Update on the Family

     Enrique's girlfriend, Maria Isabel, arrived in Florida to be with him. For several years, they were very happy together and lived in an apartment not far from Lourdes' house. During those years, each morning before work Enrique would go to his mother's house. She would give him his morning cup of coffee. He would give her a big hug. Enrique had largely moved past the resentment he felt towards his mother for leaving him behind in Honduras.

     Last year, Enrique, who had become a drug addict in Honduras, again fell into heavy use of drugs and alcohol. He did not work for several months. Lourdes was consumed with worry. "You told me you used drugs in Honduras because I wasn't there with you," Lourdes told Enrique. Now, she stressed, he didn't have that as an excuse. Maria Isabel threatened to leave him.      

    Since the new year, Enrique has cut back drastically on alcohol and going out at night. He is back at work painting houses. Lourdes is trying to convince him to start attending an evangelical church, hopeful that might help. Enrique has said he wants help to combat his addiction, and he is thinking about attending Alcoholics Anonymous.

    Lourdes and her family have been out of work for months, since they were employed mostly in the construction industry as painters. Yet Lourdes has no intention of returning to Honduras, where she says the economy and job prospects are much worse than in the U.S.

    Readers often email one question: What happened to Jasmin? The family has asked that I not discuss the whereabouts of Enrique's daughter. For now, I will honor their wishes. I hope you understand. Let me just say that Jasmin is doing well.

    If you have any additional questions about the family, feel free to email me.

Photos of Enrique

Enrique as he paints a new home.

Enrique finishes a day of painting houses in North Carolina.

• Photos of Enrique
• Photos of Enrique's Family