Hello dear friends and family - as many of you know, I had the great privilege of spending a lot of time in Indonesia in 2019. I fell in love in particular with Bali - I've never been to a more welcoming or beautiful place. With over 10,000 temples, and its inhabitants always making offerings, lighting incense, and covering everything in flowers, the whole country feels like one magical altar, welcoming all beings to come and pray and play. I had the even greater privilege of making a few lifelong friendships that continue today (mostly facilitated by WhatsApp). Bali's industry and its people largely thrived on tourism, and when COVID hit, most of the friends I know were financially devastated and have yet to recover.

The US Dollar goes a long way in Bali. My dear friend Giant, one of 9 children (and supporting her entire family), has been hit really hard. Often they are struggling to even get enough rice to feed their family. Giant had a great job at a taco restaurant in Kuta (where we met), but since its closure, has had to rely on odd jobs which are infrequent and not even close to making ends meet.

I am reaching out to see what we, as a community, can do to help! Giant has incredible plans to support those she loves. This is in her own words:

"I am the 3rd child of nine siblings. I left home when I was eleven years old to look for a better life, especially for my family (because I was born into a very poor family). My late father was a teacher and teachers' salaries in Indonesia are very low, while my late mother was a housewife, she had no income. You can imagine, with 9 children, who needed so much education and food, it was certainly very difficult for my parents. That's why I decided to leave home - to reduce their burden a little. Finally, in every region in Indonesia, I worked and worked. I did almost all the work, except selling myself and stealing, to be able to provide a decent place to live for my parents and my brothers and sisters. For years, I didn't see my entire family for the sake of fulfilling my dreams, and in 2002 I succeeded in building a house for my parents, even though it was only 70% complete. And the other 30% I haven't been able to finish. The most important thing for me right now is that I have an income of at least $300 per month, so that I can save to finish the house I built for my parents, even though they have passed away. I have to finish that dream house before I die, that is, if God gives me the opportunity to do so. If I have a monthly income, if my brothers or sisters are sick, or they need help, I can help them. Maybe I can even help other people. I really hope I can do something that is very useful for myself in particular, and also for other people in general. Because life is very short, before my time is gone I want the time I have now until the end to be meaningful for me and other people. In 2013, I went to Bali, I tried my luck there, and even though I was unemployed for 1.5 years, I finally worked at a taco restaurant and met you, and then COVID came and I lost my job. On May 6, 2023, I received news from my younger brother that my mother was sick in my hometown, West Java, and on May 8th I returned to my hometown. On May 14, my mother passed away, and until this day, I have lived in the village and have no work. It is very difficult to find work when over 50 in this country. If I have the capital ($1000 would do it), I want to open a small culinary business - opening a business in a local tourist spot. The rent is around $100 a month, and I need funds to renovate, buy equipment, chairs, tables, kitchen supplies, etc. With that, I estimate that I would net about $200 a month, which would be much better than always looking for odd jobs, and never knowing if we have enough to even buy food. When I was little, my late mother used to say, at every step you take in this life, plant as much goodness as possible - the more you plant, the more you will reap the rewards later."

Friends and family - any donation of any kind (kind words of support and encouragement, prayers, cash, hugs) would be greatly appreciated, and just might transform Giant and her family's lives.

Our goal is $1000. If you are willing and it feels good, please share with anyone that might be able to help. We thank you dearly. Giant is a kind, loving woman, and it has been a pleasure knowing her and being loved by her. I'm hopeful we can come together to help her out!

Much love, light and gratitude -

Ari