Interview of Woman Who Decided to Give Her Baby Up for Adoption
This young woman lived at LHN from 12/2009-4/2010.
- What did you think when you first found out you were pregnant?
Since I couldn't imagine it, I was very worried and didn't know what to do.
- Why did you decide to have your baby?
While I was searching for a clinic to do the abortion, the baby moved for the first time. I thought the baby was trying to tell me she wanted to live, so I thought I must help this life.
- Why did you decide to live at Life Hope Network?
I had to quit my job, and I didn't have savings, and my parents didn't want me to live with them. So I decided to live at LHN where I could relax, get help, and have my baby.
- What was your daily life like at LHN?
The first month until I got used to it was difficult. But I talked to Cynthia about how I was feeling. She understood, and made things easier for me. I was able to meet and get to know various people, and the atmosphere was warm; it was fun and I was happy.
- Why did you decide on adoption?
I thought about the happiness of my baby. I wanted the child to grow up with plenty of love from her parents and have a good heart.
- What did you think after the birth of your baby?
I was so glad I had given birth. When I got pregnant, my situation wasn't good, so I didn't expect to be happy. But after giving birth, my feeling of happiness was greater than any negative feelings.
- What are your feelings toward your baby now since she has been adopted?
After giving my baby away, I felt lonely and cried a lot. But after receiving a letter from the adoptive parents, I felt much better. My baby is being loved and taken care of very well by her new parents. Since she's happy, I'm happy. If I had had the abortion and taken her life, I would have felt regret. I would have blamed myself. I would have suffered a long time. Not only that, I would have quit feeling happiness. Because I loved my baby, I gave her up, and even though it was very hard, it made me stronger. Even though I'm still missing my baby now, I have hope for happiness. My baby is living which encourages me and gives me power for living.
Interview of Woman Who Decided to Give Her Baby Up for Adoption
This young woman came to live at LHN about 3.5 months before her baby was born. After the birth, she stayed another month and a half so she could prepare for her next step. We will miss her!
- How did you find out about Life Hope Network?
When I found out I was pregnant, I wanted to do an adoption, so I went to the local government office. I asked the woman there what I should do, and she introduced me to LHN.
- What was your impression of Life Hope Network?
When I called, I explained my situation. The counselor listened to me very kindly. I was able to quickly set up an appointment. So, I went to the office, talked to the counselors and felt I could trust them.
- Why did you go to live at Life Hope Network?
I couldn't live at my family's home until the birth. So, I was looking for a place to stay. I thought it would a lot stricter, but when I heard the explanation, I realized I would have a lot of freedom and that I could handle living here.
- What did you think after starting to live here?
At the beginning, since my lifestyle was to stay up all night and sleep until late in the day, it was difficult and took time to change. But a woman who had lived here previously came often to visit. Also, neighbors would come for dinner. So, I began enjoying my time here. Actually, since I'm someone who doesn't like to meet new people, I was worried, but I was able to naturally get used to it.
- After having the baby, what did you think?
Until having the baby, I was in the hospital for three days. The birth took a long time and was difficult. Honestly, when I got pregnant, I thought about having an abortion, but because I was able to safely give birth to the baby, I was glad.
- Why did you decide to give your baby up for adoption?
I didn't have the confidence to be a single mother. Also, I wanted the child to be happy. And Christian parents would love my child, I thought. So, I decided on adoption.
- What is your future hope and dreams?
First, I want my baby to be happy. Second, I want to continue in the way of thinking and lifestyle I have learned and followed here. In the future, if I can, I want to get married and have children.
Interview of Young Woman Who Decided to Raise Her Baby
July, 2009
This 18 year old woman came to live at Life Hope Network after the birth of her baby on March 28, 2009. She has done a great job taking care of little "Jon."
1. When you found out you were pregnant, what did you think?
I was very happy. When I first had the feeling that I was pregnant, and my first reaction was happiness.
2. Why did you decide to have your baby?
The only decision I could even think about was having the baby.
3. What was your first impression of Life Hope Network?
When I first come to Life Hope Network, if possible, I didn't want to live there. From the beginning, I wanted my own apartment. When I was talking to Life Hope Network, all I could hear was "religion, religion, religion." But since I have come to live here, I have been having a good time.
4. Why did you decide to live here (do a homestay here)?
I didn't have any other place to live.
5. After you had your baby, what did you think?
After my baby was born, I thought this is a big turning point for me. He is very cute, and seeing him grow little by little makes me very happy.
6. What is your daily life like at Life Hope Network?
Before coming here, I couldn't imagine what it would be like. But it is very fun. I'm not a Christian, but I don't feel the religious talk is too heavy. Various people come here, and I enjoy talking with them. It's interesting.
7. In the future, what is your hope? What is your worry?
Honestly, I have a lot of worries and concerns about the future, but I don't get worked up about it because the people here listen to me. We talk together. So, I don't feel hopeless. Little Jon's daily growth and change is my hope. My next steps are to find an apartment, daycare and a job.
We at Life Hope Network are praying that they will have a great future.
17-year-old New Mother Tells Her Story
July, 2008
On May 6th, through the help and support of many people, my baby was born. Now, I'm living with Cynthia (at Life Hope Network) and taking care of my baby. Since I found out I was pregnant, I have had many trials and blessings. So, I will tell you my story.
When I first found out I was pregnant, I quickly thought I would get an abortion. At that time, my boyfriend said, "Your only choice is abortion." I was in high school and didn't want to quit. So when my father told me to have the baby, I thought it wasn't right for him to try to ruin my life. My father is a serious Christian, so we met with our pastor. When I was told again to have the baby, I couldn't accept it.
At that time, my pastor called ProLife Japan. Rev. Mizutani from ProLife Japan came to my house and said my only choice was to give birth, so I realized I couldn't get an abortion. Through Rev. Mizutani I heard about Life Hope Network. Since I couldn't continue to live in my house while I was pregnant, I went to live at Life Hope Network from February 18th. Through fellowship with Cynthia and Satoko my faith grew.
Especially by trying to make the decision between adoption and raising my baby, I came to understand God's love. My desire to raise my child grew, but my family was against it. Cynthia and Satoko prayed for me, and I prayed myself. But my family didn't change, and it was decided that I would give my baby up for adoption.
After my baby was born, I was able to spend time with her in the hospital. Of course, my desire to raise her grew. During this time, a friend from church said, "The birth of this baby definitely has meaning. Think about it." So, I thought that God sent his son Jesus to this world. This time right before my baby was to be taken from me was very hard, dark and sad.
Being separated from my baby wasn't going to be easy. But God sent his son into the world for us. He was crucified so our sins could be forgiven. I realized how much God cares for and loves us. Until this time, I had believed in God, but I hadn't been able to accept Jesus. But now, I could accept Jesus and be saved.
But that wasn't all. I also knew that God had heard my prayers. My father had been against my raising my baby. But after this time, he agreed to let me. If God had answered my prayer quickly, I wouldn't have understood God's love and been saved. So that he could save me, God waited until the perfect time to answer my prayer, according to his plan. I am thankful for his great love. He also sent many people to help me as part of his plan. I am very thankful to my family, my pastor and his family, Cynthia, Satoko, and the staff of Life Hope Network.
I lost many things through this experience. But I gained more than I lost. But these days, many small lives are being taken. Life is not our possession; it is a gift from God. I want many people to know this so that many lives can be born into this world. But I also want people to know that God heard my prayers.