While the last couple of replys are quite right to point out the risk involved, of which im sure your aware, there are more pieces to the puzzle.
Only you know if this is something you HAVE to do.
Further couple of points; your desire to maintain your familys current standard of living may need reconsidering, change would be inevitable, although temporary.
How understanding is your boss? my former boss gave me the time off i needed paid/unpaid.
If you want it enough you'll face the risk. The majority of us faced certain risks, i personally would do so again. Nothing could ever beat going to 'work' to fly.
