God's Plan and the Glory Thereof

Copyright © Michele & Jamie Eliassaint.

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ISBN: 978-1-4497-8533-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-8535-2 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-8534-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013902890

WestBow Press rev. date: 3/14/2013

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

We dedicate this story to our family, friends and to our home Bethany French Baptist Church.

To God be all the glory.

Chapter 1

Love and Betrayal

D ina was a twenty-three-year-old Colombian living in New York for a year and a half at a friend’s house. She didn’t have any legal documents to work, but she attended English-language classes at night at a community college in her neighborhood. One day she visited the library to get books for a project. As she was searching a shelf, she turned and saw a tall black man with wide shoulders and smooth, beautifully toned skin.

In a firm and decisive voice, he said, My name is Ted and I’m very pleased to meet you. What’s your name?

My name is Dina, she replied, blushing and trembling.

Are you okay? Ted asked. If you don’t mind, we can sit down and discuss some interesting books.

No. I think I better keep on going, Dina replied.

Do you live in the neighborhood? Ted asked.

Yes. I live close by, Dina said.

Can I walk you home? Ted asked.

No. I can walk alone, Dina said.

Are you sure? I’m sorry if I make you feel uncomfortable. Here is my business card. You can call me anytime, Ted said.

Dina went home dreaming about Ted. I’ve never seen such a handsome man in my life, she thought. He gives me his number, and I’m so confused. I don’t know if I should call him so soon. I don’t want him to see how I feel, so I better wait for a couple more days.

Three days later, Dina walked back to the library to return her books and found Ted standing at the entrance.

Dina, I’ve been looking for you, he said. Every day I’ve come here, thinking you might bring the books back. I never received your phone call.

I meant to call you, but I’ve been so busy with schoolwork, Dina said.

Ted looked at her straight in the eye and in a sweet, tender voice said, Dina, ever since I met you I feel different. My heart beats faster, my breathing becomes heavier, and I can’t think of anybody else but you. Do you have school tonight? If not, I’ll take you out for dinner.

In a timid voice, Dina said, Okay. Pick me up at 7 p.m.

Walking home, she wondered, Oh my God, did I make the right decision? I feel so weak around him, but he seems to be fine.

Dina dressed in black pants, a black tank top, a red cardigan, and red sandals. She had her hair down and wore light makeup.

At six forty-five that evening, Ted rang the doorbell. Dina opened the door, and Ted looked intently at her. You’re so beautiful, and I feel very lucky to be in your company this evening he said.

I’m flattered, Dina answered.

They arrived at the restaurant, and as they sat down, the waiter presented Dina a bouquet of roses from Ted.

Thank you, Ted. You’re very romantic, she said.

I cannot resist such a beauty, he replied.

How old are you, Ted? Where are you living? Dina asked.

I’m thirty, and I live in my sister’s basement, he said. My parents are in South Carolina, and my sister and I decided to live in New York.

Are you married? Dina asked.

Holding Dina’s hand, Ted replied, Let’s not talk about that now. All I want you to know is that I’ve never loved anyone the way I love you. I feel very fortunate to have you sitting with me, and I hope much more will come of this. I want to be very close to you because I love you so very much.

Dina felt unworthy, shy, and insecure, but she was carried away by romance and euphoria.

The way you’re looking at me, I feel that you have a lot on your mind, Ted said.

I’m just taking in every feature of your body and every shade of your voice. You’re such a handsome man, Dina said, puckering her lips and batting her eyelashes.

Dina and Ted continued their rapid-fire romance, satisfying their intense desire to be closer to each other. Six months later, Dina was experiencing morning sickness with progressive abdominal pain.

Dina, darling, you’ve been complaining for a few days and you look so pale, Ted said one morning. I think you need to go to the emergency room. Did you have your period last month?

Don’t worry. I have my period every two to three months. I’m not concerned at all, Dina said.

But Ted convinced her to go to the ER. She left him in the waiting room. The doctor suggested a pelvic sonogram. Shortly after the exam, a nurse announced to her that the pregnancy test was positive.

Pregnant? I’m not pregnant. Maybe the test is wrong, because I don’t feel that way, Dina said.

But the sonogram confirmed that Dina was six weeks pregnant. I wasn’t thinking about pregnancy, but it’s fine because Ted and I will have the perfect fruit of our love, Dina thought. We just have to accept it.

When the two were in the car, Dina told Ted that she was pregnant.

Pregnant? What are you talking about? I’m not ready for a baby, Ted said.

Sweetheart, don’t be so overwhelmed. I need you, and our baby needs you, Dina replied.

You don’t understand, Ted answered.

Heartbroken, Ted dropped Dina off and drove to his house. They didn’t talk for two weeks.

I hope Ted is okay, Dina thought. He isn’t answering his phone, and I don’t know where to find him. All I know is that he loves me so much and he will never fail me.

Two weeks later, Ted went to see Dina.

Ted, what is wrong? You know my condition, and I haven’t heard from you for two weeks, Dina said.

Ted was sitting on the couch, staring at his feet. Dina embraced him and said, I’m sorry, honey. You know how much I love you. I didn’t see you for a while. I was afraid that I was going to lose you. Now that we’re parents-to-be, we should be as close as possible.

Ted jumped up and distanced himself from Dina.

I love you, but I’m afraid that I have to tell you the truth. I don’t want this baby. I … I … can’t. Please forgive me.

Honey, I know you’re very nervous. This is the very first time you’re going to be a father. It is hard to accept it, but we’ll comfort each other, Dina said.

No. We cannot comfort each other. There’s more involved than you think. It has only been eight weeks. I can take you to the abortion clinic. That is the best I can do now! Ted shouted.

What? How dare you talk to me like that. I can’t believe you would put me in that situation, Dina said.

I love you. That’s why I encourage you to do what is best for the both of us, Ted said.

I’m not going for an abortion, Dina insisted. If you don’t want the baby, fine. I will survive. I would rather have the baby and give it up for adoption. I refuse to kill a human being.

I can’t father the baby. It’s very unfortunate. Please give me a call as soon as you make up your mind.

You haven’t said why you don’t want the baby, Dina said.

Ted never communicated with Dina. Two weeks later, she called him and found his phone disconnected. She didn’t know any of his family members.

I’m an illegal immigrant with no skills, Dina thought. I have no close family members to help me out. I guess I have to give up the baby as soon as I give birth.

Two weeks before giving birth, she received a letter from Ted. Dina, I’m sorry about the situation, he wrote. I’m no longer in New York. I wish you the best with the baby. If you decide to give it up, please find a Christian family. If he/she is raised in the church, it would be easier for him/her to forgive me. I hope one day I will have a chance to tell you why I ran away from the situation.

Dina felt betrayed and humiliated by the man she loved.

How is this happening to me? she asked herself. I’m so scared about having a baby all alone. When I met Ted at the library, he did not seem so insensitive. I felt that he was the very best I could ever be with. I never thought he could abandon me, especially when I needed him the most, when I’m about to give birth to his flesh. What is he thinking? Why doesn’t he want the baby? Did he leave me for another woman? I can’t even think right. I don’t know if I should love or hate him. How could I hate him when I have half of him inside of me? I’m stuck with him for the rest of my life. I will never forget this darkness in my life. I will always remember how Ted proved his love to me but a few months later sent me to the desert with his child. I regret that I gave my heart to him. He used me for his own benefit.

Chapter 2

The Journey

O n a Friday at two in the morning, Dina was in labor, and she called her friend Suzie to drive her to the hospital. When she got there, she was immediately placed in a room because her water had broken in the car.

As Suzie was about to leave, Dina said, In case you hear from Ted, tell him that he is such a jerk and I will always remember the pain he put me through.

Don’t worry about Ted. You will be fine. Just pray for a healthy baby, Suzie replied.

Dina was in labor for twenty-four hours. She was alone, with no family members to coach her. The only encouragement came from a midwife, who urged her to push. She cried out for Ted.

Ted, where are you? Why do I have to go through this pain all by myself? I hate you, and I hope I can see you someday to tell you how I feel.

For twelve hours, Dina pushed and groaned. She moved side to side to alleviate the pain, but it would not ease. She passed out after each push, then awoke as the next contraction got intense. She was nude, shaking, and screaming like a banshee. She gave one loud scream for every push. Finally, the baby emerged.

Congratulations, the midwife said. You have a beautiful baby girl. She put the baby on Dina’s stomach.

Dina held the baby and said, Nobody else cares, Amy. Yes, your name is Amy Rebecca Flores. I love you. Starting now, we are best friends forever. But I have some sad news. Your father ran away because he was afraid. I may not be able to keep you, but I’ll make sure I find you a good home. She kissed the baby and put her in the bassinette.

On Dina’s second day in the hospital, the nurse on duty gave her discharge instructions and encouraged her to keep up with the baby’s pediatrician appointments.

Can I speak to a social worker or someone who can possibly help me with the baby? Dina said. I’m an illegal immigrant, so help is limited for me. I have no family members in this country. I’m living with my friend Suzie, and she won’t be able to keep me in her home with the baby. My boyfriend, the baby’s father, vanished after I was eight weeks pregnant. I love my baby, and I want to make sure I find her a safe haven.

The hospital had social services for mothers like Dina, but she was reluctant to sign the papers to give up the baby for adoption.

My baby is only two days old, Dina thought. I want to wait a few more weeks. Maybe I’ll find a way to keep her. My life will be so miserable if I give her up for adoption. She is my child, my daughter. She is beautiful. Why should I give her away? It seems that she is going to look like her father. I want to keep the memory of Ted alive in my heart. I want to live and see her every day.

Dina promised to return to social services if she couldn’t manage with the baby. Amy was four weeks old when Suzie lost her job and was unable to pay for the rent.

Dina, I’m sorry. I’m going back to Boston to live with my mom because I’m unable to keep up with the bills, Suzie said.

What about me and Amy? What are we going to do? Dina asked.

I told you to give her up for adoption, Suzie replied.

Even as her situation worsened, Dina kept calm so she could think ahead. When the baby cried at night, she wrapped her in a blanket so she would feel warm and secure and let her suck on a pacifier. During the day, Dina took Amy for rides in a stroller.

She never stop talking and singing to her baby. Amy, all I can do is look at you and sing to you, my baby. It looks like we won’t have much time with each other. The financial hardship is very rough, yes, but I want to sing my love.

Every night in her anguish, Dina would pray to the good Lord to help her. She was lost and all alone. How would she provide for her baby?

What should I do? Dina wondered. I don’t want to bring my baby back to the hospital because I don’t want her to be in a foster home. I want to make sure that she is being adopted by a Christian family. I want her to have a safe environment.

Every night, she would pray, Oh God, please show me the light. I’m confused, so confused. Why did I have to go and get myself knocked up by that man? I was so stupid to actually believe that he loved me, that he actually cared for me. I want to hate him and blame him for my stupidity, but I know all I can do is forgive him and be strong for my beautiful baby girl. God, I love my baby, but no one is supporting me, and I can’t help myself. I want to keep her, but will I be a loving mother or an abusive one? Please, God, help me find a person who will be a wonderful mother to my child. I will miss her, but I want to make sure she gets the life that I know I can’t give her. Give her a warm home filled with love, hope, and faith—not ordinary faith, but faith in You. Protect her wherever she goes, God. Keep her as she grows up. Let my daughter be wise and allow her to be better than I could ever have been. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

On a Monday evening around five thirty Dina gave Amy a bath. It warmed her heart to see her little girl stare at her with her big, almond-shaped brown eyes as she shampooed her thick, curly, dark-brown hair and rinsed off her caramel skin. She dried her with a pink towel and applied Shea Butter lotion to her tiny body. She dressed her in a white Onesie with a pink shirt and pants and wrapped her up in a turquoise-and-white quilt she had sewn while she was pregnant with Amy.

Dina thought to herself, Oh God, I need Your presence with me. I’m about to give my baby away. I don’t know if I’m making the right decision, but please guide me to a good family that can give the best to my little girl. Please, Lord, let my baby find a mother who is able to be a representation of the life You have for us all. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Comforted by this prayer, the young mother dressed herself for the night to come. She put Amy in a basket she had woven, and left. She had been walking for about an hour when she noticed a church. She heard a woman singing, Lord God Almighty. Worthy is the Lamb. Worthy is the Lamb. You are holy, holy. Dina quietly entered the church with Amy still in the little basket. As Dina appeared in the sanctuary, a woman in her late thirties immediately approached the young mother.

Welcome to Nazarene Church, she said. My name is Cecile. Can I help you with anything?

I’m fine, thank you. Just passing through.

What a beautiful child you have there. What’s her name?

Her name is Amy.

You and your husband must be so happy about having a new baby.

I don’t have a husband. I’m a single mother.

Oh well, I’m sure you’re happy with this beautiful little girl, Cecile replied as she played with Amy’s tiny fingers.

May I please hold her? Cecile asked.

Um, sure. Be my guest, Dina replied. Do you mind if I go down the street and get some milk for the baby?

No, not at all, Cecile said. I’ll stay with her.

As she turned away from Cecile and Amy, Dina whispered to herself, Life will never be the same without you, Amy. But I’ve got to do it. Suzie can’t accommodate us anymore, and I cannot take you to a shelter. I can’t even buy you cloth diapers. Things are going from bad to worse. This woman will give you a chance. You’re going to be raised in the church. I pray that you become a very successful woman and you’ll never be betrayed by men.

Then, wiping away the tears that rolled down her cheeks, the young woman left the church.

Chapter 3

Welcome to Our Family

W hen an hour had passed and Dina had not returned, Cecile began to think the worst. I suspected that young lady would leave her baby. I should call the police but first, I’ll call Pastor John and decide what to do next.

She took Amy to his office and told him, Pastor John, there was a young woman who asked me to watch her baby so she could go get milk for her, and she never came back. That was an hour ago.

Pastor John replied, Are you sure you’re not the one who told her to leave the baby with you? I know you’re crazy for little babies, especially a beautiful baby like this. Give her more time. If she doesn’t come back, we’ll notify the police.

Why would a mother give up such a precious child? Cecile wondered.

Four hours later, Pastor John called the police, who came and evaluated the baby. The police took Amy to a hospital for children’s services to place her in a foster home while trying to find the mother.

She gave me the child, Cecile told one of the officers. Let me keep her while the investigation is in progress.

Sorry, ma’am. That is not the way it works, Officer Richard said.

How about if I want to adopt the baby? Cecile answered.

Not a problem, but you will have to do it legally.

The officer gave Cecile and Pastor John all the information on where the baby would be.

The police took Amy to the hospital for a checkup, and children’s services took the baby to a foster parent’s home. Cecile went to see the social worker in charge of the case, trying to expedite the process so Amy could be returned to her as soon as possible. The social worker told her that she needed to take a training class so she could decide if the child would fit into her family. There would be a background investigation on her and her family. After completing all the requirements, she would have to go to