Hello, my name is Olga Yevseeva. Before the pandemic, my life was like a painting filled with bright colors: I worked as a lecturer in painting at the Baltic International Academy, and simultaneously taught children and youth at the Bērnu un jauniešu centrs, helping them to develop their creative talents and learn the art of painting. My heart was full of enthusiasm, and I shared it with those around me.

During that time, I was able to fulfill my dream — I opened my own studio and purchased a large historic house in Zaube, Latvia. This house became a symbol of new life for me, a place where art and inspiration could flourish, like spring flowers after a long winter. Along with the house, I also received a small cottage as a bonus. My goal was simple yet grand: to restore these buildings, fill them with warmth and light, invite people to engage in creativity, and create a place where everyone could overcome their life’s difficulties through art.

But then, like a sudden storm that blots out the sun, the pandemic shattered all my plans. Everything that once seemed so solid and reliable began to crumble. The small business I had barely kept afloat started to wither before my eyes. This period was a true test for me. But it wasn’t just the pandemic that challenged my life — I also underwent a gynecological surgery and contracted COVID-19 multiple times. It felt as though my strength had been drained, and recovery became increasingly difficult. Today, I suffer from sleepless nights and depression, which follow me like shadows. But even in the darkest corners of my mind, there is always a place for hope — hope for a miracle and for creativity.

During this time, I had to move my studio four times. Each move felt like a small death for my dreams, but I continued to fight. Stress, anxiety, and despair became my constant companions, but I did not give up because there was always a belief in my heart that I would overcome all difficulties. I kept inspiring others, even when it was unbearably hard for me.

Now, I live in my house that once was a symbol of hope but now desperately needs major repairs. The roof has started leaking, the floors are rotting, especially in areas where the roof is leaking. This house, which was supposed to be a place of creativity and inspiration, is now slowly falling apart. I am a good artist, but unfortunately not the best marketer, and because of this, I haven’t been able to earn enough money even for firewood for the winter, let alone for repairs.

But what worries me most is my mother’s situation. After my stepfather passed away, she was left alone in Latgale, in a dilapidated house, with a minimal pension of just 180 euros, barely enough to cover the most basic expenses. It pains me to see the person who gave me life and supported me every step of the way now living in such conditions. My dream is to bring her to live with me in this house that I had hoped to restore.

I am reaching out to you with hope because I believe that there is still kindness and compassion in the world. We are not stray cats or dogs that volunteers take care of... We are people who also want to help others and inspire them, but now we find ourselves in a very difficult situation and we need your help.

Your donation is not just money; it is an opportunity for us to stand on our feet again, to breathe life into a house that will become a place where creativity and hope will flourish for everyone who visits. Please help us save our home and give us a future full of light and inspiration.

Every donation you make is like a ray of light piercing through a dark forest, showing the way to the exit. We are deeply grateful for any support you can provide. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for helping us keep our dream alive.