I recently had the great pleasure of helping a family who migrated from Micronesia finance their first home. For them, a house is much more than four walls and a roof. It is the opportunity to own a piece of America, to know they are moving up in life, the future place where family memories will be formed, where kids will play and have a safe environment, and where dreams will be made.
I met them in 2016, at the time they had given birth to Mercy (their baby girl). She was born with club feet, cleft palate, a rare disease that made her jaw structure prevent simple tasks like swallowing breast milk, breathing in general, and GI tract issues. This family was suddenly broken apart from day one of their baby girl’s birth. Mercy lived in a hospice while the rest of the family & siblings lived in a small 2-bedroom apartment. I tried helping them back then to finance their property but unfortunately due to job inconsistency (due to caring for her daughter) the lender was unable to finance. At that point, the dream seemed dead.
Late in 2024 we linked up again by pure luck (or divine intervention) and began the process again. Anything that could go wrong for this loan did. The initial lender declined the loan, unexpected credit surprises, subsequent lender picked this loan apart and finally, after 3 months of back and forth we were able to give the clear to close and secure this home for them. Anyone would crumble under these obstacles (rightfully so), however, the Jibas family, led by Ruwe (a full-time employee at the USS Missouri and part-time pastor of a small group church) a person who despite having all these obstacles (starting 8 years ago) remained cool/calm/collected. It’s almost like this place was destined for his family and he stepped in his faith and just rolled with it.
My wife and I had the great pleasure of attending their home blessing and met part of their family. I felt overjoyed to tears almost, they prayed in Marshallese, and from what I can gather they were all extremely thankful to not only have one of their family member become a homeowner but also to have our company believe in them and care enough to help them through the complexities of becoming a homeowner. In their eyes, Smart Money became a beacon of light for other family and Micronesian community members who want the same opportunity.
It was a surreal experience when they busted out the guitar and started singing to us, later lining up to shake our hand and thank us personally, even the kids. These clients are a testament to hard work and dedication to their family. The Jibas family planted two tiny US Flags in the front yard as to signify how thankful they were to be in a land where immigrants can fulfill their dreams through hard work and dedication.
William Rodriguez
Smart Money Hawaii, VP of Operations