Seven years ago, we - Kristina and Maartje met in a truly magical place in Jamaica called Eden.

There, we were welcomed by our wonderful “Rasta Dad,” Gillie. He not only cooked for us every day and cared for us when we weren’t feeling well, but also shared with us the deep values, warmth, and peaceful mindset of the Jamaican people.

Over the years, we’ve returned to Eden again and again, spending time with our Jamaican family and witnessing the love and care Gillie put into creating this special place. With his own hands, he built tipis, treehouses, and bamboo huts, and lovingly tended to his plants and vegetables. Eden was a place of community, simplicity, and connection to nature.

But recently, everything changed.

The devastating Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica and everything Gillie has built over his lifetime has been destroyed. His home is gone. The local community has been left without shelter, and sadly, there is no support from the government. Even worse, out of trauma and fear, some locals may be thinking to sell their damaged land to investors who buy land cheaply, rebuild for profit, and in the process, slowly erase the authentic Jamaican way of life.

We want to help Gillie and the Eden community get back on their feet, to rebuild sustainably, in harmony with nature, and to preserve the culture and spirit that make Eden so unique.

Please help us support Gillie and Eden so they can restore their homes, their gardens, and their hope.

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference.

One love,

Kristina & Maartje ❤️