Swami Dev Singh Khalsa

Here I am again. I just did a moderately successful fundraiser a few months ago, but there have been a few serious downturns since then. Chief among them was my car suddenly needing the transmission rebuilt, which turned out to be $4000. I got most of the repair bill financed, but must now meet the payments or lose the car. For about a month since the car stopped running, I had to rent a car a few days a week to get to work, plus use Uber to get to and from the car rental agency, all of which greatly depleted my finances.

Some of you reading this are already familiar with my story, but for those who are not: I am almost 69 years old, and have been teaching yoga classes and guitar lessons here in Dallas, Texas for over 50 years. My business fizzled a few years ago, partly due to Covid and partly due to my left foot being amputated because of diabetes. I am divorced; for twelve years I raised my sister's three children. Last February, the middle one drove down from Indiana with her husband and two young children and moved back in with me, which has been a great financial help, as well as a relief from loneliness.

However, we are all struggling financially. Most of my most valued and cherished possessions have been in a pawn shop for over a year, which is a tremendous strain. For over a year now I have been looking very hard for jobs teaching guitar lessons at music stores, with some success, but not enough. I believe that a few stores have declined to hire me because of my turban, which I wear in accordance with my religion. I am now desperate enough to start applying for other jobs, virtually any job at all, until I'm back on my feet (foot, I should say). On top of everything else, next month our rent will increase by $300, which is probably not unjust, but nonetheless greatly increases the strain.

Not to mince words, I am presently under the worst financial pressure of my entire life. I know that ultimately, I must be the one to get myself out of this situation, and I will do so, but some very serious bills are due now. I am eternally grateful to all those who have helped me in the past. Last week, when a dear friend suggested that I do another fundraiser, at first I declined, because I felt I would be too embarrassed. However, things have come to the point at which I have no choice. Thank you in advance to those who find it in their hearts to help me.