Help Rufio, Mila, & their cats make it through the war

If you have this link, we're already good friends and you know who I am. Let me tell you why I'm making this page. Among many others, my life is really getting fucked by the war. And since I'm making this page you realize it's been extremely costly. We've probably been talking already about what's going on here, but this page will save me having to repeat certain things over and over while also letting me instead getting into more detail for those of you who want to follow along because I can send updates along with pictures and such. The photos here are a picture of the sky that I saw the other night with rockets falling down, some destruction where I live from missiles, a picture of the latest shelter we've started taking cover in, and a picture of Mushi one of the cats who we are desperately trying to take better care for while they suffer through this with us.

So:

My partner Mila and our cats are with me — feels like I'm caring for all three of them. And honestly, we are struggling.

I’ve taken on more expenses lately especially because Mila's financial situation is even worse than mine. Between stocking up on medication, water, and essentials for the cats, our costs have jumped. I'm trying to put together some emergency war supplies, things I would not have otherwise had, like a radio. Because public services like GPS and transportation are sometimes shut off without warning, there are times when we have to take taxis if it's absolutely necessary for us to travel (such as when we went to Mila's apartment to get Queen and some supplies).

Beyond survival basics, there are things that would really ease the strain, small comforts that help us feel human. For ex, being able to order food saves us time & energy, especially when we’re exhausted because we can barely sleep between rocket attacks. Our days are split: during daylight, some shops quietly open despite restrictions (so they have to make themselves look like they're closed to operate), and we rush out to get what we can. Though rockets come at any time of the day, it is usually heaviest at night, and in that part of the day we’re mostly just in our homes, waiting for rockets. We’re constantly tired, and even simple things like cooking can feel overwhelming.

Since Mila and I are both kindergarten teachers, part of our income comes from babysitting, so we are making even less money right now. If you can throw us a donation, it will help manage losing money while spending more money to make it through the war. You will make it more possible for us not to stress about food, medication, cat supplies, the rising bills from being home all the time, give us flexibility to take taxis when travel is necessary, allow us to order food (from the crazy restaurants & delivery couriers working during this) to give us a chance to rest or nap, or even just be able to get another coffee because doing something normal every day (like sitting at a coffeeshop) is a part of what helps us keep our sanity together. We are in the phase of lockdown where everyone is getting grumpy from being tired and constantly being around each other indoors. We really need your help.

I really don't know how GoFundMe works. It said to me "Fundraisers like yours typically aim to raise $24,000 or more" lol wtf. I put $300 just to show that a small amount from a number of people would make a huge difference for us. And GFM has placed an "Automated goal setting" that will "gradually adjust my goal as donations come in to help build momentum" so I guess that number changes on its own. Ignore that.

Thanks and all the love ❤️

Rufio