Shortly before the separation, we lost our house, our car and our home. We were temporarily housed in a hotel until it became clear that he would receive a pension. Then we moved into a new house and he disappeared.

As it later turned out, he met a younger woman.

I received no maintenance or help from the state. I worked as a passenger and paid for my driver's license so I could drive a truck myself. I met my new partner, who was helping me with the house and the children at the time.

I was also able to afford a lawyer who helped me to sue for child support for the two girls who had to give up their father. It all ended up in court, where I was told that I was not allowed to leave the country until my youngest daughter turned 18. After all, the American father had a right to contact with his children.

I had to make the best of the situation. With hard work I was able to build the house shown above

finance. After all, the five of us lived there comfortably and quietly.