Marie's Diary

Independence Day '06

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 3 Jul 2006 23:44:00 -0700

Hello all: I know its been a while since I've updated, but as you can imagine it gets harder to update. I am again happy to say that my family is doing well, and that I did in fact receive an extension for those of you that still check this. I will again be returning to college in the fall and am really looking forward to driving and working while continuing my advocacy work in hopes for changes in legislation to come quickly so others like me can also have a chance to continue to pursue their dreams. It's been a bit since i've been to DC but i expect I will be travelling there in a short time. As far as my family back in Costa Rica, dad did in fact find a job which he ironically begins today. Tomorrow, July 5, is the one year anniversary (if that is in fact what you call it) of their departure. I again can not even begin to express in words what these last few months have been like. I am agian so thankful to have some wonderful and amazing loving people who surround me and have really helped me and my family out. Lets keep the hope alive. Lets get some legislation passed soon! thanks for all the support. Many blessings! Marie Gonzalez

last few days of school....

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 28 Apr 2006 11:44:00 -0700

Hello again,

Here's the update: School is winding down, I took my first final yesterday, and my last final for this semester will be this thursday. I cannot believe the school year is over. I dread all the uncertainty that will be the next couple months. I am still awaiting my work permit, hopefully once I get that I will have some money to continue to pay what I need and start preparing for if i do have to leave for Costa Rica.

My parents are still struggling, and they are hurting even more in the fact that I still do not know what is going on. But we will continue our fight!

There is still hope!

blessings,

Marie

SPRING BREAK

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 3 Apr 2006 14:32:00 -0700

Hello again, So this past week was my spring break! I traveled downt to New Orleans with Campus Crusade for Christ to help with Katrina Relief! What an amazing and overwhelming experience it was! I was so glad to go down and meet with people who were just so hopeful. People who had lost everything, and yet had not given up! It was amazing to see that, I wish that I could only have stayed there longer, but Spring Break is only a week, and as I found out i'm allergic to the mold, that probably would not have been a good idea! Anyway upon coming back into the world of cell phones, electricity, and running water. I found out that so much had happened on the immigration front. We were making headlines! How awesome! I'm so proud of everything going on! I wish I could have taken part in some of it, but I will be taking part in actions taking place on the 10th and I'm way excited about it! Lets keep the wheels rollin on this! Together, Si se puede!! peace, Marie

And the countdown begins.... again!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 23 Mar 2006 19:37:00 -0800

99

So, thats the new number! So much has been going on. It finally hit me this past weekend, We are going on 9 months since my parents had to leave and all thats left for me is until the 1st of July.

I cannot state again, how crazy time is. How it can be short and long. How a year has flown by and yet seems like eternity. This weekend I am getting ready to head down to New Orleans for my spring break in order to aid in the Katrina Relief.

I am ready to go, and am very nervous. I don't know if that is even the right word. So much has gone on in my head in the past year, and I finally realized that I can't avoid it anymore, and it hit me hard. The past weeks have rivaled the worst of days, and yet I know I am heading down to aplace where people lost it all. How thankful I will be at the end of the week, I can only imagine.

I spoke with my parents tonight. They continue to inspire me and give me hope to continue. The coming months I know will be nothing like what I've gone through in the past, though it is the same circumstance. I'll continue to take each day and I am sure we will all continue the fight. I encourage those of you that can to get involved with what will be happening in DC this coming Monday. We need to come together and continue the fight! We can win this! It is a just cause, and its for the benefit of all!

I pray something great comes out of htis week, and I have hope!

Have a wonderful day, whoever reads this.

prayers and blessings,

Marie Gonzalez

An Update on my life

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 30 Jan 2006 16:57:00 -0800

Hello dear friends... I do not know how many people will read this. It has been a very long time since I wrote on this blog. Life for me is going quite well. I am happily living my second semester of college. School is going great I love my classes and have found myself to be overly involved on campus.

My family is doing ok. I cannot believe that the fifth of Feb. It will be seven months since I last saw them. My life continues to get crazy as each month passes, but I continue my fight.

Five months from now I hope to still be here, but July the 1st is fast approaching, and I still don't don't have an answer.

Four months and a Day

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 6 Nov 2005 09:54:00 -0800

I came "home" this weekend. It was nice to be able to just come back and relax. Hang out with friends, have nice meals, not have to worry about anything. Yet still there's no running away from it. I'm numb to the whole fact of where I am.

This morning I realized today is the 6th of November, meaning four months ago yesterday my parents had to leave. It doesn't get any easier with the passing months. I still have many responsibilities I must take care of for them. My communication seems to decrease with the time as well. Not that I mean for it to, but its harder to reach them where they are now, and it keeps getting more expensive.

This week I received news my puppy (dog) could die because she was very sick. As worried as I was about her, all I could think about was what if something happens to my parents. I just wish things were better for them! Here I am, by no means in a great state of matters, but still I am attending a school I love, I have wonderful helpful people around me, I have so much, and yet they sacrificed it all so I could have this. I keep dreaming about seeing them which isn't making it any easier.

I know that things are looking slim, but I cannot give up! I still have hope, hope for me hope for all the thousands of others. Something must be done!

I am still awaiting word from immigration about my work permit, that's another constant worry about when next semester rolls around, but I must deal with each day as it comes.

I appreciate all you that have asked about my parents, next time I talk to them I'll let them know.

Overall though, school has been amazing for me this semester. Everyone on campus has been very understanding about the issue. I have great support from students and administrators. My traveling has restarted this month as well. I'm excited about being able to get back in the fight. Now that things are semi settled with school, I can now focus on what needs to be done. I think all of us students combined have wonderful stories, if we can find a way to uniquely present it to others! We have such great talent and potential, there has to be a way!

I want to end this on a positive note, that I know God has an amazing plan, I feel blessed to be involved in this fight, I know its for a good cause. I know we can get something done!

My love and blessings to you all.

~Marie Gonzalez

3 months

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 5 Oct 2005 12:09:00 -0700

Can you believe it?

This morning I woke up, only to realize today marks another month passed since my parents had to leave.

I cannot even put into words how I feel right now. I've been able to talk to them very little over the past few weeks for multiple reasons. And with each passing day it gets more difficult for me, but it's all for a good cause, and I will not give up!

I am happy to announce that I am back in the fight beginning with this Friday. I will be speaking at Missouri State formerly known as SMS. I am marked as a keynote speaker for Hispanic Heritage month. This will be the first time I do a presentation since they had to go back.

Soon I will also be traveling to DC again. Life is crazy, and time well can drive you crazy.

School is going well, I am doing very well in my classes, though I have been really stressed about managing the activism and school. I'm happy to be back at it. And am going to work my hardest for all those other students out there and all the other families.

Many blessings!

Hello!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 19 Sep 2005 14:53:00 -0700

Hi friends!

So it's been a while I know! College life is absolutely crazy! I keep meeting amazing people though. I'm back in the swing of things now, and am managing both sides of my life (media and school) really well.

I dont speak to my parents as often anymore... I miss them lots still. I cant believe we are going on three months.

My events are starting back up again. It's only getting harder, but I have wonderful people by me. I appreciate all the support and we HAVE TO KEEP WORKING HARD. WE need something done!

many blessings to you all. Thanks for caring.

~Marie

First day of school... College I mean.. ;)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 24 Aug 2005 13:56:00 -0700

Hey everyone...

So I have been missing for a while. Life has been crazy... But hey I'm in school! I am studying at Westminster College here in Fulton Missouri. Everyone is incredible here! JUst wonderful people left and right!!

I love my roomate and the people on the floor and my classes are turning otu really good :)

My family is doing well although we are both missing each other tremendously, but we are making it thru.

:) I hope to continue my fight now that my schedule is startng to return to normal! To everyone out there keep the fight going!!

Many blessings.

Marie G

it's been awhile....

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 8 Aug 2005 07:33:00 -0700

Hey everyone!

I'm back from California. I had such an amazing time, I was even doubting my return to Missouri. I'm glad to be back home. I will be attending school this year. All of this is still in the works. But i pretty much have the place set up and everything. So that is exciting!

Other than that its just been the usual running around with errands and such trying to get everything where it needs to beon time.

I'm so glad to just be able to go to school. I give you all more details on that when its all for sure.

blessings.

Marie

Family

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 28 Jul 2005 08:37:00 -0700

So I'm in L.A. right, it's an amazing feeling being back here. Kind of nostalgic though. Knowing this is the place where we first called home in the US and seeing all the places where we used to go when I was little.

Staying at the house where dad used to come visit his aunt and uncle in his own youth, and kind following is his steps is cool.

I feel guilty being here and having a good time, while dad is still getting back to 100% and while mom is so stressed. It's nice to have family around... To look in pictures and meet new people ( I decided today, that when I go back to Costa Rica, to visit, I'm going to have to have a huge party to meet everyone!) and to see pictures of my grandparents who passed on long ago. Today I get to see the rest of my cousins ( I guess they are 2nd or 3rd) but its going to be great. It's been about 6 years since I've been back here.

You can tell dad wishes he was here, he loves it here in Cali. I've definitely been missing them tons, I keep calling for the stupidest reasons, but its so good to hear their voice. I think the rush of memories has increased my missing of them. It's specially hard when something happens, like I just want to pick up the phone and push the speed dial 3 which was mom's cell and just cry to her, but I must stay strong, at least I still talk to them often right?

IT was really bad yesterday, I called a friend, and was leaving a message and was like "oh yea I'm here in California, hanging out with the folks, and I was like wait a minute, I wish I was" ugh I cried.

Anyway, Family is great, I wish I had longer than a week to hang out with them. And to get to see everyone, frankly I've been kind stressed about that. Trying to see both sides and still getting some relaxing time in and a trip to Vegas.

Unfortunately there is still so much left to do, so little time, and so many decisions that I need to have made upon my arrival in Jeff City again. I'll enjoy what I have and pray for another opportunity to come back.

Thanks to everyone back at home who's doing an amazing job and helping me out with everything with the HOUSE. I owe you guys big. Love you and thanks for everything! Especially for letting me have a week off!

Thanks for all the comments and support I've been receiving its amazing.

Many blessings.

Marie G

Hello ;)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 07:59:00 -0700

Hi everyone!

I hope your week is turning out to be amazing. My week thus far has been exceptionally busy. I can't believe I leave for LA tomorrow already.

I am happy to report that Dad is feeling better, though still unsure whether it was a virus or not. He still has a bit of a fever, but last night when I talked with mom she said that he was getting stronger, and every time I talk with him he seems in high spirits.

I really appreciate all the wonderful comment and support. I'm very excited to start back up and meet all the other wonderful people involved in this and to really get things rolling.

Time is flying and we need to get something done.

To report on other personal things well: College decision, still not sure (as frustrating as that is, I know it will come), living conditions are good. I'm living with a friend for now, they are a wonderful family! Spirits: Well I've had a rough couple of days, I'm not going to lie. But since I'm going to see family I will at least get away for a couple of days (as much as I can)

Well that's it for me. Hope everyone has a good day. ;)

blessings.
Marie G

So I've been a little busy...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 21 Jul 2005 16:27:00 -0700

Hello Everyone!!

Hope your week was amazing, and that the weekend brings you some much needed rest and fun.

My days have been long and busy. It seems like i never stop. Between things wiht the house, moving into my friends house, diciphering college applications, worrying about Dad *he;s been really sick, i mean really sick, but keep the prayers going, hes a tough man., and everythign else i'm missing, things are good.

I miss my parents, i cant believe its been two weeks. I just dont understand how fast and how long and how it can be both.

As far as everything else. well i still dont understand. But i thank you all for all your support and prayers and all your comments.

Many blessings upon you all!!
have a safe and fun weekend.

mucho amor,

Marie G

Another Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 15 Jul 2005 07:37:00 -0700

So last night was my last night sleeping in my "own" bed.

Today I woke up with the feeling I had forgotten to do something. But in reality its a lot of somethings.

Last night I had a couple friends come over to help me pack up my room and such. It turns out I had to kick everyone out but 1 because all we were doing was talking and well i need to get my wrok done.

I have to turn over the cars so they can go up for sale. thats really going to be kinda sad. I'm really attached to our van, which has been so good to us (2 trips to Cali, 2 trips to Florida, and lots of trips in between) Its a part of me growing up more so than the house.

Speaking of the house, i'm so glad i have people coming over today. Its so hard to get motivated enough to clean out and pack your stuff. I decided yesterday I'm goign to live wiht a friends family for now.

I told my parents last night that i'm having kinda a rough time. I think i've been pretty strong up to this point but i'm definitely wearing out. I've applied to a couple schools now. Idk how much good that will do me, but I hope they accept me. I just dont know how the financial part will work out.

But I guess I'll deal with that as it comes.

Anyway hope everyone that reads this is having a good day. have a great weekend. Thanks so much for all the encouraging comments. They always make me smile. We need to get this fight moving!!

:) Keep up all the good works.

blessings.

Marie G

Limbo, Limbo

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 13 Jul 2005 10:14:00 -0700

Ah, so still nothing new really. Other than the fact I pretty much did nothing yesterday except do interviews. It was a good change though. I went over to a friends for dinner in between interviews. Then came back home and was finally finished close to 10.

Life is so funny. I've been really tired today even though I slept in. Some friends are coming over to help me pack the remains of my room and sort through junk and shred papers.

I spoke with mom and dad last night, after trying to get through on the callng card for about 2 hours. Those things are so frustrating. But at least i got to talk to them.

I guess i better go do some more work round the house. HOpe everyone is having a good day.

Marie G

WeAreMarie Podcast#10

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 12 Jul 2005 19:05:00 -0700

Click here to listen to Sunday's podcast.

What is podcasting? Click here

To subscribe to this podcast feed - copy and paste this URL in your aggregator (or if you're using the new iTunes 4.9, simply drag this link to the "Podcasts" menu).

Previous podcasts: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8/ 9

It's been a week now,

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 12 Jul 2005 08:03:00 -0700

Hello everyone, I apologize for not checking in any sooner.

Today is a week since my parents left. I'm happy to say I've at least gotten to talk to them daily, but it doesn't make it any easier.

I've been so crazy busy wiht everything needed to do with the house, and bills and decisions, I have to say i've neglected one of the most important things: College.

I unfortunately still do not have any "official" letter from DHS but we know that it is ok. I just have been so patient I dont think I can wait any longer! But the fact is i have no choice.

As far as my college situtation, well as far as everything in my life right now it can be stated as I DONT KNOW. It's scary. I dont know where I will be living in a week. I dont know if i'm going be accepted into school. I dont know if I will get to work. I dont know if I'm going be able to afford school.

These are only a few of hte thoughts going through my head. Today I have an interview with Telemundo.

Other than that, Its back to the drawing board and takign it one hour at a time.

Many blessings to you all. Hope you are having a good week.

I'll let you all know when I decide something.

Its been 3 days........

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 8 Jul 2005 10:30:00 -0700

Its been 3 days since my parents left. I don't understand how time can fly by, but yet be so long.

As you all can imagine its been a crazy couple days.

Many thanks to the friends "family" who are helping me get through this. I barely have time for myself. I have a billion things going through my head, but I still must decide my future. Still there is so much uncertainty that I don't even know where to begin. I know that all things happen for a reason, although this time I can't understand it. It's funny because something so personal has turned into something so public.

As I sit here writing people are helping me pack up my house. The surprising part of all of this is that I'm numb. I think I finally realize the meaning of the saying "You don't know what you have until you lost it". It feels like I lost my family even though they are only a phone call away.

It's amazing how much support we've had through all of this. We've been so amazingly blessed. Even strangers have taken up this cause in Costa Rica and the United States.

I could never thank all of you, but know you are in my prayers and I ask God to bless each and every one of you. We will continue to work to keep this from happening to others. The fight has just begun!

Many blessings. Marie Gonzalez

WeAreMarie Podcast#9

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 6 Jul 2005 23:27:00 -0700

Click here to listen to Tuesday's podcast.

What is podcasting? Click here

To subscribe to this podcast feed - copy and paste this URL in your aggregator (or if you're using the new iTunes 4.9, simply drag this link to the "Podcasts" menu).

Previous podcasts: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

WeAreMarie Podcast#8

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 4 Jul 2005 19:57:00 -0700

Click here to listen to Monday's podcast.

What is podcasting? Click here

To subscribe to this podcast feed - copy and paste this URL in your aggregator (or if you're using the new iTunes 4.9, simply drag this link to the "Podcasts" menu).

Previous podcasts: day ... 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

WeAreMarie Podcast#7

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 3 Jul 2005 11:03:00 -0700

Click here to listen to Saturday's podcast.

What is podcasting? Click here

To subscribe to this podcast feed - copy and paste this URL in your aggregator (or if you're using the new iTunes 4.9, simply drag this link to the "Podcasts" menu).

Previous podcasts: day ... 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

Ok so here's my idea.....

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 2 Jul 2005 22:09:00 -0700

Hello folks, well its 12:16 my time, I've been reading all the comments-- its nice to hear from some of you folks I appreciate your support, for the rest of you well its interesting to see your mind, and viewpoints and as most of you are well aware I find it is necessary to know both sides.--

Some of you bring up very interesting points. Let me clarify a few things:

First of all once I was no long a "minor" I couldn't have legalized if I wanted to because I was already under Deportation Proceedings. (we've been under proceedings since 2002!-- Yes i've been living in hell for three years!)

Second of all my family and I were given a good opportunity because of us being good people to get VOLUNTARY DEPARTURE-- Check this out... We have to pay our own way back (yes your tax dollars are not paying for us) which my parents will still be taking on Tuesday, July the 5th. Not everyone can say that, it even helps on the recond, well not really they have a ten year bar, but at least its not 20! or a fine! (think positvely.)

Third:

As far as the coming year, I am staying. For some reason, the authorities have found that there is a good reason for me to stay in this country, perhaps because I love it and maybe because no matter what it is and will always be my home (no one can take that away from me, those are my feelings). Idk their reason, it doesnt matter i'm thankful.

As for my parents leaving on the 5th, give me a second, just one... Think about how you would feel not seeing your parents for a year... Maybe more? How about if your mom is your best friend? How bout if you get married and you cant have your own parents present at your wedding? Just a thought. Maybe some of you are not very close to your parents, but being an only child and going thru this has definitely brought me clost to my parents, and i'll tell ya and anyoone who knows me knows that i am very independent and can care for myself, but that is besides the point.

As for children being punished for parents actions: it is a US law, if I could see right now I could read my papers and tell you where it states, and I'm paraphrasing obviously my eyes hurt too bad from crying but that is besides the point, it states that children cannot be punished for what their parents did. Its just not right so how can that apply to immigration?

As a future attorney, I'll tell ya I like to clearly look at both sides and I have. Believe me I wouldn't be fighting this hard if I didn't feel I deserved it. So anyway, have at conversations again. I just got tired of scrolling down so much.

blessing upon you all.... Yes all of you. We are all humans and therefore at least have something in common, yes even the "ALIENS" among us are humans. (bad joke, sorry if someone gets offended, i just hate that term,)

a mixed blessing,

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 2 Jul 2005 05:33:00 -0700

hello everyone.

i just wanted to check in and let you all know that i am ok. This is a blessing and a wonderful opportunity. This is what i have been fighting for, but i've also been fighting for my parents!

I cant imagine a year without them. let alone that i only have one weekend left with them. there are so many questions so many doubts.

It is a big win for me, i know. I am staying. I know. but I just cant believe it. by far yesterday was one of the longest days i have ever seen in my 19 years.

I really appreciate all the support, and i want everyone to know this is not over yet!

thanks to all who have helped.

mg

Wow!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 1 Jul 2005 06:01:00 -0700

And the craziness continues.

I was on CBS The Early Show this morning. Amazing interview!! I've been up since 4:30 this morning!!

This is just incredible. God willing smething will happen!!

:) Thanks for all the support lets keep the pressure going.

After I was finished wiht the show, man i lost it. It was about time, i've been overwhelmed with everything. It was some good cleansing time.

Yesterday was AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL. Thanks to everyone who helped in anyway at the rally. I love you all, and I trully meant what i said. We are Family!!

GOd Bless. More later!!

:)
marie

WeAreMarie Podcast#6

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 30 Jun 2005 23:29:00 -0700

Click here to listen to Wednesday's podcast.

What is podcasting? Click here

To subscribe to this podcast feed - copy and paste this URL in your aggregator.

Previous podcasts: day ... 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5