From "I can't!" to "I do!"
When Evelyn came into our office, she was committed to having an abortion if she were pregnant. When her test proved positive, she explained to the counselor that her situation was 'extremely complicated.' Because of her father's diplomatic status, her family's residency in the United States could be threatened by the revelation of this circumstance. In her culture, these were very serious issues, and Evelyn was therefore upset and confused. A telephone conversation from our office with her boyfriend convinced her of his support and of his desire to marry her. The next morning a phone call alerted Tammy and the volunteers and staff that Evelyn and her boyfriend were coming by. She arrived smiling and overjoyed! In less than twenty-four hours her life had dramatically changed as she and her boyfriend made the decision to marry and keep their baby! Her family had not only been supportive, but was even happy and grateful that Evelyn had come to Aid for Women. The couple had a civil ceremony on November 17, 1998, and we photographed them in our office the next day. The Church wedding is planned for April, and Tammy has been honored by their request that she stand up at their wedding, and be the godmother of their baby. What a joyful outcome this has been for all of us here in the office of Aid for Women!

Her Courage, My Life!
In 1968 a single, seventeen year-old girl living in San Francisco discovered that she was pregnant. I have often wondered about what that girl's experience of pregnancy was like. What did she think? How did she feel? I feel very grateful to the hundreds of women I have met during these past eleven weeks. I am honored that they trusted me enough to share their story with me. There is a lot of pain and fear in these stories: boyfriends who disappear, parents who insist their children have an abortion, insurance companies who drop women once they become pregnant. But there is also a lot of courage and love in these stories as well. I am in awe of the women who are determined to overcome financial hardship and even family hostility so their children may live. I am deeply thankful to every woman I met at Aid for Women for showing me the face of Christ. But I am especially grateful to them, because they gave me an idea of the real terror, but also real strength, that seventeen year-old girl in California must have experienced in order to give me, her son, a chance at life. Steve Kieta, A Jesuit Novice who volunteered at Aid for Women as part of his formation program. It was a delight to have 'a man around the house' for the eleven weeks Steve Kieta worked in our office. His bright and inspiring mind sharpened our skills as Steve studied, observed and informed himself about the issue of abortion. Steve manned the phones and front desk frequently; made off-site visits to referral resources for us, and assembled a directory of additional contacts for us to better serve our clients. Clearly, we are grateful for the privilege of having assisted in the formation of the young seminarian with our ministry at Aid for Women and its clients who provided daily 'homilies' on God's Grace of work.

Susan's Gift
Susan (not her name) came by the office today. She's six months pregnant and feeling 'very good' about her decision to place her infant for adoption. A student from out of state, she and her boyfriend determined to give the gift of life to their child through one of our adoption referral agencies. This organization will assist the young couple in selecting a family for their infant, help Susan with her prenatal care, and provide encouragement throughout the process. The positive, life-affirming decision Susan made was evident in the healthy glow this young woman wore. She credited her counselor at Aid for Women, Megan, with helping her arrive at this decision, and expressed her gratitude and confidence in having done the 'right thing.' We rejoice with her!