Helping Our Foreign Familia

Posted February 2, 2015 by BonitaBlueEyes - 6 comments

I’ve always been intrigued by foreign cultures and languages, so falling in love with an immigrant man makes so much sense to me as I reflect back on our story! My love for my husband brought me to hop the southern border several times, wait out long separations, and to eventually elope with him in Mexico. I am so thankful that I got to know him and his family in their own territory and unique economic situation. Otherwise, I’m not so sure I would be so convicted to support them financially the way that we do.

Each year over 20 billion dollars are sent to struggling family members in Mexico. (Check out this website. Actually over 120 billion dollars is sent to many countries around the world from the U.S. each year http://www.migrationmonitor.com/remittances/ )

My husband and I personally contribute to that statistic by sending money to his family in rural Mexico each month. I have a handful of friends and family members that constantly challenge our decision to send money to my husband’s family. They tell me how that money could help my immediate family have a little more financial breathing room. They say that we should put an end to the handouts and  just tell them to get jobs, or help them come to America to find a job…If only it were that easy!

Currently working 6 full days a week brings in approximately $50 a week where they live. You may justify this with thoughts like “Well, the cost of living is so much cheaper there!” But the harsh reality is that when I was there, prices were so inflated that everything cost the same as it does here, and gasoline was more expensive. My husband’s family does work, they work very hard, with no way to get ahead. These are amazingly kind-hearted and hard-working people. We’ve paid for visas and submitted paperwork for them to be able to legally immigrate here, only for them to be denied. Imagine how they feel trying to make a living in such a hard economic environment. Unable to give their children all they need (not want, need), and without hope of a legal visa to enter the United States and create a better life. There is a whole blog worth of potential writing on this complex situation!

What I know is that the money we send them allows them to live better. I believe God has, and will, continue to bless us for our generosity! The bible is brimming with verses about helping others, and it is very clear to us that this is one of the ways our family is called to serve. We are in the process of creating a business for them that we hope will create a situation that will help them get on their feet. We are currently collecting items from friends and family for them to sell in a second hand store they plan to create in their small town. We want to empower them to be self-sufficient, and perhaps in the future they may no longer need our support. For now, they desperately need us to help them provide the basic necessities for their family, and I am happy that we have the means to do so.

What do you think about this situation? Whether you agree or disagree I’d love to hear what you think!

Copyright: / 123RF Stock Photo

Categories: Life As It Happens

Tags: , BonitaBlueEyes, charity, helping family, immigrants, Mexico