Gabriela's Story

I came to the Refuge when I was fifteen years old and two months pregnant. Sr. Elsa welcomed me.  Two months later my baby boy was born prematurely. He weighed 1 kilo and 700 grams. In the refuge he received all the special care he needed. Sr. Carmen was in charge of the nursery and very attentive to the babies. She helped me care for my baby and seemed to know just what to do for him. When one of the babies became sick, she contacted a doctor and was never satisfied until the infant was well again.

 

During my stay at the Refuge I attended classes in sewing. Sr. Trinita gave us classes in Spanish, and Sr. Cecilia helped prepare us for the infants’ Baptisms. All of the girls helped with chores. There were eighteen girls in the Refuge at that time who shared the dorms. We rose at 6:30 A.M.to have time for showers. There were two showers for the girls who were pregnant and two showers for the new mothers. The babies had to be in the nursery by 7:00 A.M.  so that the mothers could eat breakfast and attend school.

 

When my son was two months old, I went home to my mother. She would not receive me into her house. I returned to Santiago and searched for Senorita Gloria, who had befriended me at the Refuge and who worked in the storeroom. With great and unexpected generosity, she let me stay in her home, and between us we cared for my son.

 

My son is now 30 years old, married, and a professional electrician who installs electricity and communication systems. He and his wife have a six-year old son. I am blessed to be a grandmother. Each day that passes I give thanks to God for putting so many good people in my life, above all the Congregation of Most Merciful Love. They helped me finish my high school studies, and eventually, I sought a job at the Refuge. Like my friend, Gloria, I now manage the storeroom.

 

With the help the Sisters gave me, I was able to become a woman responsible for myself and able to raise my son to be a responsible citizen, husband, and father. It is a pleasure to continue to serve the adolescent mothers at the Refuge as the Sisters once did for me. Thank you, friends of the Refuge, for helping the girls with your generosity and prayers.

 

 

 Gabriela and her son

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