Hi, I'm Kalena, and I've been stranded in New Mexico with five kids and two dogs for over a week! We were on an epic, cross-country road trip to mask the fact we don't have a place to stay right now because my soon-to-be ex-husband refused to get out of our house as our near 2 year-long divorce comes to a close. The kids and I chose to leave to stay with family while we await the judge's decision. Long story short, our car blew up, and we have held up in a dive ever since. (Mr. "Won't move out" has also refused to pay child support or alimony, and I've been a stay-at-home mom to 9 kids for over 18 years.) And no, he still isn't interested in helping because I asked him.

We need wheels, and I'm asking you for help getting them. At the insistence of others, I've decided to go ahead with this go fund me (even though I'm sure to catch hell from perfect, judgy family members.)

My engine is not repairable, I'm looking for help to either buy a new engine and pay for the shop work or buy new-to-us wheels. We do not need anything fancy, just reliable and big enough so that we can finish our road trip as best we can. It needs a tow hitch receiver.

To help pay for these new wheels, my broken-down car is for sale from where it sits in Carlsbad, NM. It's an 05 Suzuki xl 7.

I am well aware this is the most ridiculous time in history to ask for financial help, but it is what it is. My mental health cannot handle anymore judging. This is my last resort.

We thank you all for your consideration from the bottom of our hearts.

Kalena, Karena, Liza, Ronan, Zora, Vern, Ginger and Cobalt