Until this most recent 40 Days, I was kinda depressed about it. I went several days a week, but I never really saw or heard of very many babies being saved. And then half way through the last 40 Days, the other people that came out started...Catholic-izing...the sidewalk. They would stand in a circle and recite their rosary out loud. They would stand facing the building, loudly chanting the rosary. I couldn't walk up and down the sidewalk anymore. I couldn't hear my own prayers for their rosary talking. I had hoped it would get better, but this last 40 Days, it was even more so. So I didn't show up anymore. I prayed from home, for sure. But the oppressive Catholic cloud that hung over that sidewalk made me so uncomfortable.
40 Days for Life ended, and I thought, Now's my chance! I could go on my own, with my own signs and my own friends, and I could once again peacefully pace and pray. I thought to be a sidewalk counselor, but after hearing what exactly one of those does, quickly decided that was not the description of activism I was looking for. I had not yet bought anything (signs, banners, etc.); I was getting advice from multiple people. One of those people was the director at a local Sav-a-Life. I asked her what I could do for them to help out this cause, and she invited me to be a receptionist at her Sav-a-life.
When I was talking to her this afternoon, I learned about a story from 25 years ago. A volunteer from Sav-a-life protested at an abortion clinic, and all the protesters were arrested. When the abortion clinic director found out that one of the protesters was associated with Sav-a-life, they brought a lawsuit against Sav-a-life. One year and 100,000 dollars later, they made it a policy that no volunteer can protest at a clinic like that again.
So now my dilemma was this: volunteer once a week at a pro-life crisis pregnancy center, or show up however and whenever often I want to walk a sidewalk? At first glance, it might seem like my choice was obvious, but there were pros and cons to both sides.
Sidewalk pros: Last line of defense for life No schedule to work around Sidewalk cons: Never know my impact Not as much support from friends | Volunteer pros: First impression of non-judgmental life Specific time and day Positive impact on waiting family No "help" needed from anyone Volunteer cons: Can't sleep in |
Oh, and not being able to sleep in. That's a bummer too. :-)
So, starting the last Tuesday of November, and on, I will be the morning receptionist. I've never been a receptionist before, but it seemed easy enough. The best part is I get to take EJ with me. He can do his schoolwork at my feet. For his five minute breaks (after every subject is complete, or an hour has passed, whichever happens first), there is a kid area with a chalkboard and chalk. Plus I will take my computer and he can play games on it, which is like, epic for him.
I'm really looking forward to this new chapter in my life. It will give me good experience and good exposure to this side of the business. I've already stirred the place up a bit by telling them about the survival rate of ectopic pregnancies! Maybe the girls won't be the only ones I can help...