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Life in U.S. presents unexpected trials for Japanese immigrant and her kids Life in America has not fulfilled the promise it held for a 35-year-old mother of two from Japan. Married to � and divorced from � an American back home, she decided to come to the United States so her sons, ages 10 and 8, could learn about their heritage. An Internet correspondent convinced her to come to the Rogue Valley, where he said he would help her set up housekeeping and enroll the boys in school. But the correspondent turned out to be less than kind; the woman found herself a victim of domestic violence. Coming from a culture in which personal trials are not publicly discussed, she endured the situation silently, according to Diana Escobedo of the Rogue Family Center in White City. Finally, the woman confided in a new friend, who helped her break free of the abusive relationship. Now she�s living with the friend and her three children, trying to maintain both families on limited incomes. Past due bills and daily expenses loom large. One particularly troubling problem is the lack of orthodonture coverage by the Oregon Health Plan. The woman�s oldest son has braces, but the appliances have not been cleaned or checked for months because she can�t afford the office visits. She worries about possible damage caused by neglect. One kind act for the new year would be the donation of an exam and dental services. To help, contact Escobedo, who works with the Jackson County Victims Services program, at 864-8760. Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2000 Mail Tribune, Inc.