Vera's Blessing

Dominika at 6 days old

Vera was terrified of giving birth. She had already done it once and had a BAD experience. A Roma woman with little education, she was ignorant about giving birth, mistreated in the hospital, and in labor for many hours with no one around who cared for her. Eight months into her second pregnancy, with the father in jail, she was so nervous about giving birth that she could hardly think about it. Our setting up a meeting with a mid-wife to learn some breathing and pushing techniques didn't settle her mind.

Dora, Jana, and other women offered to go with her to the delivery room but she somehow didn't sign the right release form and no one could come in with her! When the time came to go to the hospital, she was terrified. She began to pray. We had talked about prayer in Club Rachel and she had said she only prays when she needs something...well, she needed something. So she prayed...and instantly had a peace. Soon after she arrived at the hospital, an intern came into the room and asked how she was doing. He talked with her and asked if she would mind if he stayed and helped her. He stayed with her during the whole birth, held her hand, gave her drinks, rubbed her back, and helped her through the labor.

This is an amazing show of compassion in itself...but to a Roma woman it is unheard of. The intern told Vera that this was his first night helping in the delivery room and he had specifically chosen to work with her.

Vera later asked, "That was Jesus answering my prayer, wasn't it? He did it when I needed him the most. But I want to learn how to have a relationship with him all the time...not only when I need something." Please pray that Vera and little Dominika remain healthy and come to know Jesus as someone who cares for them daily.