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América and Johana live in Mérida, in the Venezuelan Andes. They have an invitation to an ordination training retreat in Spain. However, they will never be able to afford the travel and retreat expenses because of the circumstances in their country.

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Summary of Expenses 2 Flights €1,600, 2 Retreats €700, medical insurance €200 + food, lodging, and transportation expenses during their stay in Spain.

América tells her story:

I live in Mérida, surrounded by mountains, lagoons, and kind and generous people in spite of many difficulties. I lead a relatively simple life, with a job that allows me to participate and support the activities of the Buddhist Center, as well as cultivating and maintaining spiritual friendship with the Sangha. In 2019, at the age of 24, I first came into contact with the Dharma through reading the Karaniya Mettā Sutta. I became a mitra in early 2021, and since January 2023, I have been training for Ordination.

The Ordination team in Mexico has generously supported us online. However, as Venezuelans are currently not allowed to visit Mexico, it has not been possible for us to attend a Going for Refuge retreat in person. This year, we have the opportunity to attend an GFR retreat for women in training for Ordination, which will be held at the Suryavana retreat centre near Valencia, Spain. This is an important opportunity for me to participate in a GFR retreat for the first time, as well as to connect and share with the Spanish Sangha and learn a little more about the Triratna Buddhist Order. Currently, my income covers part of my basic living needs, so I do not have the financial resources to attend the retreat. If you are able to support me financially to cover my plane tickets, food, lodging, and the cost of the retreat, and/or if you can share it, I would deeply and wholeheartedly appreciate it.

Johana tells her story.

I discovered the Mérida Buddhist Centre in 2013, an experience that began to change my life, both physically and emotionally. I became a Mitra in May 2016. I have been training for Ordination since February 2020 and have participated in several online retreats with the Sangha in Mexico. Currently, I would love to share with the Sangha in Spain, thanks to the opportunity to attend the retreat in person for Christmas 2025. It will help me continue deepening my daily practice, continue my Ordination Training, and deepen my spiritual friendship with my friends in Spain.