My first time ever going into a women's center for a FREE ultrasound was an emotional experience…read more My husband had noticed that I missed a few periods, and after mentioning it a couple of times, I finally decided to make an appointment. Before going in, I called to get more information and read a little about the clinic on their website. I was extremely nervous--out of my mind--going into a women's clinic, not knowing what to expect.
I hope you stay till the end...
On their website, the disclaimer states: "Horizon Pregnancy Clinic is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that is free for everyone, regardless of financial circumstances. We exist to provide accurate medical information and support to women and men facing an unplanned pregnancy. We do not perform nor refer for abortions." Even with that information, I was still nervous, wondering if they would try to push an abortion on me. My husband and I had been trying to get pregnant, and it had finally happened, so I was going in with a lot of emotions and uncertainty.
Rewind a bit--I was working at a women's conference at the beginning of last year. Toward the end of the event, the preacher asked if any women were struggling to conceive or wanted to get pregnant to come to the altar. Knowing my husband and I had been trying, my friend dragged me up there. I felt so embarrassed, even though no one noticed me. My friend prayed over me, and at that moment, another friend saw me from afar and whispered a prayer: "God, I don't need any more children. Give her my seed."
Fast forward to my appointment at the clinic. From the moment I walked in, I felt safe. The facility was well-maintained, and the staff was extremely kind. Before my ultrasound, I was asked a series of questions without my husband. One question caught me off guard: "How do you plan on parenting this child?" Confused, I asked what she meant. She clarified--was I planning to raise the child myself, have a relative or friend help, or take another route? I immediately responded, "My husband and I, of course."
Finally, I was taken back for my ultrasound, and my husband was allowed to join me. The moment we saw our baby on the screen was breathtaking. He was moving, dancing, and raising his little hands-- (to God!) I was only a few weeks along, but the tech kept referring to the baby as a boy. Later, we would confirm--we were having a son! His heartbeat was strong, steady, and full of life. My husband and I were overwhelmed with joy, tears of happiness streaming down our faces.
After the ultrasound, we met with an incredibly kind woman (who shall not be named). She shared that she was a Christian and could tell we were, too. She prayed for US and OVER our baby, and in that moment, we couldn't hold back our tears. As we spoke, she shared that most of the women who come through their facility don't want their babies --and here we were, having prayed, hoped, and waited for this child. It was heartbreaking to think that some don't see the life we just witnessed on the screen.
Before we left, she handed us pamphlets and gave me a onesie that read, "Wonderfully Made." The moment I read it, I broke down in tears. Everything about our baby boy's story--the prayers, the waiting, the faith--had led up to this moment. He is wonderfully made, and God does ALL things perfectly in His time.
We walked out of that clinic completely touched and moved. This was more than an appointment--it was a God-ordained experience. My husband and I both needed this moment, and we will cherish it forever!
Thank you for staying till the end! We hope you have a God-ordained experience as well!