When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb
—Luke 1: 41—
My husband and I were both in our 30s when we got married. Having kids and build a happy family were our priorities. Our dream was shattered when he had a severe stroke for two years. Slowly he recovered and after five years of waiting I got pregnant. Our eyes lit up when we saw two lines from the pregnancy test tube. Suddenly our sorrows turned into joy! From then on I had to go to prenatal check up, start taking folic acid, vitamins, watch out my diet, and it was all about our baby. After six months my pregnancy ended in a miscarriage. People who haven’t experienced miscarriage may not understand the depth of grief. The grief in my heart was much more painful than the cramps in my whole body or the swollen breast because of the miscarriage. We prayed to God for his mercy, though sometimes I have doubts about his love because I have so much sufferings. But then my husband, family and friends gave all the comfort and prayers I needed. Through the power of prayers I got pregnant again after six months. We were anxious and filled with thoughts: How could I possibly get through? What will child birth be like this time? I told myself that I should be prepared and unafraid. I would certainly protect and do everything for the baby inside me. Three weeks earlier than the due date I had to have a caesarean because of my health condition. When I woke up I saw the sweetest smile of my husband proudly telling me “We are parents now”! We gave our child the name Jomelyn.
— Camile Genio
One day, I rushed myself into the lavatory to puke. I was vomiting really bad so I lay down to rest. I believe it was something different a woman may have experienced. The feeling of excitement suddenly came rushing through my veins, down to my spine. My heart started pounding as if I knew something big is coming.
I came to work earlier that day as a night shift worker. I passed by a pharmacy to buy a pregnancy kit. I took a urine sample and hurriedly place a few drops on the kit. A colleague and I patiently waited for the result. As the two red lines starts to appear, my colleague shouted out and congratulated me. I was overwhelmed with joy and excitement. I began collecting my preparations. Although my salary was not big enough and my husband was still an apprentice, I did not let any of these problems discourage me. I began listing my Do’s and Don’ts, and cut down my personal expenses just to save every single penny I can get to finance my delivery.
My nine months journey was not easy. My husband and I struggled financially to buy my daily needs for our unborn, not to mention weekly check ups and gynaecology procedures. I felt a life within me is struggling as well to make our connection. I could feel his heart beating and the tiny little kicks from the inside as if telling me that, “Mom, hold on I’m coming.” We were connected as one and would always be. So, no matter what, protect the life of the unborn God has sent you to be with. They are gifts from God, very precious ones. — Sheree Gesulgon
When I learned that I was pregnant with my first and second babies, I was so happy. My heart was full of delights and excitement. A child is God’s creation. To be a mother gave me a chance to take part in the creation of God.
We must protect the unborn babies because every breath in the mother’s womb is precious in the eyes of God. And they have the right to live in accordance to his will and plan. A child is a precious gift of God to us.
— Belinda Parreñas
God gave Abraham and Sarah a child in their old age. My husband and I did not lose hope. We knew that God could make a way and in his time he would grant our prayers. We prayed unceasingly for a gift of a child. Truly God in his goodness answered our prayers. After six years of marriage, I got pregnant at the age of 40.Knowing your baby is growing inside of you is one of the most rewarding experience a woman can enjoy, despite the difficulties she needs to face, such as the extra emotions, fatigue, morning sickness and discomfort.
— Charmaine Velasco
My husband and I were so happy and excited to know that I was pregnant. It was not difficult for me to get pregnant but I was very much aware and afraid of the risk of child birth; the painful process and the possible dangers that come with it. They said child birth puts you in between life and death. However my joy of carrying life was so great that it overshadowed my fears. I courageously accepted my pregnancy as a blessing.
— Medy Villanos
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
