M.B.
I'm sorry, I wish i knew more about loan modification. I do know someone who might be able to help you out. Here's his website http://www.hugochinchay.com/
I know sometimes it doesn't matter, but he is a Christian. if he can't help you out, he might know someone who can.
just keep this in mind--you want to be sure that you can always make the monthly payments on your loan no matter what the rate is. variable rates can be tricky, they're often low in the beginning and then go up as time goes by. there's a chance it could go down too, but that's a chance you're taking.
good luck and take care. the story about your life sounds like it's something to be very proud of. keep God close. remember Romans 8:28 and Philippians 4:13