Extravagance

In the last year or so I have been a board member for the  Pregnancy Care Centre.  It has been an eye opener for me. I have learned that it is a genuinely happy place, even though there are many burdened people walking through the door on a regular basis. The women and men that come into the centre are going through very difficult times. Mustering up the courage to share what’s going on in their lives and the choices they must make,  they are receiving smiles, encouragement, a listening ear, and practical help, regardless of decisions they have made in the past, present, or future. They are loved and accepted unconditionally, maybe for the first time in their lives. The love shown by the peer counsellors is extravagant, and it is beautiful.

I have been amazed how God answers prayers for the centre in very specific ways. The generosity of our community in helping the clients in a tangible way is overwhelming. A business down the street just donated ALL of their NEW maternity wear to the PCC (thousands of dollars’ worth) , since they were closing down that part of their business. Today  I was helping to total donations from  a church ‘baby bottle campaign’ and found not only pennies, quarters, and loonies, but cheques for $100,  stuffed in the bottles. A nonprofit business down the hall in the same building as the PCC just offered to donate their 5 year old fancy color copier/printer  to the center. Our ancient copier is on its last legs, and we are in desperate need of a reliable machine. Some young families from a church in town selflessly offered to organize a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for the PCC. All the food was donated by restaurants. There was a total of $69 in expenses that evening. The remainder was pure profit – for the center!

It seems each time I talk to the PCC Director, she has another story about how a need has been met specifically. It’s a real faith builder. I feel  blessed to be a part of the centre.