Today's note is written by Sandra (Honey) Pfleger. This lady not only has a heart for Vietnam but a special place for single moms. Both in Vietnam and sits on the board of Fristers based in California. As I think her "heart" was key to helping us decide to open The Father's House. To date there has been 92 babies born there!!! Babies which may have "not been" Not only that but moms sent to school or training so they can raise their children with financial dignity!
A Mother's Love was begun to help equip single moms with the same tools that are taught at The Father's House. An amazing program. I got to only peak at a little of what Honey brought to the girls, I heard something I never thought of before. Single moms fell separated. When I group settings they will not site with married moms with kids. The single moms all nodded... I would never thought that.. Then they told me to go, was told I was a distraction.
I did come back to see one of the "games" she played. She melted different types of chocolate into diapers. The moms had to identify the kind of chocolate. I took a quick look and soon as I saw them tasting it was enough for me. I had to go... LOL!
Here is Honeys note:
A Mother's Love
This program is the first of its kind in Vietnam. It's a safe place to come, to be loved, encouraged and discover how to parent without judgement, grow emotionally, physically and intellectually as a young woman & mother.
Vietnam has one of the highest teen abortion rates in Asia, and top 5 five abortion rates in the world. The cultural shame that envelops these young woman has exacerbated this epidemic.
Through the Father's House, these young woman have a choice. They boldly chose life for their baby. This comes with having to leave their family and community, to move away to not bring shame upon the family.
I have been working closely with GIBTK since 2016 to develop A Mother's Love program, offered at Dorothea's Legacy Project. Through working and mentoring young moms in California for 15+ it has been a privilege to create a program that not only continues to grow the moms that come through the Fathers House but to also reach those young moms in the community that need support. The GIBTK team has taken the vision of this program, resources and created a culturally sensitive program unique to Vietnam! I cannot say enough about the GIBTK team, each and every day I spend with them I am encouraged by their leadership & passion to love those around them.
I had the honor of sharing with the moms at A Mothers Love about their Identity and Personal Growth in this new role as a young single mom. We played the popular baby shower game, whats in the poopie diaper. Lots of laughter and smiles! For a moment they had a break from their day to day concerns and could just focus on themselves. I'm still smiling from ear to ear.
As moms we all want to be known and loved for who we are, and that what we do as mother's matters. This program gives them that assurance, encouragement and unconditional love.
And yes there were lots and lots of hugs.
