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Hello. If you don’t know me personally, my name is Eileen deVerteuil, but my friends call me Eilen (the Gaelic version of my name :)
I am reaching out through my network of friends and contacts to share about an unexpected and remarkable opportunity, and to simply ask for your support to raise the associated funds.
(For the short story see my video, just under 2 and a half minutes :)
THE INVITATION
I’ve been invited, as part of a small group, to attend a very special retreat at a monastery high in the hills of Bhutan, which is located on the eastern edge of the Himalayas. This remote and enchanted country is where the government policy of gross national happiness (GNH) is prioritized over industrial development and growth (GDP), and where the ecosystem and religious and cultural traditions are carefully and thoughtfully preserved for future generations.
The group has been gathered together by my good friend, who himself was a monk at a monastery in Colorado for a number of years. Other group members include a theologian, sacred activists, writers, and committed long-time spiritual practitioners like myself. The group will be hosted at a newly built residential retreat center, just now preparing for this inaugural event. We will have the honor of being the first foreigners offered in-depth authentic instruction in spiritual practice from senior monks and master teachers associated with Bhutan’s central monk body. The invitation has been extended to facilitate an interchange with western contemplatives, and represents a very gracious gesture toward mutual enrichment and greater understanding of our spiritual traditions.
THE CHALLENGE THAT YOU CAN HELP WITH
My personal challenge in accepting the invitation, is the total cost is in excess of what my finances can currently bear. I have decided to take a big leap of faith, and aim to raise a good portion of the required funds through this campaign. Here is a summary of the costs:
Description of Costs
*(1.34 CDN/USD exchange rate on May 1, 2019) | CDN Dollars* | US Dollars* |
Offering to the monastery and to our monastic Buddhist teachers, accommodation, fees for visas, wire transfers, mandatory guides | $3,870 | $2,880 |
Additional Administration fee | $269 | $200 |
Return flight Vancouver to Kathmandu | $1,177 | $876 |
Return flight Kathmandu to Paro, Bhutan | $547 | $407 |
Total Cost | $5,863 CDN | $4,363 USD |
CROWDFUNDING GOAL | $4,000 CDN | $2,976 USD |
WHY I NEED YOUR HELP
Like some of you, much of my work and personal life has been centered in service to my family and to community organizations. I raised my kids as a single Mom, spent over 20 years supporting and caring for my aging parents, and I have dedicated my career to assisting spiritual teachers and the administration and coordination of non-profit causes. It’s common that this kind of vital work is either "low-pay or no-pay," and my limited financial resources are an inevitable outcome. Some positive outcomes and genuine benefits have arisen from my situation however, such as finding creative and flexible ways to live within modest means, and cultivating my reliance and trust in alternative forms of exchange and greater engagement in the "gift economy."
It is in this spirit of exchange that I turn to your collective generosity. Through your contributions, not only will the costs be shared, but in a sense you will be joining me by way of your assistance. By the gracious act of giving you also become a participant in the Bhutan experience , and a supporter of all the opportunities that become possible through this interspiritual, cross-cultural initiative.
IN RECIPROCITY FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION
In reciprocity and appreciation for the assistance I receive from donors, I will organize and host two events upon my return (one local event in Victoria BC and one online). I will offer my discoveries arising from the vibrant, mystical, and evolving culture of Bhutan and my time in this majestic setting. My hope is to collectively explore, share, and build on our impactful projects and experiences, for the most widespread benefit.
Rest assured I have extensive experience coordinating events, and I’m absolutely dependable and excited to bring people together for this purpose :)
In addition, now having undertaken a crowdfunding process (hopefully with some measure of success!), and also in light of a growing commitment to resource-sharing and exchange, I will be available to offer my learnings and a few practical tips to those interested in that side of this experience as well.
YOUR SUPPORT IS SO GREATLY APPRECIATED!
So if you feel inspired to join me through your support, please make a contribution to my "Bound for Bhutan" fund in any amount that you like.
Whatever comes of this, thank you so much for hearing my appeal. Our connection provides potent evidence of our expansive, interconnected web of support. Just imagine the possibilities awaiting activation through our collective, co-creative efforts!
May the bounty of our togetherness bring blessings and benefits for all.
Thank you so much!
Eilen
*******************************
Future Group Retreats in Bhutan: If you are interested in participating in future opportunities of this nature, to help build our cross-cultural and inter-spiritual relationships, and to receive practice instruction from senior monks and master teachers at the monastery, please email Bhutan.Monastery.Retreats@gmail.com with your name and request to be added to the notifications list.
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