Your Gift Removed Fear

When Cariane walked through the doors of CHOICES, she was nervous and fearful.

Just over a year earlier, her first pregnancy ended abruptly when she went into preterm labor and delivered her baby boy just shy of the end of her second trimester. She held his tiny body in her arms as he took his last few breaths while heartache and grief forced their uncomfortable way into her lungs.

Now facing another pregnancy, Cariane was overcome by the unexpected wave of fear crashing over her. She questioned whether she was strong enough to go through another pregnancy. Despite her emotional turmoil, she expressed that she was surrounded by strength and support from her family and the father of her baby. When she arrived at CHOICES, the fear was causing her to question if she should continue this pregnancy.

Her questioning and yet tender heart, allowed our nurse to meet her in the midst of her pain. She gave Cariane a Bible and reminded her that she was worthy of the support she was receiving, and she smiled through her tears. Her advocate pointed Cariane to God as her source of strength as she prayed with her. Although she was still anxious, Cariane left CHOICES that day with the renewed possibility that the voice of hope could be louder than the voice of fear.

When she returned for her follow-up appointment the following week, she brought the father of the baby, Jakedrik, with her. They shared that they were excited to parent and expressed interest in our parenting class. Cariane and Jakedrik joyfully welcomed their precious, healthy daughter, Sereniti, on August 30th.

Then, just three weeks after giving birth, a different kind of tragedy struck Cariane again when Hurricane Ian devastated much of Florida. Hurricane flood waters rushed into their home so quickly they had to be rescued by boat, losing everything they owned except the few essential things they grabbed for Sereniti during the rescue.

When CHOICES found out, we promptly stepped in with partner churches to help meet their immediate needs until they could get back home. Our supporters supplied them with over ten boxes of clothing in various sizes for every member of their family. A supporting church offered Cariane and Sereniti a baby shower to replace everything she needed and lost from the floodwaters.

Today, Cariane’s family has moved back into their home, and Sereniti is thriving. She and Jakedrik are in love with their baby girl Sereniti, who is the light of their lives.