Kate & Christine…An Unexpected Partnership

Although it seems like Adoption is a great solution to an unplanned pregnancy, it is a choice most women reject. According to the National Committee for Adoption there are at least 1.5 million couples wanting to adopt children in the USA. There are 1.6 million children being killed by abortion and only 50,000 infants being made available for adoption.

For every couple that adopts, another 39 wait in line. There are even groups of prospective parents who specifically want to adopt disabled or special needs children. Adoption today is conducted very differently than in years past. Today the birth mother is respected and empowered! She chooses the parents she wants for her child. Many times she becomes friends with them. Any degree of openness after the baby is born that is mutually agreed upon can be arranged. The birth mother can be as involved as she would like to be as the child grows up. Adoption is a wonderful option that we encourage women to consider.

Not too long ago a women named Kate did just that. Helpers Teri and Claire were praying one busy morning at the Cherry Hill Women’s Center (CHWC) when a young girl walked up with a much older man. The girl, Kate, was intrigued by the baby clothes Teri put on display and wanted to stop and look. We spoke to the couple offering them whatever help they needed to choose life for the baby.

“Let’s go. We had a deal!” said the father of the baby.

Our Helpers watched sadly as they entered into the abortion clinic. They stayed for another hour and prayed hard for them. Claire then walked to the parking lot and drove away, while Teri stayed behind to put all of the baby clothes into her car. While she was standing there she saw the couple across the street.

She yelled over “I’m still here. I want to help. What can I do for you?”

Kate came running over asking for some baby clothes. They talked as Kate chose some hats and booties and she said that she always thought adoption would be a good idea, but was unsure.

Just then Teri realized God was working!

Three weeks earlier a woman named Christine had stopped while Teri was praying and asked if there are any girls who would consider placing their baby for adoption. She and her husband were with an adoption agency but they were #42 on the list and would probably have to wait years until they could adopt an infant. They had adopted a girl already and wanted a sibling for their child. Teri took her contact information “just in case”.

So with Christine in mind, Teri told Kate she had just the right couple! She gave Kate her cell phone number and promised to support her every step of the way. For six months The Helpers were supported Kate with housing, clothes, food, transportation to prenatal appointments and any other need that came up. Kate met and loved Christine and her husband so The Helpers partnered with Christine’s adoption agency to do all that was needed to facilitate the adoption.

Many of you helped with financial or other donations. THANK YOU!!!

Christian Michael was born with Teri and Mary Anne as well as his adoptive parents in the delivery room. Shortly after, he met his big sister. Both sides are grateful for their decision, including the birth father. Kate realized she could not care for a baby at this time in her life, but she chose to give the greatest gift of all…LIFE!