Ancestral Quest to Mexico

Bo Matum!

Hello Relatives,

As a person that gets deep joy and satisfaction from helping and supporting others, I find it very challenging to ask for help for myself. This year however I have chosen to dramatically shift the direction in my life and thus have decided to ask all who know me for support.

I will be taking an extended leave of absence from work - work that I love especially when it comes to mentoring youth. I will also be vacating my living situation with no real idea of where I may be living when I return to the Hudson Valley. However, I am open to the possibility that this leave of absence may reveal new opportunities that will allow me to create a life with more freedom and flexibility that is not exclusive to the Hudson Valley.

Why am I doing this?

If you know me at all you are already aware of not only how much I give to my community but also that I have been on a Vision Quest journey for nearly 13 years. Within this Quest, I have found it essential to reawaken my connection to my ancestral lineage. In fact, 3 years ago I stood up in a room of close to 90 people and expressed my commitment to my spiritual path which is leading back to my Taino Boriqua lineage and my ancestral homeland in Tuxtepec, Oaxaca, Mexico where my people have been for upwards of 10,000 years! Therefore I have decided to pack everything up and go to Tuxtepec for the next 4 months. My prayer is that the work that I will be doing there (becoming confident in speaking Spanish, learning my Native Chinanteco dialect, and deepening my understanding of my beautiful cultural heritage) will not only feed my soul but will also feed what has become my life’s work. In learning about and tending to relationships, mentoring folks young and old, and deeply relating to my indigenous nature and most importantly Mother Earth, I hope to share these experiences with my communities wherever they are.

What am I asking for?

I am asking that you help me raise $5,000 for my journey. This will not only help support my Quest but will also allow me to be accompanied by my father on this journey so that we may both deepen our understanding and relativity to our ancestral lineage.

Making this dramatic shift has been a huge decision bringing about major changes in my life. These funds will not only help with my journey but will also help in moving through this chapter of life and into new and unknown life circumstances filled with meaning and a solid foundation for living. This includes paying bills while on extended leave from work and finding living accommodations when I return from Mexico.

I am so grateful for all of you that have taken the time to read this and for the blessings that you are in my life. Thank you in advance for all the gifts you are able to give both financially and energetically!

Seneko Kakona - Many Blessings to you all!

Jonathan