that I was very close to her age when I had my last baby, who is now a beautiful young woman (God again!). As the baby came into view on the large screen, we saw a 10-week baby with tiny arms and legs moving. We got to hear the little heart beating. I didn't need to speak Spanish to know that Stephanie had changed from sad and worried to happy and excited.

A plan for death turned into a plan for life on this, anything but ordinary, Wednesday.

*Names changed to protect our client's privacy.