I struggle with asking for help. I just want to do everything on my own. But right now I’m asking help for a friend. After knowing Joan Young online for several years as the “Bug Lady” in South Africa I took her up on an offer to show me around. We spent two weeks of my month traveling in 2010 when I fell in love with her amazing country. Returned in 2013 and ‘14 for longer stays.
Joan is retired and volunteers at South African National Parks presenting environmental education programs about the biodiversity found in her country. She is also an excellent photographer and documents this diversity on several of her own websites as well as freely sharing it with others. She’s recently been building up an Eco-Center along the coast in Ramsgate.
Tuesday morning I woke up to this Facebook post from her: “Hello Everyone, I have been beaten and robbed at knife point of my laptop, diamond ring, cell phone and a few other things. Because of this, I am unable to contact anyone anymore or do any of my education work. I am using an internet cafe to send this but my pages will not be updated from now on. Due to being on pension, I can never afford a new computer. Thanks for being my friends.”
I immediately contacted a mutual South African friend and was told she’s OK, just sore and in shock. It’s frustrating being so far away and feeling helpless to help. So I went out onto social media and asked people to help my friend by making donations. The outpouring of support has me in tears.
If you’d like to help please make a donation by using the PayPal button below.
The holidays really are about giving. Help me make this the best Christmas for Joan. Thank you.
For Joan the Bug Lady of South Africa
Hi Gaylene
I don’t not have a Paypal account…but I will send Joan lots of Love Light and Healing believing that she will have her new computer to continue her voluntary work .. which she so unselfishly shares with others…..as you do
Thank you for sharing this news with us…You’ll make this the Best Christmas Ever…..for a lot of us, too. I will pass it on..
Merry Christmas My Friend
Cindy
Thanks Cindy. Joan need all the healing power you can send.
Merry Christmas.
Gaelyn, thank you for posting this and setting up a way to support Joan. Michael and I met her at Addo Elephant Park this summer and felt an immediate affinity. You expressed all my feelings in your blog. Thanks for providing a way to support her. Is she still working for the Center where she was getting paid?
How long will you be in Anza Borrego? We live in Oceanside and just moved our belongings from Anza, which is high desert country. If you’re ever on the coast while you’re here, please contact me at 760-450-6303. Would love to connect. Love your photography, and more, your spirit.
Thank you for the donation and well wishes. They will passed along. Unknown how long I’ll be here. Will call if I get to the coast.
She was at the Center when this happened.
Merry Christmas.
Dear Gaelyn, So sorry about Joan. I can send a donation, albeit not a huge one, but would have to do so when I get to the US after Jan. 14th. My checkbook is there! I don’t have a PayPal account; had a bad experience with them a few years back. Write me an email if this is ok.
Thanks for the offer. You don’t need an account to use PayPal but I get that you don’t want to. Talk more about this later. Computer battery dying.
How else other than PayPal can we help. We had a very bad experience with them and I refuse to use them ever again. It took forever to undo. So glad to hear that she is physically recovering. How can the world be so terrible. It’s so sad to hear at this time of light and love.
I don’t know how else but PayPal was the easiest for me to use. I’ve heard other people mention problems with them. Guess I’ve been lucky so far.
Joan is doing better.
Merry Christmas, Gaelyn. I hope Joan is doing well and getting lots of support. Please let us know. Lynda
Thanks Lynda. I will keep you posted.
I wish I had my computer with us but only have the nexus. If you send the money off to Joan please keep this link open as I am desperate to send some. We return home 30 Dec and I will do my best to over come the PayPal problem on the 31st. The easiest would still be able to send direct from the S.A. account if you manage to get an OK from Joan. You have done an amazing job. Diane