Advent is a season of waiting for the birth of Christ.  It is also a time of preparing our hearts for the Christ child.  A time of determining what in our life needs to change in order to give ourselves more fully to Christ.  This Advent has had a special meaning to us as we wait for our child to be welcomed into our home.  We know that at the end of the waiting, the reward will be unbelievable!  And this time of waiting is preparing our hearts for the changes that are to come when our baby is in our arms. 
     During this time of Advent, I cannot help but think of Mary and the challenges that she went through being an unwed mother.  2000 years later, many women are facing similar challenges.  Many of our friends and family have inquired about what birthmother support entails.  No, we are not buying a baby or giving a birthmother cash.  But, we are here to help and support her.  We believe that all life is sacred, this includes the life of the birthmother.  The support that we offer the birthmother allows her basic needs to be met.  When the mothers come to the agency, the staff does a wonderful job assessing the needs of the mother.  A birthmother may be in need of a safe place to live, and she may have the means to pay monthly rent.  However, saving up the necessary first and last months rent may prove very difficult and may keep her from obtaining a safe place to live.  Our role is to assist the mother in caring for herself.  This may come in the form of providing the financial means to put down that deposit on the apartment.  Whatever the needs that come forward, we desire to show the birthmother that her life has dignity and she is deserving of support.  A portion of the funds that we are raising is dedicated to supporting the birthmother as needed.  Your generosity gives us the ability to show the birthmother that she is worth the gifts we can share with her.     
     Our profile is has now been sent to a total of 25 potential birthmothers.  We hope and pray that one of these birthmoms decides we are the family for her.  We pray that these (and all) birthmothers find hope and support in the challenges they are facing with their pregnancy.  We continue to pray for all of our supporters, please know of our appreciation and gratitude.  May peace be with you all as we wait in hope for our miracle baby.
Steve & Annie