This week was dedicated to the Helpers of People program, along with one week of vacation (flew to San Diego to spend time with my daughter, Tami).
I volunteered this week at the Pregnancy Assistance Center North (PACN), located in Conroe, Texas. I, previously,volunteered as a counselor with this group in 2010 (first time on previous Sabbatical in 2010) and have from time to time spent some time with this organization. It is such a blessing to help these young women and sometimes men, while they are going through a very difficult time at such a young age and where their living environment is not the greatest. It is such a humbling experience, to say the least.
The first day that I volunteered, I was kept busy organizing the library and office supply closet. Not alot of face time with clients, but the workers there were so grateful to have things in order. I’m a very organized person (sometimes) and do better when I can find things, etc. Everyone who works there or volunteers there has such a servants heart and are so appreciative of the volunteers who spend their time helping others.
The next day, it was a little more exciting and a little more engaging. We had several appointments during that day and I had the opportunity to shadow the counselors while meeting with the young ladies. What a day that was!
The one that broke my heart was the young lady who came in with her boyfriend (her baby daddy) seeking information to have her 8 month old daughter adopted. She was needing assistance and guidance in how to go about doing this. She was very shy and seemed to be very careful of what she told us. We were very sensitive to the situation and gave her the information that she needed. Her boyfriend was on probation and wasn’t allowed to be in the same house with her and the baby. Not sure what was going on there. I found out later that most of the time we like to see the girl by herself first, without the baby’s father. That way we can ask questions to see if she is being abused, etc. It didn’t happen this time. I truly believe that God intervened during this appointment and allowed him to witness an organization that was very compassionate and non-threatening. We were able to pray with both of them and will be following up with her on her decision. She left there knowing that this was a safe place and there were people there that she could trust (in case she wants to come in by herself next time). We will continue to pray for this young lady and pray she makes the right decision for this precious baby. Sometimes adoption is the best option. It is not for me to decide. We were just there to give information, support and compassion during this time.
That day, I was able to shadow two more young girls. One came in to just get some assistance during her pregnancy. She was 18 weeks pregnant and very excited about the baby. Her husband was in the military and they been married for 4 years. She was in the process of taking classes to be a pharmacist when she became pregnant. Money was the issue, so we were able to assist her in getting items for her new baby. This was refreshing! Another one came in to have a STD test. She already had two other children. While I was there, we had another young lady come in and had an ultrasound. She is going to have twins! What an exciting time for her!
The rest of the time, I was helping out in the office with clerical duties, making copies for folders and putting information in folders for the clients. All in all, it was good opportunity to get involved again in this great organization.
I plan on continuing volunteering when I can. They have a need for counselors during the week on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and hoping that I can help out when I am available.
Thank you Kris and the Board of Directors in allowing us the time and the opportunity to stop what we are doing, to slow down and be able to be available to help other people. What a blessing it was!
Vicki D.