It’s Leo season! ♌️ Instead of a birthday trip or dinner, I’m asking for something different: help me build Murai Haus and keep the dream alive.

After living abroad for more than a decade, I’m creating what I call an immigrant residency—not an artist residency and definitely not a glorified Airbnb.

Murai Haus is intended to give people a month or two to experience everyday life abroad before deciding whether moving is right for them. Through guided reflection, community, and introductions to people who have already made the leap, residents can begin building a network and discover what belonging in a new country might look like.

Three years ago, I bought a house in Rotterdam to bring this vision to life.

It has become the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

Renovation funds intended for specific work were not used as agreed. The contractor declared bankruptcy and left me with an unlivable house. Construction stopped, and what should have been a one-year renovation became three years of legal struggles, delays, and work to understand and correct serious construction problems.

For a long time, I convinced myself this was my burden to carry alone.

The irony isn’t lost on me: I’m building something rooted in community while refusing to lean on my own.

So I’m doing things differently.

I’m raising $30,000 to help me face the urgent legal hurdle now putting Murai Haus at risk—and give the project its best chance to return to construction.

This isn’t the chaos it once was. There is finally a clear path forward—if I can protect the home and overcome this next hurdle.

Over the next 45 days, I’m taking you behind the scenes: the wins, setbacks, lessons, and people who have shaped this vision.

If this mission resonates with you, I’d be honored to welcome you as a founding supporter. Whether you donate, share the project, or simply follow along.

thank you for believing that belonging is worth building.

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Contributions support the development of Murai Haus and give the project its best chance to overcome the immediate legal hurdle. Because Murai Haus is still in development, the residency may be delayed, changed, or unable to open as currently envisioned.

Contributions are voluntary gifts—not loans, investments, advance purchases, or payments for future accommodation—and are not represented as tax-deductible. Contributions do not guarantee residency access or other benefits. Any future residency will be subject to availability, applicable permits, and separate terms.

Murai Haus is intended to be a cultural-exchange residency. It does not provide visas, immigration status, or legal immigration advice. Future residents will remain responsible for complying with Dutch entry and stay requirements.