Published Mon, Oct 19, 26.
Written by Natalie Baudonnet.

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We made it!

 

After 2,145 miles, my mom and I arrived at my new home in Nashville on Tuesday, October 13. Thank you for praying for us as we traveled here! Our drive was safe and uneventful, with a little rain on the first day and blue skies for the rest of the trip. Thank you to those of you who generously gifted funds to keep gas in my tank and food in our bellies! 

On Wednesday, I jumped into work—writing thank-you cards to donors (many of you reading this—thank you!), learning Embrace Grace’s relationship management system, and reviewing the Embrace Life curriculum, which continues supporting single moms after Embrace Grace.

Meanwhile, my mom spent hours unpacking, organizing, and making my bedroom feel like home. I’m so grateful she was here to help me settle in!

A place prepared

My new roommates, Ashlyn and Noel, have been so warm and welcoming. Ashlyn is a nurse at Vanderbilt’s Children’s Hospital, and Noel works as a receptionist at a local veterinary clinic.

A little story behind this home: After I applied for the Regional Director role, the phrase “I will prepare a place for you” from John 14 came to mind during one of my quiet times. While Jesus is speaking about our eternal home in that passage, it seemed to me that God was promising those specific words to me in this season! 

As I look around now, I’m overwhelmed by God’s kindness. The location, the women who live here, and the space itself are everything I had hoped for and more. I have my own bedroom and bathroom, plenty of storage, a garage space for my car, and even my own entrance—all at an affordable price! Thank you to those of you who generously gifted funds to help me furnish my new spot. I was able to order new bed side tables, a lamp, and bookshelves! 

My sister also stopped in Nashville for the weekend between her rotations in Chattanooga and Memphis. In just three days, she introduced me to several of her friends, who welcomed me so kindly. Those connections have been such a gift in a new city.

Fundraising update

Many of you received my letter inviting you to partner with me through prayer and financial support as I help grow Embrace Grace in Nashville. Thank you for reading, praying, giving, and encouraging me.

My goal is to raise $100,000 in six months, and I’m excited to share that, including gifts and pledges, I’m nearly a quarter of the way there!

As a next step toward that goal, I’m looking for 16 more families or individuals to give $50 per month. If you feel led and are able to partner financially, I would be grateful for your support at that amount—or any amount. One-time gifts are also welcome, and every gift helps make this ministry possible.

Please reach out if you’d like giving information or have any questions. I would love to share more!

Will you pray with me?

Your prayers are such an important part of this work. Here are some specific ways you can join me:

For the ministry

• Pray that God would prepare the hearts of men and women to volunteer and churches to launch Embrace Grace groups.

• Pray for open doors with Nashville-area pregnancy care centers so women can easily learn about nearby support groups.

• Pray for women facing unplanned pregnancies, that they would have the support and courage to choose life and find a welcoming church community.

• Pray for God to arrange meetings and connections that help this ministry grow.

For financial provision

• Pray that God would provide the funding needed to establish and grow this work in Nashville.

For me personally

• Pray for courage as I settle into a new city and adjust to life away from my Fresno community.

• Pray for close friendships and a healthy, Bible-centered church where I can grow and serve.

• Pray for healthy rhythms as I balance ministry, graduate school, and new relationships, keeping time with God and in His Word a priority.

• Pray for strong relationships with my roommates and for courage and kindness as we navigate any conflict.

• Pray for a trusted friend with whom I can practice confession and mutual encouragement.

For more frequent updates and specific prayer requests, you’re welcome to join my prayer team on WhatsApp here. I would love to have you praying alongside me!

More ways to get involved

If you’ve been wondering how you can personally get involved with Embrace Grace, we’ve recently launched two new programs!

• Become a Mentor: Walk alongside a mom or dad through a six-month, one-on-one relationship, offering encouragement, prayer, and support as they navigate pregnancy or early parenthood. You don’t need to have all the answers—just a willingness to show up and build a relationship!

• Become a Church Buddy: Help a mom feel welcome at church by meeting her when she arrives, sitting with her, and introducing her to others. Having someone to walk through the doors with can make all the difference.

If you’re interested in learning more or signing up for either opportunity, please contact me! I would love to help you take the next step.

Thank you for loving me, cheering me on, and being part of what God is doing in Nashville. I’m so grateful for you!

With love,
Natalie

  

Headed out on Sunday, October 11 at 7:00 AM with a full car!       

 

 

First night in Nashville, dinner at Bar Taco with roommates and childhood friend. L-R: Tiffany (childhood friend), me, Ashlyn, Noel. 

While line dancing with Erin on Friday night I met one gal who is also in a program at Biola online. We also met a fella who has worked for years at Hume Lake and has many friends in common!

First visit from my Clovis community! Thanks for stopping in Josiah and Tiffany! Who's next?