Raise funds for legal costs

I have been avoiding this for a long time. I am very tired of being the one that needs help. I cannot wait for the day when I can help others as much as they’ve helped me. But if there is one thing I have learned its that being too independent doesn’t allow community to thrive the way God created it too. And if I don’t allow others to be apart of my story, there will be less opportunity for God to show up through the gift of community he has given me. Ive been encouraged by many to do this…So here we go…

Even though he went to prison last February, it hasn’t gotten easier. Whenever I have said that to people, they are shocked, and have assumed, that jail meant it was over. Sadly, that is not the case. The court battles continue for me. I am now involved in two court cases because of all of this. I choose not to share the details of either in public formats, to protect my kids, because it involves them. Although I am very willing to speak in person, if anyone has questions.

What I will share is that my expenses for unexpected things, continues. Lawyer, parenting consultants, and continued therapy for my kids. At one point I had saved and worked hard to be able to take care of some of this, with the expectation that I wouldn’t be doing it for this long (besides the therapy). At this point all of these things have drained any savings that I have had. While I work, and so does my husband, these things are far more than we can afford. We don’t know when this will end. I have been warned that it will most likely cost me tens of thousands, before this is all over. A lot of this is upfront cost. At first that sounded extremely overwhelming to me, well it still does, but I also know that God sees all of it. The injustices, the struggle, the tears, the fear and the outcome. My job is to take it a moment at a time, stay obedient and trust that, although I can’t control it, no matter what happens, I’m not alone. I will continue to speak truth over my family and this ugly situation. As I’m typing this, I realize I say things so hopeful, like I’m so good at trusting God at all times. Reality is, I’m not, and it’s a constant struggle, so I speak it, and act accordingly so that it reaches my heart.

God will take everything meant for evil and turn it for good, EVEN IF I am unable to see it. Even if, it still looks unjust or unfair from the outside, or makes no sense. We will keep moving forward, and continuing to heal. The toll it has taken mentally, emotionally, and financially may be a lot but the growth from it is huge for me, my husband, and kids. We have come so far, in what it looks like to trust the One who truly is in control.

I know not everyone can help in the same way and that’s totally ok! Thats why there is community. I have learned so much about what community looks like, in the last 10 years. I have so many friends with so many gifts, and its so beautiful. So from giving hugs, prayer, encouragement, truth or money, it truly is all so valuable to me and my family. This is just the humbling part of me asking specifically for financial help.

For those that have continued to support me and my family in so many ways, for so many months/years, I have no words of gratitude that will sufficiently express how much it has meant to me. Holding my arms, head and heart up to continue on. You are treasures to me.

Again, if you have questions about any of these things, please ask.

-Rachel