SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- On Jan. 7, 2021, Maya Millete was last seen at her Chula Vista home. After a nine-month investigation, the 39-year-old mother of three was presumed dead by authorities. Tuesday marks four years since Maya's disappearance. Her children were released from the custody of their paternal grandparents and transferred over to the care of Maya's sister, Maricris Drouaillet, back in August. Drouaillet posted an update about the family dynamics in the Facebook page, "Help Find Maya," on Monday. Timeline: The disappearance of Chula Vista mom Maya Millete "We had longed to be with Maya's children for years. But when they came to live with us, they were not the same children we once knew," she said. "Their guards were up, and hearts filled with negative perceptions of our family which made reconnecting with them on the emotional level seem almost impossible." "But through patience, love, and support from the rest of our family and friends, we are seeing mountains move!" she added. Drouaillet had been fighting to get legal guardianship over the children — all under the age of 15 — since they had been living with their father's parents since her disappearance. (Above: Video of court granting custody of Maya Millete's children to her sister, Maricris Drouaillet, on Aug. 12, 2024) The children's father and Maya's husband, Larry Millete, was arrested in October 2021 and is currently behind bars awaiting trial on homicide charges related to her disappearance. Former SDPD detective sues department with allegations of retaliation and abuse cover-up Larry, 43, and Maya reportedly had marital issues in the months leading up to her disappearance. Investigators said Larry discovered Maya had an affair, and in the days before she went missing, police said Maya had been taking steps to divorce him. If convicted, Larry could face life in prison. To read a timeline of the events leading up to Maya's disappearance and to when a judge ruled that Larry would stand trial, click here. As of Tuesday, according to the San Diego Superior Court, Larry's readiness hearing is set for April 21. The jury trial is scheduled for July 7. (Above: FOX 5 report from April 11, 2021 regarding loud bangs heard on surveillance footage from night Maya Millete went missing) In the update posted on Monday, Drouaillet said the children are starting to open up to her and the rest of Maya's family. "The most important and meaningful behavior change are their small, unprompted gestures of affection like my husband getting a hug from Maya's eldest daughter for the first time in nearly four years," she said. "The hug signified barriers breaking down and a family torn apart by a tragedy is finally coming together." The family is hosting a virtual prayer Tuesday at 5:01 p.m. for Maya and her children.