By Tricia Goyer
Mari was just sixteen when she found out she was pregnant. Her missed period was the 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.
“I continued attending school, and the hardest thing was losing friends who didn’t want to associate with me anymore,” says Mari. “I felt alone and different from 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 fellow student, Kayleigh, who encouraged Mari to attend a group called Teen MOPS – whatever that was. Mari didn’t know what to expect when, at six months pregnant, she attended her first meeting.
“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 could for the past two years.”
The one thing Mari liked most about the group – the second time around – 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, Mari 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 will begin EMT classes this fall. Mari’s future goals also include supporting other young women who find themselves pregnant.
“I’d love to be given the chance 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 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.”
