Hello, I'm Elizabeth Torreblanca from Chile. I am about to leave Plum Village France, a place that I now call 'my second home', I am on my way back to Chile. I have been living in the community for almost a year. When I arrived, I was suffering from burnout and had fallen victim to major bank fraud. I had lost all confidence, security, and the strength in myself and in life. I had to rebuild myself, falling a couple of times along the way. I was like a broken vase, trying to hold itself together with various adhesives. However, only time and practice have enabled me to regain my grounding. None of this would have been possible without the support of my friends, family, therapists and the Sangha. The Community and Sangha have played a vital role in my recovery and transformation into the person I am becoming.

Here I met new friends, those who will become the new generation of novice monks. To be honest, initially, I thought they were just stupid teenagers, but with the time I have seen them grow, mature and transform into the best versions of themselves. That is why I would like to return soon to accompany them in their ordination, to express my gratitude for their support on my healing journey. In addition to volunteering and cooperating with Plum Village and the Sangha on future projects in 2026, I aspire to make visible and include the Neurodivergent group in the Wake-Up Retreat and help coordinate the first Spanish-speaking Latin American retreat, with fingers crossed that it will be possible to me "Coming back home" to Plum Village France.

But now, in practical terms. After a year of being out of work, using my savings to pay for the recovery process and all the associated costs, on the other hand, my visa and insurance are both about to expire. Also, I only have been able to pay for the last few months of my stay thanks to the support of my sangha's friends. Although, the community and friends has asked me for my return, they want me to continue my path of service and healing. But, as someone from the southern hemisphere, I consider it a privilege to even think about it. So, with deep humility, I have created this fundraiser in the hope of living in harmonyand wellbeing with myself, the community, and the world. Thanks for the support! A big hug <3

PS: the fund is for plane tickets, eu visa, insurance, transport.

Sorry that I’ve had to update the amount because the limited time the prices are increasing.

As last, is not on behalf of Joaquim (I'm using his europea bank account )