Usually, the cars in the parking lot at the abortion center are beat up old jalopies. They are a huge contrast to the abortionist's ride, which is a huge silver Lincoln Continental. He parks in the back, next to the dumpster...how appropriate. Sometimes I point that out to his "patients."

But this morning, one of those PT Cruisers was parked in the abortion parking lot. A mother and her daughter got out of the car and started towards the sidewalk. The mother immediately began shouting at me. She said I have no right to be in front of the center. She was yelling at me asking me how many babies I adopted. She was very upset, as she should be. I told her taking her daughter here has nothing to do with adoption, it has to do with eliminating her grandchild, and hurting her daughter. Of course, it never was about adoption, it was just a front to hide her guilt. She bolted inside, and I prayed that she would come back out so that we could talk about her daughter. That did not happen.

Two black girls approached, and I gave them the CPC information. One said she is getting a pregnancy test. When she came out, I asked her in my best happy voice if the test is positive. She showed me the white folder to prep for the abortion. She held up my card, and ran to her car.

A man brought a woman to the center. She was very hostile to me. But he stopped, and I asked him if his wife or girlfriend is pregnant. He said he did not know. He side-stepped me and went to his car. I walked with him as far as the law allows, and talked to him about the joy of holding his own child...maybe his son. He looked at me square in the eyes, and took off in his car.

I was alone until Chris came. He immediately went for the entrance way and starting singing and talking so that the people inside could hear him. Chris is very passionate about his ministry. A few minutes passed, and then a man I have never seen before came to wait for the bus. I greeted him, and he asked me if anyone left the "killing center" this morning. We exchanged names and a hand shake, and he began to speak...very slowly.

His name is James. He asked me, "Do you know what you are?" I cringed...oh no here we go... He responded, "You are a mistake". He said, "I am a mistake". I asked him to explain that to me. He said, "It is very possible that many of us are here on this earth as a mistake made by our mother who never intended a pregnancy. But, yet, here we are standing together on the sidewalk talking in front of an abortion clinic. What makes us different from the babies in the bellies of those mothers going in there? Nothing! The difference is that our mothers transferred thier mistake to a life and to a love. But these mothers transfer their mistake to death". He emphasized death. The bus came, we looked at each other silently, he stepped on the bus, and he was gone.

Richard, his wife Rose, Joe, and Kathy all came to pray. Chris stepped away. We pray so they can hear us inside. We pray the Chaplet on our knees. That is my favorite part of the prayers.
Kathy has been ministering at that center for over ten years. She has seen many miracles, and she is amazing.

I might go to a day retreat next week for sidewalk counselors and abortion clinic prayer warriors. I have been praying about it. I am not sure it would be good for me to go. I really dislike what some say and do as sidewalk ministers. I can't stand the "saves" language. They are not "saves," they are persons. Besides, we rarely know if the mother delivered the baby, or went to another clinic for the abortion. I think people should stop counting what they call "saves," and just be happy that God chose them to do His work, no matter what happens or doesn't happen. Then there is the badgering and harassing of the women and abortion staff which is so unloving, and does not allow any quiet time for the Holy Spirit to work .

YES, YES, I know...too few do this work...and it is good that people are out there. Satan is the divider. Yes, I know. That is why I may not attend. If I start hearing about those "saves" I might have to speak about that, and I don't want to divide people. Better not to go. I don't want to make a "mistake".

I keep thinking about James' interesting commentary about mistakes. I smiled to think that my sister who is twelve years younger than I...is who James is referring to as a "mistake".

The snow was heavy this morning as I drove to the abortion center. But then, shortly after I arrived there, it turned to rain. Unfortunately I forgot my umbrella, but it was bearable.

First to pull into the parking lot was a mother and her daughter. The cute little girl jumped out of the car and went for the door. I greeted her with a smile. She smiled back. I handed her the crisis pregnancy center card and she looked it over. Before I could say a word, her mother stormed forward shouting at me to leave her daughter alone. She brushed past me and tried to open the door, but could not get in because it was not yet 9:00 AM. They make people wait outside, as if they were standing in front of a Target store waiting for someone to come with the key.

A rickety old van slowly rolled up the small driveway and parked. I saw two car seats in the van. An Arabic man, and his wife wearing the full black garb and head wear came on the sidewalk. She quickly went inside, but I was able to stop him and ask him to talk with me. He explained to me that he has no job, and can barely feed their two children. He is a former National Guardsman. He said the help they tried to get through Social Services was a nightmare. He is right. I learned that Social Services and government aid is a very difficult process to wade through for help. The system is apparantly a mess.

I never thought I would ever say this, but I have come to understand that sometimes our society drives people to the abortion center. I understand why some women would have an abortion. After talking with so many people in front of the abortion center, with so many different situations, I truly understand why some go there. Of course, it is an abomination to God, and I hate abortion. But when I hear pro-lifers say, "I can't understand how a woman could kill her baby"....I immediately think...then you are clueless! Way too many pro-lifers talk-talk-talk, but they do not listen. I am sick of Christian and Catholic radio hosts and guests make ridiculous comments about people involved in abortions when they do not know the situations.

Project Gabriel puzzles me ...is that program more helpful than a CPC? Will they talk-talk-talk, or will they listen? I don't know. I have talked to the volunteers and read the material. I am concerned that the Project might take women away from the real help they can receive at a crisis pregnancy center. Is "Angel" training realistic? I am sure the volunteers are sincere, good-hearted, and well-meaning people, but can they take the place of professional counselors who can guide women and men through their crisis including the help to get through the complicated government aid? I wonder why they don't partner with a good CPC or two.

It is so easy to be a vocal prolifer from your nice suburban home where your husband takes care of you, and you have a car and go on vacations. I am talking about the prolifers who shout at politicians, the abortion center staff, and the abortionist saying things like, "Hey, why do you kill babies?" Is that helpful? They say, "these women go to abortion centers because of this or that"....and I have heard them say, "they feel like...this or that" I have even heard MANY say "the women feel like they have no other options". Sometimes that is true...but not ALL THE TIME . Take the mothers who bring their little daughters. Oh please, they know about options! It is not about having options. Most often, it is simply about living a selfish life.

The Arabic woman did not have the abortion. Her husband said they are going to The Lennon Center for help. I started praying at 9:30 AM. A man named Gerry came, and he prayed with me. Chris was there too. We prayed in the pouring rain only three feet from the door. I was surprised to find myself fighting back tears today as we prayed the Rosary, and Chaplet of the Divine Mercy. Little girls with pink ribbons in their hair are having abortions. Some say that is "choice", and some even call it "reproductive health". I call it child abuse.

I was thinking about the little girl inside this terrible place, brought here by her mother. She will remember March 1 forever. I thought about how angry her mother was at me, and about this young teen's shy little smile when I approached her. I prayed for her mother (who threw up in the parking lot). The little girl had an abortion. She left in tears; but instead of the CPC card in her hand, she was grasping her birth control pills.

My friends on the sidewalk at the abortion center tell me it has been very busy! Well, let's see, yes, six weeks after New Years...it would be. Then again six to eight weeks (or more)after Valentine's Day, and then again after the prom. On and on. How sad.

I have been away from the sidewalk because I have a new job. After praying about it for a long time, I accepted the job because I believe it is what God wills for me. I loved doing sidewalk ministry for Him. I asked Him not to take me away from it, and away from my friends. I prayed to be able to come back to the abortion center. And...thanks be to God, my prayers are answered! Things have settled down at my new job, and it looks like I can return to the abortion center where I can minister to people, and just as often, if not more, they minister to me.

I have been trying to stay in touch with Kathy. I have received emails from Chris. He is really tenacious. Even though I do think he is way out there...I also think he is a saint! I have been praying for Stan because he hurt his back. I miss Connie, and Charles, and the homeless man, Carl.

My new job is very time consuming, and I work alone most of the time. I am outside working in the woods. It is very peaceful and I can pray and meditate on God's love and mercy. I can say the Rosary and Chaplet of the Divine Mercy out loud as if I am on the sidewalk at the abortion center. Even though I have not been there physically, I am there every day mentally.

I think God put a passion for sidewalk ministry in me...I want to be there, but only for Him. So, wherever He sends me, whatever it is He wants me to do...I will look to Our Blessed Mother for guidance. I will ask her to help me so that I will diminish my own will and do His will. She is the perfect model for all women, and especially for women in a crisis pregnancy. She said yes.

I arrived on the sidewalk in front of the abortion clinic at 8:45 AM. Stan was there in his bright yellow rain coat wearing his sign that say Pregnant? Call 800 No Abort. It was pouring rain! I also had on a rain coat and used my pitiful little burgundy umbrella to try and stay somewhat dry. It is more difficult to persuade people to stop and talk in a terrential downpour! It was a gloomy morning, especially for the women coming for abortions.

Everyone took my CPC information, but they were not receptive to talking in the rain. Most people arrive by 9:15 AM. But at about 9:30 AM, a couple pulled in to the parking lot. They got out of their van and immediately started screaming and swearing at each other. He continued to yell as he went ahead of her. She tearfully followed him inside the clinic. Obviously, this was not the time to approach them. It appeared that he was pressuring her against her will to have an abortion, but I have learned to assume nothing!

After a few minutes, she came out with tears streaming down her face. I walked next to her and offered to help her or call someone for her. She said no, but she stopped and faced me. I asked her to take my card for help and put it in her pocket so that he does not see it. She took the card, and quickly shoved it in her pocket just as he came out to yell at her some more. She does not want the abortion, he does. They left...but then...unfortunately came back. It appeared that he hit her when she was in the van, but I could not see that for certain. When he came back to the abortion center door, I asked him if I could speak with him. He whirled around to look at me, and in no uncertain words made it quite clear that I should not talk to him again.

I tried to talk to her again, but she was visibly shaken and crying. I asked again if I could call someone for her. I told her that I will pray intensely for her and her baby. Chris came on the scene, and I told him what was happening. I warned Chris that the man is very volatile, and that he should be careful. As usual, Chris is fearless. He shouted to the man, "Sir, don't kill your baby."

Stan and I prayed our various prayers, Rosary, and Chaplet of the Divine Mercy in the down pour. A young girl left the abortion center with the tell-tale white 24 hour notice folder. I started to talk with her, gave her my information, and she stopped because she clearly wanted help. I told her she would never regret having the baby, but would regret an abortion forever.

Kathy came by to tell me that a mother and daughter came to the abortion center looking for me while I was on my trip. She described them, and I remember talking with them about two months ago. They wanted to tell me that they did not go through with the abortion, and now they are very excited to soon hold this little boy or girl in their arms. What a huge ray of sunshine that news brought!

Chris emailed to tell me that the couple came out at 2 PM, and she did have the abortion. She cried to Chris that now it is too late, and she screamed "He killed my baby." Sadly, we have seen this before.

We see this (and other sad situations which hurt women and children) all the time at the abortion center. No one ever comes there because they want to, and no one ever leaves healthy. They leave knowing they are the mother of a dead baby. They are wounded in body, mind, and spirit. This is happening in your neighborhood. It is the greatest tragedy and terror to women and children of our time. If you doubt this, then you have never been on the sidewalk to see what abortion really looks like.

The rain pouring down and wetting the abortion center sidewalk is like millions of tears coming down from Heaven to mourn the deaths of the innocent babies. And when it doesn't rain tears from Heaven, it rains tears from the women and men who regret ending the life of their very own son or daughter.

I just finished a great book called Unborn Jesus Our Hope by George Peate. It is an amazing reflection on the missionary work of Jesus while He lived in Mary's womb. This unique book sites many scholarly and scriptural references. Unborn Jesus is the champion of all unborn children. We pray to the Divine Child and to the Divine God-man, so why not pray to Unborn Jesus? If you are interested, you can read sections from the book at unbornwordalliance.com. The site is listed as one of my links. This book was very inspirational to me personally, and as a prolife activist. Who better to give the dignity of personhood to the unborn baby than Unborn Jesus?

I took this picture from Fr. Paul's web site (fatherpaul.org).

I am back from a two week pilgrimage to Turkey and Greece called: In the Footsteps of St. Paul. The pilgrimage was packed with great sites and incredible information. My mother and I had a wonderful time together visiting many ancient sites. Our vacation was an amazing site seeing tour, but not really much of a religious pilgrimage.

I was disappointed that we never prayed together while traveling on our tour bus. We did not even say a prayer together before our meals. We did not pray at Mary's house. Mary's house brought tears to my eyes. The Mother of God in such a lowly and humble dwelling; what a huge message!

We had a very nice priest to lead us on the pilgrimage. He was substituting for another priest, and I do not think he is familiar with this type of religious pilgrimage. I think he did his best to please everyone. He was very kind, gentle, and patient with our large group of 39 people. He was Christ to all of us.

I quickly learned the dynamics of the group when the Michigan election results were announced. I was shocked and dismayed! Most of the group, including two nuns, celebrated the victory of the re-election of our pro-abortion governor, Jennifer Granholm. I was horrified. I told the nuns that they are celebrating with Planned Parenthood, NARAL, homosexual marriage advocates, the porn industry, anti-Americans, and anti-God Hollywood people like Madonna. They are celebrating with Satan himself! They are accomplices to the murder of over 47 million innocent babies. I ask the Lord WHY he put me together with all these pro-aborts? He says, "Endure what I give you...with...joyful acceptance. He knows what is good for me better than anyone....joyful acceptance...OK then...there is always a plan!

It hurt me to watch these pro-aborts receive the Lord in the Eucharist. Catholics? I say no way! One of the nuns even prayed for the unborn during Prayers of the Faithful at Mass. How could she truly mean that and then support abortion with her vote? I responded with a prayer to support only politicians who embrace life....Let us Pray to the Lord!

I learned that the nuns are involved with Call to Action. They support "choice", homosexual lifestyles and marriage, and among other heresies CA supports a female priesthood. They wore earings and dyed their hair, but St. Francis cut St. Claires hair.

Yet He calls us to be charitable. OK, I do love them, but I am angry with their refusal to support life. I had my own little pilgrimage...in my mind. I prayed the Rosary and Chaplet of the Divine Mercy on my own, silently. There were others on the trip whom I admired very much as faith-filled Catholics. I was blessed to meet Mike, Fariel, Muntaha, Elaine, Moira, and Leonard. Interestingly, Elaine's deceased husband was instrumental in founding Call to Holiness which was created to oppose Call to Action.

I am looking forward to getting back on the sidewalk. It has been over two weeks. I have been praying for the group and for all the people coming to the abortion center. I pray that I will not become hard hearted against people who support abortion. I learned on this pilgrimage that St. Paul's preaching and St. John's writings in Revelations could apply to the state of the Church today! I know that I turn people away from me when I speak up for life and against the culture of death. I question myself at times. But then when we were in Ephesus, I remembered what St. Paul said to Timothy as he struggles to evangelizing the Ephesians. St. Paul said, "I entrust this charge to you Timothy, my young child, in accordance with the prophetic words once spoken to you. Through them, may you fight the good fight by having faith and a good conscience." 1 Tim 1:18 Let's continue to fight the good fight!

Last week was a bad week for the abortionist. He had few customers during the week, and no one on Friday or Saturday. Or else, he went on vacation Friday and Saturday. But this week is another story.

It is so rare that a father would bring his daughter for an abortion. Usually, the father is dragging his daughter away from the grips of the abortionist. But sadly, this week a mother and father brought their young daughter for an abortion. I was at the door when they arrived. The mother ran inside the center. The daughter stopped and listened and took my information. She was a very small teenager. Somewhere between thirteen nd fifteen. She wore jeans and a pink jacket with a furry fringe around the hood and sleeves. The brand of her jacket was splashed across her back with sparkly writing. She had little girl braids, and a little girl face...wearing a look of sheer terror. She went inside as her father approached me.

I asked him if his little daughter was pregnant. He said yes. He confirmed to me that she is having an abortion. I asked him why he wants to end the life of his grandson or grandaughter. He said there is no baby yet. I told him that the baby is there, complete DNA, completely human, completely his grandson or grandaughter. He will not take on the expense of a grandchild. I told him that he will severely hurt his daughter by this abortion, and it will be forever. She will know what happened to her child forever. He said she should have thought about that before she laid down and opened her legs. He said he is doing this for himself and he does not care about her.

All I could say is, "Some day, you will care." I don't often tear up on the sidewalk, but his hard heartedness choked me up. After about an hour, she came out with her mother and father. It was too soon for her to have an abortion. I approached the father. He put up his fist to me and told me that he would hit me if I came closer. I backed away, but I had no trouble hearing their conversation as they walked to their car. The father was yelling and screaming at the mnohter and his daughter. It is hard to know the whole story, but it appeared that the little girl was too frightened to have the abortion, and the abortionist refused to do it. I hope that is true.

Kathy has been working to evangelize the abortionsit and the staff for years. I joined her in that effort. We talk with them lovingly and kindly in order to establish a relationship with them. They do not think we are crazy people who want to hurt them. Currently, two out of the three women who work for the abortionist, hand out our CPC information from the inside. Unfortunately, the group that comes when we are not there, does not do the same. We had to tell the staff that we are not a part of their group. We can't work with them.

I am leaving on a two week trip with my mother to Turkey and Greece. It is a religious pilgrimage called In the Footsteps of St Paul. I am looking forward to seeing the countries and spending some time in prayer and contemplation with the Lord. I'll pray for Kathy and the group while I am away. I will also pray for the the little girl in the pink jacket, and for her baby. Some people on the sidewalk are impossible to forget, and she is one of them.