Ahn Michael

Why I’m Raising Funds After a deeply challenging year where rest & hope have felt tough to hold onto, I've been invited on a trip that can replenish both - and I need your help to say yes. The short version: I'm Ahn, and my birthday is coming up soon (end of February). I’ve been invited on a special journey to Washington (state) and Hawaii (in connection to a Hawaiian family) across March-April. Airfare is already covered, so I’m seeking support for lodging, food, a few special experiences (like seeing whales), and day-to-day trip logistics. I want to accept this invitation as a symbol on my (re)birth-day, a way to find rest, reconnect with what matters most to me, and support global community in meaningful ways. --- What the Trip Means to Me As a marginalised, Black person living in the US, keeping my rest and hope intact is a constant fight, and lately, my spirit is beyond exhausted. I have wanted to visit Washington (state) for a long time - its mountains, ancient forests, the whales, the rivers, bays, and sea.. if you know me, you know how much water means to me. WA is somewhere I can really see refilling my spirit: from exploring vegan food & sanctuaries, to connecting with the grounding magick of the old forests, to potentially even spending time alongside orcas (some of my favorite creatures). On multiple levels, visiting Washington would be a dream trip, something that brings me closer to what restores me (art, rest, the earth, connection) and inspires me to keep fighting for us all. But this journey is also about more than my own healing. I have been asked to visit Hawaii before, but have always declined because I am aware of (and want to resist) the historic & ongoing colonisation of the islands. This time, being invited in direct connection to a local Hawaiian family, I see opportunities to show up in intimate allyship with the Indigenous peoples there. I want to connect with local activists, support their initiatives, and learn more about the ties between our shared struggles (as well as differences). Including learning some Hawaiian in advance. If I visit, I intend to show up with intention & co-honoring Hawaiian liberation: to listen, to learn, to serve, and to co-create healing, liberational works. --- What Your Support Makes Possible I will use the funds for expenses including: Lodging in Washington and Hawaii Local transportation & daily expenses Air purifiers, masks & other disease-safety while travelling A few special experiences (like boating out to see whales) Yummy vegan food But your contribution does more than cover travel expenses: it makes possible real healing and meaningful connection. With your help, I can invest in Hawaiian-led initiatives, deepen my allyship (through tangible learning of their histories), and build community to uplift our shared struggle. Every gift creates space for rest and repair, space to breathe & dream, not only for me but also in support of wider, global community healing. Thank you for making it possible to dream, heal, and uplift others all in the same journey. With gratitude, Ahn