A quick note to my siblings updating you all on some changes coming for X and I. I think you all remember Micaela, the young Hispanic lady who stayed with us for a couple years many years ago. X and I have connected with her when possible over the past couple of years. This last late April or early May, Micaela moved from Chicago to Elkhart, taking Mya out of kindergarten at that time. She has moved 5 times since then, and every move was forced on her by landlords with good reason. Micaela has 4 kids now. A number of the moves were the result of too many people living in a one bedroom or 2 bedroom apartment, like 12 in a 1 bedroom, and 15 in a 2 bedroom. So it is only natural for the landlord to say that is too many. Micaela has a full time job now, working at a 7/11 for $9 per hour.
Each time we would see her and the kids, we’d leave with sad hearts to see how her decisions have forced this life on her. And while we have allowed her to stay with us in the past, that really hasn’t moved her to a position of stability. It is a long sad story. As of now, Mya is not in school yet, because Micaela doesn’t know where she will be tomorrow or the next day in terms of living. She is living with a friend in Goshen in a mobile home trailer – at least 9 of them in the trailer. Additionally, she doesn’t feel she can let the kids play outside because it might alert the landlord or trailer park manager as to how many people are on the property. So these kids play in one room (6 of them I think).
About a month ago, X and I talked about the possibility of taking temporary custody of Mya and Josiah, the 2 oldest ones, so they can be in school. After prayer and processing, we decided to step back from pursuing this. About 1.5 weeks ago, Micaela called us and asked us if we would take temporary custody of the 2 oldest. Told her we would pray about it, and process how it might work. Bottom line, sometime this weekend, Mya and Josiah will be moving in here. Mya will be attending 1st grade at our local elementary, York school. One of us will drop her off at 7:20 AM at the school where she will be fed breakfast. We then will continue on to Mission (York is sort of on the way from our house to Mission) and drop Josiah off at a pre-school near Bristol. At the end of class for Mya, she will probably be bused by the York Elementary to the pre-school – for a couple hours until we pick her them up around 4:30 or 5:00 PM.
The point of this email is we wanted you guys to hear from us regarding this change. Our attorney prepared documents that she has signed giving us custody. We indicated in the documents that the kids have to stay with us thru this school year, as we don’t want kids to be moved from school to school randomly. There will be visitation times so Micaela can stay somewhat connected to the kids. I’ll not soon forget the tears of a mother who makes these kinds of decisions regarding her kids so she can try to become stable.
What happens after a year? Don’t know. This isn’t our life dream, to raise young kids at our age. But loving people is. We have support from 'our kids' and also Micaela’s half sister in Goshen (she is stable) as well as a number of families from church.
Met with the elementary principle today and enrolled Mya in 1st grade starting next Monday. He said he just had a student’s mother come in an hour before we did, and told the principle they were moving today. So an opening for Mya with what he thought was the best match to Mya 1st grade teacher opened up today.
You guys have been great with these kids in the past. More than likely, you’ll get to see them again when we are in town, etc. (end of e-mail)
Some details: My brother and sis in law let Micaela stay with them for 2 1/2 years. Rent free. While my brother is a very successful business owner, he would not hire her - mainly because he didn't want to be in a position where he may have to fire her. Also, he didn't hire either of his sons - for the same reason.
He did help her get jobs, though.
I distinctly remember her living in their house, and the love they showed her, and Mya. And the times they would all come back here for Christmas, Easter, or just a weekend.
I remember the stories of her having saved up $1000, even one time $2000.....and then her disappearing for a week or 2 (with Mya) Then, going back to my brothers house, flat broke.
My brothers kids are adults - self sufficient, on their own. My brother is a true epitome of a Christian. He has been blessed with much, do to his work and faith, and he's given back in more ways than I can describe.
I have more to say, but I'd just like thoughts from others. Oh yeah, I 'X'ed my sis in laws name. And "Mission" is short for my brother's company.
