Egypt’s Story

18-year-old Egypt made her way to the Underground for the first time for a Halloween party with her two-week-old son, Jedidiah, in her arms. Five weeks before, Egypt had no clue she was even pregnant! She had arrived at the local hospital on October 11 after coming home from school in a lot of pain. To her surprise, the doctors informed her that she was pregnant and her baby was not moving. They believed the baby would be stillborn, so she spent the night in the hospital. The next day, they were able to hear his heartbeat and he moved! Because of her high-risk pregnancy, Egypt stayed there until the birth of her son on October 18. It had been a whirlwind of a time, and then she found herself at the St. Philip Neri school gym, wondering, “What are people going to think of me and my son?”

Egypt has a difficult past. She has had to spend nights at motels or on friends’ sofas because she had nowhere else to go, and her dad’s religious abuse distorted her vision of God the Father for her whole life. She had been searching for a place to call home when she found the Underground. Amid the chaos and instability of her life, the Underground provided her with stability, especially in the consistent presence and support of Area Director Catherine and former missionary Ciena.

Egypt had attended Young Life events before, which taught her about Jesus, but when she first attended Mass with Vagabond she felt immersed in his love. The parishioners adored her sweet baby and were happy to see her. The pastor even knew her by name. The liturgy filled her soul, especially the Eucharist.

“At a protestant church they talk about Jesus,” Egypt explains. “But at a Catholic church you can be with Jesus.”

That was enough for Egypt to say “yes” to taking the plunge in the baptismal waters, bringing her son along with her. On July 14, 2024, Jedidiah became one of God’s children through baptism and Egypt received all three Sacraments of Initiation.

As a new Catholic, Egypt says, “Even in moments of discouragement, never doubt God’s grace.” Every week in the Holy Eucharist, Egypt receives God’s grace, which gives her the strength she needs to endure life’s hardships.