03/28/2024
I’ve found myself in a fortunate set of circumstances and divine timing with an opportunity to check an item off my bucket list this May (2024) to go to India and see H.H. The Dalai Lama and also visit Nepal. With that came the realization that at this time, I’ll need some help to make this actually happen. Asking for assistance is incredibly uncomfortable but requires some vulnerability and I’ve been encouraged to reach out by friends that want to help support me, so here I am publicly asking.
The last few years I’ve had to navigate my way through some really tough medical issues. Throughout this time my mental health plummeted to a depth that left me mentally, physically and emotionally incapacitated for a long while. I have the good fortune to be surrounded by some truly special individuals that helped support me and carried me through those dark times. Without these individuals the outcome would have been quite different and this opportunity may not have even manifested.
I have just returned to work full time at the beginning of March after being unable to work for almost 2 ½ years. I am not prepared for an outlay of this much money after barely being back at work full time and with an outstanding issue at work related to vacation time, I might have to also take a leave without pay to be able to take this time away from my job so early into my return.
The event I’ve been invited to is a private gathering in Dharamsala where His Eminence Kalu Rinpoche will be presenting a Long Life Mandala Offering to H.H. The Dalai Lama and in return H.H. The Dalai Lama will be giving an empowerment. I also have the good fortune of accompanying and assisting a Lama that can read, write and speak Tibetan and she’s offered to personally show me around Nepal and Dharamsala.
While I find it hard to believe that this is an achievable goal, I guess it doesn’t hurt to ask so I’m seeking to raise enough funds to cover the airfare which will be roughly $2500, anything above that will alleviate the cost of the rest of the travel expenses and lost time at work. Anything you can donate would help immensely in realizing this bucket list item and if you could share this on your socials so that there’s a faint hope that the algorithm will prioritize it to more of our shared friends, that would also be appreciated.
Link to the GoFundMe is in the first comment for those that prefer that platform or wish to remain anonymous. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to donate directly then you can send via PayPal (https://www.paypal.me/SMcAvany?locale.x=en_CA) or use smcavany@gmail.com to send an eTransfer.
Your help and support is truly appreciated.
