Traveling back to America during Coup d'etat

Hello, thanks for visiting this page. I started this fundraiser for my friend and teacher Bhante Varapañño. He has been living in Myanmar (Burma) for roughly a year. During this time it has been challenging to follow his goals due to Covid-19 Pandemic. By chance we met each other while he was doing online courses being stuck in a temple at Tahnlyin during a lock-down where he teaches mindfulness and loving kindness. Currently with the civil unrest that is brewing, its time for a new journey.

Who is Bhante Varapañño:
Ven Varapañño is a 28-year-old American Buddhist Monk, ordained in the Thai Forest Tradition. The Thai Forest Tradition is a branch of Theravāda Buddhism in Thailand that most strictly upholds the original monastic rules of discipline laid down by the Buddha.

Since taking the robes in Thailand, Ven Varapañño has spent most of his of time in South-East Asia, mainly in Thailand, Myanmar and India, where he attended various retreats and learnt about a variety of Buddhist traditions within the Monastic community and traditional Buddhist society.

Since the beginning of 2020, Ven Varapañño has been in Myanmar, unable to travel initially because of Covid-19 and most recently because of political unrest in the country. Ven Varapañño is currently under the guidance of a Humanitarian Burmese Monk Sayadaw Ashin Ottamathara, who not only promotes social justice and teaches Meditation but also provides direct care and support such as housing, food, shelter, and other such social services for those in need.

Ven Varapañño began his Buddhism and Meditation journey some 7 years ago when he decided to leave his traditional job behind to move to a Zen Buddhist temple in the States. During his time at the temple, he found his passion for Buddhism and Meditation practice as a way to transform a conditioned mind and human suffering into a state of mind that is aware, open, liberated and full of compassion. Finding such joy and wonder in practicing the teachings of Buddha, he works to help others learn about the tradition and practices to enrich their lives.

A word from Bhante:
"Hello everyone thank you considering to support me in my travel expenses to America. I am here in Myanmar and amidst the political and social unrest going on in the country I am endeavoring to take a new step on my journey in Monastic Life as I return to the united States where I feel the conditions will be more suitable and stable for me to continue my Meditation practice and online teachings. Thank you so much for any support during this time and thank you to my dear friend Nino for offering to set up this Gofundme. "

Fincances:
The money received will go to me as a Kappiya.
(A person who assists monks with financial obligations and donations) I will use this money to buy a Covid-19 Test that will be required for travel, along with the travel expenses it itself. The plane ticket and the taxi fare.

Test/Laboratory costs 150$ - 200$
Planeticket from Yangon RCN to New York JFK 1000$ - 1200$
Taxi fare 10$ - 20$

This sums up to a total of rough maximum 1420$ or a minimum of 1150$
Any expenses exceeding the raised amount I will cover personally

Final word:
thank you for considering donating since all amounts will help at this time.  And have a nice day