Dongxue and Morgan Talk About Their Friendship

Dongxue’s Story

Q. Dongxue, why did you feel the need to reach out to A Friend for You?

A: I was in a hard time. I am from another country, all my friends were from university, however, I am the only few left in Fort Collins. I am not good at social, not good at talking to strangers, which makes it hard to make friends outside of school. After I got married, and got pregnant, few friends thought it was dangerous for me to do lots of activities, so they stopped reaching out to me. I felt super isolated, and lonely, also because my husband was not at home or around most of the time. I went to a program called Life Choices, and they recommended A Friend for You to me, so I called.

Q. Who was your Volunteer Friend, and how did your relationship with her develop/grow?

A. Morgan is my friend. She is super nice and listens to me. I really appreciate the time we spend together. Especially when I was pregnant, I was the only one at home, with nobody to talk with, all I did was go to appointments. I was really looking forward to meeting her and talking about what happening, and just talk. It was super nice that she came to my baby shower, and we had a wonderful time. After baby is here, she brought me gifts from the program, which are very helpful. We keep connected even after delivery, and I really appreciate what she is doing, and she is willing to spend time with me.

Q. How did a friendship with Morgan benefit you?

A: For me, I feel there is always someone there I can talk with, whenever, whatever. I feel less lonely, and also, I know if there is anything I need or any information I am looking for, there is someone there for me to ask questions instead wondering myself. I am happy that in a foreign country, I am having one more friend.

Q. Did Morgan connect you with any other opportunities in the community?

A: She registered for me to a community baby shower, and that was the best! I got so many samples, and gifts, and so much information from different programs, some information was really important, but I had heard it before, and best wishes from all different people. I also won the bed for the baby, which saved me tons of money.

Q. What kinds of things have you and Morgan done together?

A: We normally met at coffee shop to talk and enjoy the relaxed environment. Sometimes, we met for lunch, and she recommended some good places to eat.

Q. How often do you get together?

A: Mostly once a week, but after baby is here, she gave me time to figure out my own pace and schedule, so we are meeting once a week, or once in two weeks.

Q. How did calling A Friend for You benefit you?

A: It gave me the courage to make the call to meet new people. People are super nice in the program, makes me feel less nervous around strangers. It gave me more information for what I need and access to some events that I didn’t know about.

Q. Would you say to another pregnant woman considering calling A Friend for You?

A: Yes, definitely would.

“For me, I feel there is always someone there I can talk with.”

Morgan’s Story

Q. Morgan, how long have you been a Volunteer Friend involved with A Friend for You?

A: I started with A Friend for You in October of 2017.

Q. What about the ministry drew you to get involved?

A: The opportunity to help women when they need support and encouragement from a trusted friend.

Q. How many women have you “friended?”

A: One

Q. Describe your experience as a Volunteer Friend. What things did you and your Pregnant Friend do together?

A. We meet for lunch or coffee and catch up. It’s been wonderful to build a relationship and be available to my friend.

Q. What kind of growth have you seen in yourself since becoming a Volunteer Friend?

A: I have grown in the area of empathy. Learning someone’s story helps to increase my personal understanding and compassion for the different challenges that people face.

Q. What kind of growth have you seen in your Pregnant Friend or Dongxue?

A: She is doing amazing and has adjusted to motherhood so well. I am very proud of her. 🙂

Q. What has been the most difficult aspect of being a Volunteer Friend?

Q. What would you say to someone who is interested in volunteering with A Friend for You?

A: It’s a beautiful ministry and will bless you in many ways.

Q. Do you believe that A Friend for You is a worthwhile organization? If so, why?

A: Yes, the organization is so intentional and does a fabulous job of supporting women in their individual walks.