Sharing the Sarah Hope story

We continued to tell more and more people about the pregnancy.

“We've named our daughter, Sarah Hope, and are really trying to enjoy the time that we have with her. We’re always in a bit of a state before a scan, wondering if the little heart is still going... but we're enjoying being parents, albeit to an unborn life, and have started trying to build memories and prepare for her birth in a way which will be hold no regrets and be helpful for any grief process we may need to go through. Her life, even if it is really short, has had a wonderful impact on us and we have much to be grateful for. We certainly believe that the situation could be reversed and that she could be healed through an extraordinary miracle (and it would need to be an extraordinary one!). At the same time we're not putting our hope in a particular outcome but rather putting our hope in God and that his grace will be sufficient, no matter what the path is that He chooses for us. We've had to work through the fear of Sarah Hope making it to full term, but being severely disabled and what that would mean for us. We’re learning what it is to fear God and not fear particular outcomes (miscarriage, maternal health complications, stilbirth, disability etc). We've been getting great support on a range of levels, which we're really grateful for.”

Sharing our experience was powerful in that people responded fully, telling us how they were, being very open to the challenges they themselves were currently facing. It was a beautiful time of sharing honestly and we treasured how we were able to connect with old friends, even if just over email, during this time.

We had another significant community moment when we shared our story with our church small group. I spoke about the medical details and how the pregnancy had progressed as well as what had been challenging in the journey. Rich spoke about our theological response to the situation. Our community wept with us regarding the challenges that lay ahead, but felt so privileged that we were sharing it with them and allowing it to be a community process. They commended us for the way in which we were walking things out and prayed beautifully as well. It was such a God-centered evening, it was not really even about us or the baby, but a stunning offering to God from all.

We also had a very special time of prayer with the elders of our church. They really took the time to listen to us, and prayed for us. We felt so covered by their love and humbled by how they had served us.