Dawn delivered her baby in December and placed him for adoption. Wanting to continue school at Blueridge she moved in with Dinah and Mike. She and their 16 year old daughter became instant "sisters." Dawn quickly made friends (lots of them) and fit right in with the waves of teens who regularly hung out at their house and raid their refrigerator. She became deeply involved with White Mountain Bible Church youth group. During this time she matured emotionally and spiritually into the young woman to whom we now say good-bye.
Dawn would like to share her feelings about this past year:
"When I first came to Hope House I was very nervous and scared. I felt really alone. I wanted to parent my baby even though I was only fifteen. I had to take classes at the clinic. I agreed grudgingly to go through classes on adoption. At first I resisted. But, I thought long and hard about what I learned and realized I couldn't be the mother my baby needed. I saw that I was still a child myself and that I needed a mom. I wanted him to have both a mommy and daddy. I wanted him to have a home and a family. It was the hardest thing I ever did to place my baby for adoption but it was the best for him - and for me.
Time seemed to drag during my pregnancy. Now, I can't believe how fast it's gone. I am a different person. I am much closer to God. I know who I am and how much I am loved and worth. I have learned to deal with my feelings in a constructive way. I've learned that the best choices aren't always the easiest. I am committed to second virginity and will share with anyone why abstinence is the best choice.
I know God loves me because he placed me in a family where I am loved and accepted. It will be hard to leave but I know that what I found here will impact my entire life. I want to say a special thank you to all of you who support this ministry with your prayers and your donations. I can't imagine where I would be if I had continued in my old lifestyle. I am a new person because of this ministry and you helped make it possible! Oh yeah, I still sleep with my teddy bear!"