Help Myanmar Friends Rebuild After Quake

Hi there, I'm Christine and I am from the USA. Many of you know that in 2019 I moved to Mandalay, Myanmar to teach at an international school. It was supposed to be just another fun adventure, but I was wrong; it was a life-changing adventure. Never in my life have I ever met so many lovely people who are selfless and willing to do whatever they can to make you feel comfortable. I loved living and working in Myanmar. Then in 2021, the coup happened, and it got ugly real fast. I was not strong enough emotionally to stay, but my co-teachers and friends didn’t have the luxury to leave. They worked hard and looked on the bright side even when it turned into a civil war that is still going on today. They never complained or felt defeated. In fact, they seem to take it in stride and appreciate what they have. I was fortunate to visit them a couple of months ago and was greeted with the same love and kindness. They treated me like family.

Well, now, their lives have taken a 360-degree turn for the worst ever since the recent major earthquake on Friday. It has literally shattered their worlds, and it’s heartbreaking to sit here and watch. Their families are accounted for, but their homes and lives are destroyed. The school they work at had major damage as well, so that means they are unable to work and make money. Their families’ places of employment are also too damaged to work at. The ground is still shaking with tremors. Enclosed spaces are scary; even going to the bathroom is frightening. Many of them are sleeping outside in fear there will be another large earthquake. Water is scarce, food is scarce, supplies are scarce. Imagine being them—yesterday my friend went to her damaged home for the first time and was so shocked she said she didn’t even know what to do. Literally, what can they do? They are in a perpetual state of worry and fear. The home they knew is gone. Their communities are damaged. Life, as they know it, has changed drastically.

I’m doing this GoFundMe because I know at some point they will be able to start receiving money which will help them with lost wages and rebuilding their homes and lives; not to mention buying necessities now like food, water, and medical supplies. I hope that you can help. The money you donate will 100% go directly to my friends and co-teachers (no money taken out). Please find it in your heart to make a donation, big or small. I am attaching a photo from my trip in December of my lovely friends who will benefit from your donations. If you want to see the damage, please just google it. Later, when they start rebuilding, I will get before and after photos. And I will always keep you posted on their progress. Thank you in advance for your kind offerings.