The Ulandays are Krystle's family, mainly her mom and dad and brother. They are like an adopted family to me, and care for me as if I was their daughter. When I met the Ulandays, I quickly noticed how similar their Filipino culture was to my Hispanic upbringing. They were warm and inviting and hospitable. I remember when I brought my Pomeranian dog over to their house for the first time. They fell in love with her right away! From then on, I was always welcome at their home and encouraged to always bring Sasha (my dog) LOL! They are very happy, simple and content. They are easy-going and go with the flow sort of people. They are always down to try new things, visit new places, and make new friends.
After living in California for about a year and a half, a lot of things had transpired. What happened doesn't really matter as much as the fact that it all lead me to a place of deep discontentment and apathy. I had come here to work in the entertainment industry and was doing anything but that, I abhorred the neighborhood I lived in and coming home was quite unpleasant, and I had just gotten my heart broken by whom I considered my first real boyfriend. My finances were not great. I felt lonely; My mom had left just 7 months prior to reaching this point. When I went to spend the holidays with my family, I told them I wasn't sure whether I wanted to move back to New York City to be closer to them and pursue my career there. Of course, they offered me no assistance in decision making whatsoever. They were supportive but asserted that it was a personal and important decision I had to make on my own with prayer and conviction. When I returned to California, I moved in with the Ulandays. A month or so earlier I had asked them if I could live with them for a while until I saved enough money to move back east or to find an apartment in L.A. They gladly agreed, and I was relieved to start the new year fresh... without a crappy residence, without a boyfriend, and without a job because I quit the one I had in order to do what I really wanted. A couple weeks passed, and I decided I didn't come all the way across the country to punk out and not even give it a decent fight. God must of known I wouldn't give up, and He provided me with the wonderful company and the imperative help of the Ulandays. What was to be a very temporary stay with the Ulandays turned into almost 3 years now. We ended up getting along so well! We ate dinner together, took vacations together, shared stories and burdens, and prayed for each other. I guess I proved to be an indispensable tenant LOL! But they turned out to be angels in disguise.
The Ulandays, despite their financial hardships, didn't take any rent from me for a whole year and only accepted what I could give them. If it wasn't for that, I don't know if I could have worked my minimum wage job until I acquired the prerequisites for joining the SAG union. They fed me, they gave me shelter, they treated me like their own, and yes, they even clothed me. For special occasions, Mrs. Ulanday would buy everyone gifts, including for me. Her gifts were usually the same as the ones she'd get for Krys and usually cute outfits. When because of economic crisis they had to sell their house, they asked me if I'd like to lease a townhouse with them, and I accepted! They are some of the best roommates in the world, and they are family!
Mrs. Ulanday is like a mom to me. She encourages me and prays for me. She is strong and admirable. She is a prayer warrior, up at the crack of dawn to intercede for her family. She sticks by her loved ones for better or for worse. Her 28 year marriage to Mr. Ulanday is a beautiful testimony of love, longevity, forgiveness, and commitment. Mr. Ulanday is a super witty and generous man. He makes me laugh so much with his off-beat humor!! He is intelligent and a hard worker. He has his struggles but trusts in the Lord to help him overcome. Almon is my Kuya, which means big brother in Tagalog, the Filipino language. He is a year younger than me, but I still call him Kuya 'cause that's what I've always heard him being called and that's just the way it's gonna be ;). He really has become a brother to me. He is the life of the party, hip and urban, quick-witted, smart and intelligent. He and his girlfriend Janice are like more siblings... I have so many now!! They are all so giving and caring and gracious.
One thing I will never forget is how Krystle and her mom fasted with me for my mother's health for three days. Three whole days without eating!! They did that for me! What great love and compassion! They didn't have to do anything for me! For any cynics out there, there really are beautiful, unselfish, and incredibly benevolent people still in the world!! The Ulandays are some of those amazing people, and I am so blessed the God placed them in my path. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Ulanday and Kuya for being my family away from my family. I hope someday I will be able to repay even a portion of the goodness you've shown me. I love you guys!! XOXO
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