As I looked at the events unfolding, and the favor we had in every direction, I began to get more and more encouraged. It was surreal as to how every time something would go against us - it would fix itself miraculously. No matter what we walked through, I knew God was behind this because only He can create such favor when none is either deserved or expected by any means.
Each day consisted of much time spent on the phone and talking with people who stopped by. We continued working to fix our home, and our friend Jill, offered to sell it for us making no commission for herself. It was amazing how people came to help from all sides. Our neighbors were being so supportive and I even learned about their family's issues with immigration from France and South Africa. Dan's friends from his old job came to interview us and create a video of us as well, and many wonderful friends from church came to support us and watch the news story with us and be interviewed. The Tortorici family, Rita, Roberta, Sherry and the Met Church bunch were incredible! My sister's friends Mike and Sarah and their family, Jessica, Victoria, Jewelz,The Tirado's, and many more offered so much help with the house, buying supplies, garage sales, etc. it was awesome to experience. And of course the Reeds who offered their continual support and prayers and kept me sane - Thank you to the moon and back Lissa! We love you all! Our friends from Mannatech also began calling everyone they knew in the political sects and getting the word around on social networks and e-mail. Joe-Green and Ray constantly looked for ways to help and Terri was amazing! Kim - my sister in -law, worked tirelessly on our behalf contacting even her cousin in England who was an Episcopalian bishop or something! I will never forget it.
The Global team at Gateway were the first ones to take me aside and pray with me! Pastor Geoffrey had his own story with his wife when they both won the green card lottery to come here from South Africa and he prayed with me first. Carina - my absolute favorite girl at Gateway - was incredibly sweet and supportive, offering prayers and advice on anything I needed. Pastor Troy, Lorena, Jessica and the rest of the team came together for me like nobody's business, praying for me and supporting me and I will always cherish you all! I will never forget Pastor Bob on the Freedom Team telling me that even if the authorities do not want us here, and if we are not wanted as per the system, he said "we do, we want you here." It meant a lot. It did.
My in-laws were amazing though all of this. From the first day I told them, they were amazingly supportive, writing letters on our behalf, calling political officials, and involving their church. The little Catholic church in their small town was filled with wonderful people who prayed for us daily and offered support. Also, Dan's cousins and extended family stepped in as well - helping with lawyers all the way in New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, and down to Florida - contacting officials and TV crews, and much more. It was the big family I always wanted, coming together to help!
I remember friends contacting local political offices so much that Kay Granger's office assistant said they have never had this many phone calls about one case! Michael Burgess who was the congressman for my sisters district at the time offered a lot of help too. I remember a town hall meeting one Saturday morning. About fifty of our friends and family showed up to support us, as we were going to ask questions about the immigration policy. The news crews also showed up to take note of the event. Jelena's husband, Steve stood up and asked some questions on our behalf and Mr. Burgess answered accordingly, and favorably, but as we suspected clear answers like "for" and "against" are taboo words in the government. Afterward, we had more interviews with the news teams and a private meeting with Congressman Burgess and his team. He was very professional and helpful and worked on our behalf to get us a private interview with the head ICE officials.
Our friends continued to phone politicians, and a few that stand out I would like to mention here: Senator John Cornyn, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, Senator Kirk Watson, Congressman Pete Sessions, and others - if anyone remembers please let me know. Even Rick Perry Glen Beck, Bill O'Reilley MSNBC, FOX NEWS and various talk shows were contacted.
Even friends on their own, like an amazing gentleman Mark Mangrum, who helped us so much in so many ways, like hiring a landscape company to help with our yard situation. The lady who owned the company came by and during her many visits I had a chance to minister to her about some messy situations at home and pray with her for her kids. It was ordained and I knew it. Mark also helped in writing an independent article http://www.texasgopvote.com/blog/current-immigration-system-obsolete-06271.
One day, a friend of mine asked if we would meet with her friend who worked on documentaries on PBS to relate our story as she was interested in doing a film on us. Jelena and I met Jodi in Waco one afternoon at a Starbucks and talked like women on fire about some great passions of ours like human trafficking. She told us stories that would make your skin crawl, and all of a sudden our meager immigration stick we were in, seemed so small. We told her our story, but more importantly we made a new friend. Jodi is such an inspirational woman with great talents and vision. Shortly after, Jodi introduced us to another wonderful lady, Sarah, a bright and charming professor at Baylor who is also involved in the film industry. We met with the ladies many times, and it seemed that we have known them forever. Although nothing ever came out of the documentary or movie, it was a fun notion, and we enjoyed spending time with our new friends.
People were contacting all kinds of groups and it seemed that all religious denominational separations were put on hold nor did it matter about one being a democrat, republican or any other political sect. All of the differences were dropped and people came together for us from all walks of life. It was certainly the LORD's doing because it was too perfect and timely to be anything else. I remember how people came together to pray on our behalf and anytime we had a favorable response we posted on Facebook people responded giving glory to God. I knew in my deepest being that the peace I had was from God. I had wisdom about each situation and special knowledge and discernment about things happening as well. So, knowing all this was His well orchestrated plan, I knew all was being worked out for our good. The truth I kept going back to was that No-one, no authority, no government official or agency, no law or person had any authority over me that was not given to him by God, and if He gave anyone the authority to deport or detain or even have us go through this ordeal - then He had a good reason behind it and it was planned for our good. It sure was. I see now that the cries of His kids came to the top of His head (I dunno but my mom used to use this terminology) and it was time - but then He always knew it would be.
Showing posts with label help. Show all posts
Showing posts with label help. Show all posts
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Socially Accepting the Challenge
And so it began... Dan and went inside and he immediately called my sister and Steve who came over right away. This situation included her, as when her visit to check in came up, she would be given the same information. We called our lawyer who filled us in on what we were facing and basically there is nothing he could do at this point since our case was closed. He was very upset about it and had been trying to get a hold of the officer who dismissed us to change his mind but with no success. Our lawyer, Mr. Smith, said that the only chance we have at this point is to go to the media and hope the pressure changes the mind of the counsel who is in charge because everything else is done. He cannot explain why our case was denied, and said there were no reasons for the decision, and it did not agree with the way he believes the law should work. It should not be that it works for some and not for others, but a step by step process that if you follow through and complete diligently you would get favorable results. If you do not go through the process - then you do not. Sounds too simple I guess. Afterall, my mom got her green card and she was the one who initially came to this country with us as children. We did not chose to come here nor did we understand or know anything about immigration as kids. We simply went along with our parents like children do. And now, our mom is allowed to stay, but we have to go back to a place we have not returned to in over 26 years, and would have a very hard time adjusting to. It made no sense. What was wrong with us and why were we still unwanted? Is it just a computer glitch or a simple eenie - meenie - miney -mo and we were not it?
I called the Serbian Embassy in Chicago and they too, were flabbergasted by our situation and said they would do anything to help. Nebojsa in the Consulate office assisted us whenever we needed help and we are truly grateful. The good thing was that due to the ankle monitor there was a stall about me going to Chicago in order to obtain my passport and the legal travel documents needed for deportation.
My sister's friend, Jessica asked how she could help and after we suggested the media - she ran with that idea. Fairly soon, we had numerous phonecalls to our home for possible interviews. Also, Steve updated the FB website to now include my story. He changed it from "Free Jelena," to "Keep Oli and Jelena in the US." http://www.facebook.com/groups/164355385075/ (Although this page started out differently and well over 1000 members supported us as I read we hit 1000 on June 21, 2010 Twitter page, FB changed their format and I think due to lack of updates at first, but then a change of format, the page is now labeled "group" and all the members were erased). Unlike button. My sister wrote up a wonderful post about me - one of those Steel Magnolia tearjerkers. I was touched but still in shock and disbelief. My sister-in-law, Kim called again as news was getting around her place of work - where Dan and Jelena both worked as well, for a very long time. People began calling as they saw the Facebook update and I think Dan and Steve answered most phone calls. http://twitter.com/#!/keepolijelena (and there was Twitter too :)
As the urgency was setting in, I remember going through the file cabinet and shredding everything. I had to keep busy. So apparently shredding our old bank statements and bills was a priority to me - I think I just dazed, actually. My sister kept asking what I needed since everyone is calling and asking how they can help. I knew our home was in desperate need of repair, but the only thing we had that we could sell and make money on, on which to live in Serbia. We had no savings left as I mentioned before, and were in a terrible financial shape. We owned the home for about 13 years, so we had equity in it. My reasoning was to fix it up quick and sell it for the best price possible. I knew that once I left, Dan would not take this project on, and probably short-sell it (and when I asked later, he admitted to this excatly), in order to come to Serbia quicker. This would leave us with very little cash to live on and I was worried for my family. I had to act quick and think fast. I asked my sister to let everyone know if they wanted to help, we needed help fixing the house. Immediately people from all over started coming to our house and painting, bringing supplies, food, calling to see what they could do, etc. I wish I had written a diary during this time. I wish I noted every note, e-mail, message, and visit. It was extremely overwhelming and humbling. My sister set up some spreadsheet and my best friend Melissa kept a notebook of needs and things done. It was amazing. I had no will to try but peace through it all. I remember laughing aloud to stay sane because observing my house was too surreal. Inside, I knew God would turn everything out for the best, and no matter what, it will be for my my best. I wanted to scream, yet I just went along with whatever others did and set up. I did not care what was going on; I was in a kind of a zone.
We had dinner provided for at least a week I think, and it was such a blessing seeing I was in no shape to cook or shop for food. So much thanks to Tonya and the Tortorici family, Rita, Roberta and the Met Church ladies who made some kind of care calendar and had people sign up to bring us food. I was literally living as a dead woman. All drive left me and I gave in and let it be. I was weak, but within me the peace was undeniable. It made me smile and laugh and wonder why everyone around me was so worried. Now don't get me wrong, there were certainly times when I dropped my guard and fell into the circumstances and panicked. But strangely, those times prepared me for this extreme sense of patriotism towards America I cannot explain. I felt like the first settlers and long forgotten immigrants who came here many moons ago. I was fighting for my family, for my freedom, and for a chance to be called an American. I was fighting for peace, a better life and greater opportunity for our kids. I paid a dear price and felt mistreated for many years, but then it all went away, and rejection disappeared with the support of so many friends and even people from all over the world we have never even met. I felt God gave me supporters and encourages for the fight. There was even a nice lady from Dublin, Ireland who was supporting us and several from Japan and Australia/New Zealand area! I felt empowered.
I knew I wanted our family to stay here. I wanted my children to go to school here. I wanted to play with my great-grandchildren here. I wanted us to retire here. THIS IS MY HOME! And I fought for it. In it all, I had peace that if we had to leave we would still be together and it would begin an entire new adventure for us. If I turned to "signs" for clues or guides in my life, I would not have fought because all the "signs" pointed to us moving to Serbia. Our neighbor told us of a friend with a mission field in Serbia he could hook us up with. It seemed like the same story but in reverse of us moving here back in 1985 that we "had" to re-live because it was a generational thing... I felt very adventurous and energetic in starting new and fresh because our life was so hard here and we were about to lose our home anyway. Dan and I were sooooo hungry for change. At this point any kind of change to our mundane, poor, and unproductive lives. But - there was a small part of me who saw this as a reason to fight. A part of me who saw this as an opportunity, in this land of opportunity. But as it is said, every testimony begins with a test. And we had so many tests, the eager hope of that many grand testimonies gave me a taste for victory I'll never forget.
I called the Serbian Embassy in Chicago and they too, were flabbergasted by our situation and said they would do anything to help. Nebojsa in the Consulate office assisted us whenever we needed help and we are truly grateful. The good thing was that due to the ankle monitor there was a stall about me going to Chicago in order to obtain my passport and the legal travel documents needed for deportation.
My sister's friend, Jessica asked how she could help and after we suggested the media - she ran with that idea. Fairly soon, we had numerous phonecalls to our home for possible interviews. Also, Steve updated the FB website to now include my story. He changed it from "Free Jelena," to "Keep Oli and Jelena in the US." http://www.facebook.com/groups/164355385075/ (Although this page started out differently and well over 1000 members supported us as I read we hit 1000 on June 21, 2010 Twitter page, FB changed their format and I think due to lack of updates at first, but then a change of format, the page is now labeled "group" and all the members were erased). Unlike button. My sister wrote up a wonderful post about me - one of those Steel Magnolia tearjerkers. I was touched but still in shock and disbelief. My sister-in-law, Kim called again as news was getting around her place of work - where Dan and Jelena both worked as well, for a very long time. People began calling as they saw the Facebook update and I think Dan and Steve answered most phone calls. http://twitter.com/#!/keepolijelena (and there was Twitter too :)
As the urgency was setting in, I remember going through the file cabinet and shredding everything. I had to keep busy. So apparently shredding our old bank statements and bills was a priority to me - I think I just dazed, actually. My sister kept asking what I needed since everyone is calling and asking how they can help. I knew our home was in desperate need of repair, but the only thing we had that we could sell and make money on, on which to live in Serbia. We had no savings left as I mentioned before, and were in a terrible financial shape. We owned the home for about 13 years, so we had equity in it. My reasoning was to fix it up quick and sell it for the best price possible. I knew that once I left, Dan would not take this project on, and probably short-sell it (and when I asked later, he admitted to this excatly), in order to come to Serbia quicker. This would leave us with very little cash to live on and I was worried for my family. I had to act quick and think fast. I asked my sister to let everyone know if they wanted to help, we needed help fixing the house. Immediately people from all over started coming to our house and painting, bringing supplies, food, calling to see what they could do, etc. I wish I had written a diary during this time. I wish I noted every note, e-mail, message, and visit. It was extremely overwhelming and humbling. My sister set up some spreadsheet and my best friend Melissa kept a notebook of needs and things done. It was amazing. I had no will to try but peace through it all. I remember laughing aloud to stay sane because observing my house was too surreal. Inside, I knew God would turn everything out for the best, and no matter what, it will be for my my best. I wanted to scream, yet I just went along with whatever others did and set up. I did not care what was going on; I was in a kind of a zone.
We had dinner provided for at least a week I think, and it was such a blessing seeing I was in no shape to cook or shop for food. So much thanks to Tonya and the Tortorici family, Rita, Roberta and the Met Church ladies who made some kind of care calendar and had people sign up to bring us food. I was literally living as a dead woman. All drive left me and I gave in and let it be. I was weak, but within me the peace was undeniable. It made me smile and laugh and wonder why everyone around me was so worried. Now don't get me wrong, there were certainly times when I dropped my guard and fell into the circumstances and panicked. But strangely, those times prepared me for this extreme sense of patriotism towards America I cannot explain. I felt like the first settlers and long forgotten immigrants who came here many moons ago. I was fighting for my family, for my freedom, and for a chance to be called an American. I was fighting for peace, a better life and greater opportunity for our kids. I paid a dear price and felt mistreated for many years, but then it all went away, and rejection disappeared with the support of so many friends and even people from all over the world we have never even met. I felt God gave me supporters and encourages for the fight. There was even a nice lady from Dublin, Ireland who was supporting us and several from Japan and Australia/New Zealand area! I felt empowered.
I knew I wanted our family to stay here. I wanted my children to go to school here. I wanted to play with my great-grandchildren here. I wanted us to retire here. THIS IS MY HOME! And I fought for it. In it all, I had peace that if we had to leave we would still be together and it would begin an entire new adventure for us. If I turned to "signs" for clues or guides in my life, I would not have fought because all the "signs" pointed to us moving to Serbia. Our neighbor told us of a friend with a mission field in Serbia he could hook us up with. It seemed like the same story but in reverse of us moving here back in 1985 that we "had" to re-live because it was a generational thing... I felt very adventurous and energetic in starting new and fresh because our life was so hard here and we were about to lose our home anyway. Dan and I were sooooo hungry for change. At this point any kind of change to our mundane, poor, and unproductive lives. But - there was a small part of me who saw this as a reason to fight. A part of me who saw this as an opportunity, in this land of opportunity. But as it is said, every testimony begins with a test. And we had so many tests, the eager hope of that many grand testimonies gave me a taste for victory I'll never forget.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Pre-Marriage Haskell
It was April of 2009. My sister, Jelena and her fiance Steve were finishing up the last touches to get their wedding organized which was to take place in June that year. The dress was bought, venues booked and it was wedding prep time in full swing. My sister planned bridesmaid lunches and bought gifts for everyone, took photos and began organizing everything for her big day. She even moved out of the home she and Steve purchased and lived in an apartment in order to make their marriage more special once the wedding happened.
One not very particular day, Steve received an abrupt knock on the door and a swat team of at least seven guys dressed to combat a terrorist attack came to his home. My sister who was living in the apartment, was getting ready and on her way to work during this time. The officers told Steve that they were looking for a missing girl and think Jelena knows her and could help, so they needed to find her. Steve told them she did not live there and was probably on her way to work, then complied and gave them the address to her company. He called my sister and told her about this strange incident, and I think she had an idea of who it was. It has been her terror and source for nightmares and fear all these years. "They were coming to get us!"
She pulled into her parking lot at work nevertheless, and out came the van with the swat team apprehending her and knocking her down, then shoving her in the van. All this while her coworkers stood by and watched. She was dressed in a business suit for her marketing job, and treated as a criminal. She called me before then and I talked to her briefly, half scared and half trying to comfort her that it's probably nothing. Our fears that our dad had been worrying about all these years were coming to pass.
Jelena was taken to an ICE (Immigration and Custom Enforcement) holding facility where she was kept all day as they went through paperwork. She still remembers how freezing cold that cell was and how scared she was not knowing her fate and not being communicated with. She was later transported to the Rolling Plains Regional Jail and Detention Center in Haskell, TX, about a four hour drive west. I hope she writes a blog describing her experience, and explains in detail her time there. There are so many stories she told of countless women taken from their babies, families and homes, waiting, but without hope, for a miracle.
During this time, she called Steve and we found out what had happened. I called Dan who was working temporarily in Galveston with a friend, repairing the town from hurricane Ike. He advised me to go to his mom's and bring the kids. At this point, I had to flee or fight. I chose to fight. My sister was the most important friend in my life next to Dan, and I also still felt a need to protect her. I packed up the kids quickly and drove to my in-law's home. Dan and I could not imagine having our kids apprehended and taken from me by some agency. I sat with Dan's mom and proceeded to tell her as best as I could and in as short time as I could about our situation. She could not believe her ears, but offered to help in any way. I kissed my kiddos, knowing it could have been for the last time for a long time, and left. I left crying but quickly changed my mind to think positively and put on mental fight gear. It was time to settle this once and for all.
Much opposition and many temptations arose from a million different angles during this time. I had to fight to keep my sanity about me and invite the peace I knew was mine. I talked to Steve and we met to discuss what we would do next. We thought about going to Gateway Church - which was their home church at this time, and seeing if the pastors could help in any way. I called the pastors at the church we were attending, The Met Church. We called our lawyer and told him, at which he was appalled and gave names to some fellow immigration lawyers in town. I spoke to many people that day, and many lawyers, until we came to one who would see us shortly. Dan was worried that I would be picked up as well, but no one came to my home. I even asked Steve to bring me some of Jelena's clothes so I did not have to return home yet, so I can change in the bathroom of the burger place we went to. I had left early that morning in my stretchy house pants and shirt I slept in.
I even asked Steve to go home and get my book I had written which I was told the proceeds of would all go to Gateway Church. I wanted to show it to the pastor in hopes he would listen and hear our story. Now I am glad his secretary would not let me in to see him - she probably thought I was nuts! Also, now that I think about it, I have no idea what I really thought the pastors could actually do for us, but at that time I was desperate for any help. Pastor Spurling from Gateway listened to us and offered to drive up to Haskell on my sister's behalf. Matt Oxley from the Met Church also offered to drive up there and speak to Jelena. The lawyer we spoke with asked for some cash to start the process, and my mom and George paid it. This lawyer stayed with us during the urgent time with my sister, and told us that he believed a background check my sister had filled out at church in order to work with the youth is what triggered the authorities since we were now listed as fugitives. He released her case shortly after and our lawyer from Austin who helped my mom, Mr. Smith, took over. It was all happening so fast.
The secret was no longer a secret. People began to find out and our phone lines were flooded with phone calls from friends and family from all over the place. It was remarkable how everyone came together to help! It was as if many people were just waiting for something to fight for and a cause to uphold.
My sister worked with Dan and also Kim, my sister in-law, so most of the employees at the company knew us. At once, the team began to come together on our behalf. My sister's current place of business also stepped in with VP's and CEO's donating and trying to help in any way. What we wanted to keep on the down-low, now everyone we knew was finding out. What once kept us in bondage was now loosening its grip as more and more people found out about it. One shocking truth was revealed: everyone was on our side! The lies that people would hate us, and shun us, and treat us bad was just that - a big, fat, lie. ALL of our friends, family, their friends and family, and even people who just found out somehow sympathized with us. I could not believe it, but the support and overwhelming encouragement was enough to fuel my desire to get my sister out ASAP!
My sister in law, Kim, came over and we began to strategize. She had not known either, so I filled her in too... Steve set up a Facebook page called "Free Jelena" and we began to post it to our own pages. This was a HUGE step for me, because I have friends on Facebook I have known since grade school, also many people I had worked with at many different establishments, and to now come out and say that I am an illegal alien was embarrassing. I had to do it though, and I knew it. People called and gave ideas about lawyers and going to the news. Steve called his neighbor who works for a news channel and we contacted some other stations but we were told that in situations like these it is actually harmful to get the story in the spotlight. We were told that it would hurt her as they will most certainly deport her. So we stayed away from the media, and went through social networks. We were on Twitter and Facebook setting up links, and Kim was getting a hold of people she knew that could help. We were letting Dan know what was happening, and that I and the kids were safe. We did not want to keep asking mom and George to pay for stuff, and I had like thirty bucks until Dan came home. Steve had just gotten laid off as well, and we had no idea what to do. He did not know how they would pay their bills and house and car payments and also have time to try to help my sister. We set up a Paypal account on Jelena's Facebook page and within the week donations were pouring in from everywhere! Including my mom and George's help, we raised enough money to pay for the lawyer, all of their bills and payments and for Steve to have for food and stuff so he does not worry about his job situation. It was so amazing to see how our friends and family pulled together and helped us!!! I began to see just how much I loved people!
One not very particular day, Steve received an abrupt knock on the door and a swat team of at least seven guys dressed to combat a terrorist attack came to his home. My sister who was living in the apartment, was getting ready and on her way to work during this time. The officers told Steve that they were looking for a missing girl and think Jelena knows her and could help, so they needed to find her. Steve told them she did not live there and was probably on her way to work, then complied and gave them the address to her company. He called my sister and told her about this strange incident, and I think she had an idea of who it was. It has been her terror and source for nightmares and fear all these years. "They were coming to get us!"
She pulled into her parking lot at work nevertheless, and out came the van with the swat team apprehending her and knocking her down, then shoving her in the van. All this while her coworkers stood by and watched. She was dressed in a business suit for her marketing job, and treated as a criminal. She called me before then and I talked to her briefly, half scared and half trying to comfort her that it's probably nothing. Our fears that our dad had been worrying about all these years were coming to pass.
Jelena was taken to an ICE (Immigration and Custom Enforcement) holding facility where she was kept all day as they went through paperwork. She still remembers how freezing cold that cell was and how scared she was not knowing her fate and not being communicated with. She was later transported to the Rolling Plains Regional Jail and Detention Center in Haskell, TX, about a four hour drive west. I hope she writes a blog describing her experience, and explains in detail her time there. There are so many stories she told of countless women taken from their babies, families and homes, waiting, but without hope, for a miracle.
During this time, she called Steve and we found out what had happened. I called Dan who was working temporarily in Galveston with a friend, repairing the town from hurricane Ike. He advised me to go to his mom's and bring the kids. At this point, I had to flee or fight. I chose to fight. My sister was the most important friend in my life next to Dan, and I also still felt a need to protect her. I packed up the kids quickly and drove to my in-law's home. Dan and I could not imagine having our kids apprehended and taken from me by some agency. I sat with Dan's mom and proceeded to tell her as best as I could and in as short time as I could about our situation. She could not believe her ears, but offered to help in any way. I kissed my kiddos, knowing it could have been for the last time for a long time, and left. I left crying but quickly changed my mind to think positively and put on mental fight gear. It was time to settle this once and for all.
Much opposition and many temptations arose from a million different angles during this time. I had to fight to keep my sanity about me and invite the peace I knew was mine. I talked to Steve and we met to discuss what we would do next. We thought about going to Gateway Church - which was their home church at this time, and seeing if the pastors could help in any way. I called the pastors at the church we were attending, The Met Church. We called our lawyer and told him, at which he was appalled and gave names to some fellow immigration lawyers in town. I spoke to many people that day, and many lawyers, until we came to one who would see us shortly. Dan was worried that I would be picked up as well, but no one came to my home. I even asked Steve to bring me some of Jelena's clothes so I did not have to return home yet, so I can change in the bathroom of the burger place we went to. I had left early that morning in my stretchy house pants and shirt I slept in.
I even asked Steve to go home and get my book I had written which I was told the proceeds of would all go to Gateway Church. I wanted to show it to the pastor in hopes he would listen and hear our story. Now I am glad his secretary would not let me in to see him - she probably thought I was nuts! Also, now that I think about it, I have no idea what I really thought the pastors could actually do for us, but at that time I was desperate for any help. Pastor Spurling from Gateway listened to us and offered to drive up to Haskell on my sister's behalf. Matt Oxley from the Met Church also offered to drive up there and speak to Jelena. The lawyer we spoke with asked for some cash to start the process, and my mom and George paid it. This lawyer stayed with us during the urgent time with my sister, and told us that he believed a background check my sister had filled out at church in order to work with the youth is what triggered the authorities since we were now listed as fugitives. He released her case shortly after and our lawyer from Austin who helped my mom, Mr. Smith, took over. It was all happening so fast.
The secret was no longer a secret. People began to find out and our phone lines were flooded with phone calls from friends and family from all over the place. It was remarkable how everyone came together to help! It was as if many people were just waiting for something to fight for and a cause to uphold.
My sister worked with Dan and also Kim, my sister in-law, so most of the employees at the company knew us. At once, the team began to come together on our behalf. My sister's current place of business also stepped in with VP's and CEO's donating and trying to help in any way. What we wanted to keep on the down-low, now everyone we knew was finding out. What once kept us in bondage was now loosening its grip as more and more people found out about it. One shocking truth was revealed: everyone was on our side! The lies that people would hate us, and shun us, and treat us bad was just that - a big, fat, lie. ALL of our friends, family, their friends and family, and even people who just found out somehow sympathized with us. I could not believe it, but the support and overwhelming encouragement was enough to fuel my desire to get my sister out ASAP!
My sister in law, Kim, came over and we began to strategize. She had not known either, so I filled her in too... Steve set up a Facebook page called "Free Jelena" and we began to post it to our own pages. This was a HUGE step for me, because I have friends on Facebook I have known since grade school, also many people I had worked with at many different establishments, and to now come out and say that I am an illegal alien was embarrassing. I had to do it though, and I knew it. People called and gave ideas about lawyers and going to the news. Steve called his neighbor who works for a news channel and we contacted some other stations but we were told that in situations like these it is actually harmful to get the story in the spotlight. We were told that it would hurt her as they will most certainly deport her. So we stayed away from the media, and went through social networks. We were on Twitter and Facebook setting up links, and Kim was getting a hold of people she knew that could help. We were letting Dan know what was happening, and that I and the kids were safe. We did not want to keep asking mom and George to pay for stuff, and I had like thirty bucks until Dan came home. Steve had just gotten laid off as well, and we had no idea what to do. He did not know how they would pay their bills and house and car payments and also have time to try to help my sister. We set up a Paypal account on Jelena's Facebook page and within the week donations were pouring in from everywhere! Including my mom and George's help, we raised enough money to pay for the lawyer, all of their bills and payments and for Steve to have for food and stuff so he does not worry about his job situation. It was so amazing to see how our friends and family pulled together and helped us!!! I began to see just how much I loved people!
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