One Young Mom’s Love/Hate Relationship With Teen MOPS
Mari was just sixteen when she found out she was pregnant. Her missed period was her first clue, and the pregnancy test at the Family Planning office confirmed it. “It didn’t feel real until I was six months pregnant,” Mari says. “And my boyfriend didn’t know what to think. He was surprised, but went along with it—and has continued to be supportive.”
Mari’s parents took the news well, although it took a “long, long while” for her dad to get used to the idea.
“I continued attending school, and the hardest thing was losing friends who didn’t want to associate with me anymore,” says Mari. “I also felt alone and different than everyone else. So I just focused on my schoolwork and did the best I could.”
Yet, there were a few at school who offered support, including one girl, Kayleigh, who bugged Mari about attending a group called Teen MOPS—whatever that was.
Mari didn’t know what to expect when she attend the first meeting. She was six months pregnant and wasn’t sure what her friend was so excited about.
“I went to the first meeting, and I hated it,” Mari says with a laugh. “I didn’t know anyone and Kayleigh ignored me—instead hanging out with her Teen MOPS friends. But when my son Haven was born I decided to give it another try. And I guess you can say I really love it now, because I’ve attended every meeting I’ve could for the past two years.”
The one thing Mari liked most about the group—the second time—was the caring attitude of the leaders. “One of them gave a devotion, and I thought, ‘She really knows what I’m going through.’” After that, Mari was put on the Teen MOPS mailing list, and the speakers, life skills, and crafts sparked her interest. And while those things were helpful, Mari continued to find the most encouragement from the women she met there.
“I love the fact that the leaders are so devoted. They’re always there, always coming up with ways to help us. And even if they weren’t teen moms themselves, I’ve learned we’ve all gone through hard times but God can make a difference.”
Because of their example has also grown in her relationship with God. “I’ve gotten to know God better . . . way better. I’ve even started attending a Beth Moore Bible Study, which I just love. Now, when I read my Bible I can feel God actually speaking to me.”
Mari continues to have big plans for her future, and she hopes to become a doctor in emergency medicine. She’s taking small steps and will begin EMT classes in the fall.
Mari’s future goals also include supporting other young women who find themselves pregnant.
“Looking back, I appreciate how much support I received, and I realize not everyone has that. I’d love to be given the change to help others, just as I was helped. It makes everything so much easier when you have someone to talk to and someone who understands.”
Teen MOPS has made a difference in Mari’s life, and she spreads the word where and when she can . . . including a hand-painting a Teen MOPS advertisement on the back window of her car!
And now, as her son nears two-years-old, the only thing Mari hates about Teen MOPS is missing a meeting.
“I’m so glad I gave Teen MOPS a second chance,” Mari says. “Because they’ve introduced me to leaders, and to a God, who does the same.”
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