_{On the photo: Elias from Rescue 2000 and the Investland Bali team with a local family in front of their newly blessed home}

‍

In our last article, we introduced Elias — our friend and partner, and his powerful mission to provide homes for local Bali families living in poverty through Rescue2000. Partnering up with Rescue 2000, Investland Bali builds a small home for a local Balinese family for every villa we sell from this day forward. As of today, on September of 2024 - we have built one home already and the construction on the next home is in progress. 

‍

Today, we're here to share our own thoughts on why we do what we do, why the Balinese are some of the most humble people you'll ever meet, and how we hope to uplift local communities. This story isn't just about bricks and mortar - it's about hope, transformation and counting the blessings that are often taken for granted.

‍

How Families Are Chosen

With so many families in need, how does it get decided who gets help first? Kristjan, one of the driving forces behind Investland Bali, explains the process:

‍

“Rescue2000 and Elias keep a database. Local informants provide background information, and those with the most urgent needs are prioritized. The first family in need gets help first, while others remain on the list, waiting for their turn.”

‍

Each of these families has a story, and for Kristjan and the Investland Bali team, it has been a profound experience to see how something as simple as a house can change lives. These homes aren't built for comfort; they are built deep in the jungles of Bali, where local families live far from the modern conveniences most of us enjoy.

‍

A few weeks ago, we had the chance to meet the second family we are about to build a home for. Together with members of the Rescue 2000 organization and the Rice for Bali Foundation, we paid a surprise visit to a family of four – a mother, father, preschool-aged child, and a toddler. They share a living space of approximately 3x3 square meters. During the heavy rainy season, the entire space gets flooded. This visit starkly highlighted how vastly different our lives are. Now, our mission is to build them a two-room local house

‍

The Blessing Ceremony

At the end of August, we were privileged to travel to northern Bali for a house blessing ceremony. We must say, the jungle road to our designated family was not easy at all. We managed to get lost, and in the end, the road conditions became so extreme that we hopped out of the car, and local experienced drivers took us on their motorbikes.

‍

Upon arrival, joined by Elias and the local family, we participated in a moving ceremony that symbolized much more than the completion of a house. It represented a new beginning filled with gratitude and hope.

‍

Despite living in poverty, the smiles on the faces of the family and community reminded us all that life is to be cherished. As the ceremony unfolded, tears were shed—not out of sadness, but out of the overwhelming emotion that comes with realizing the impact this home would have on their lives.

‍

This isn’t just a home—it’s security, dignity, and a future. And for us, it’s a reminder of why they do what they do.

‍

Counting Blessings: A Reflection from Kristjan

Kristjan posed a question that stayed with us long after the ceremony: How often do you count your blessings?

‍

For many of us, a comfortable bed or a safe home is something we take for granted. But for one Balinese family, receiving their first proper mattress in 50 years is nothing short of life-changing.

‍

"We often get lost in the matrix of life," Kristjan reflected. "True happiness comes from simple things. And the Balinese, some of the happiest, most humble and grateful people you'll ever meet, know this well.

‍

It's easy to take the basics for granted until you see how much it means to those who go without. Kristjan's words are a reminder that sometimes the smallest things make the biggest difference.

‍

Building Homes, Creating Jobs

For every villa Investland Bali builds, they commit to constructing a home for a local family. But the impact goes beyond just providing shelter. The homes are built by local men from the community, not workers flown in from other islands. This creates jobs and opportunities for those who need them most.

‍

The homes, built in just 2-3 weeks, offer families a safe place to live while empowering local workers. “We build with local hands,” Kristjan explains. “By doing so, the entire community benefits.”

‍

This approach ensures that each home becomes more than a structure—it becomes a symbol of the community’s strength and resilience, bringing together families and providing meaningful employment.

‍

Why They Do It: A Message from Kristjan and Oliver

When asked why they dedicate so much of their time to this mission, Kristjan and Oliver are clear: “Bali has always taken care of us, and this is our way of giving back.”

‍

The joy of giving is at the heart of their work. “It brings happiness,” they say. “There’s a deep fulfillment in knowing we’re changing lives. It’s more than charity—it’s about honoring the island and its people.”

‍

For Kristjan, the best quality of the Balinese people is their big smiles, while Oliver is touched by how helpful they are. “You won’t find a community more willing to lend a hand,” Oliver adds, admiring the spirit of the local people.

‍

Living by Karma

Beyond the practical aspects of building homes, there’s a spiritual philosophy that guides their work. Kristjan explains, “Bali is an island of Karma. Everything you do here comes back to you.” Whether giving or taking, the energy you put out into the world finds its way back into your life. For Kristjan and Oliver, giving has not only transformed the lives of those they help, but it has enriched their own lives in ways they never imagined.

‍

When asked what principles visitors to Bali should follow, Kristjan and Oliver are clear: Respect the people, appreciate the simplicity of life, and always give back. Bali is more than a tourist destination - it is a place where kindness and connection thrive.

‍

The island teaches that happiness comes from deep sense of community and gratitude. And by giving back, visitors can leave a lasting positive impact on this beautiful place.

‍

Show your Support

Investland Bali’s team calls on you to help. Rescue2000’s work is made possible by the generosity of donations. For example, $1,000 can provide food for 30-40 families for up to a month. Building a home for a family in Bali typically costs between $3,000 and $5,000. Rescue2000 is known for its dedication and transparency, with 70% of all donations going directly to families in need, while the remaining 30% covers essential operational costs like transportation and marketing.

‍

Isn't it heartwarming to know that not only did you help build a villa in Bali, but you also played a part in building a home for a local family? You can show your support and spread awareness by following or donating through the links below:

• Follow Rescue2000 on Instagram: @rescue_2000
• Follow Rescue2000 on TikTok: @rescue_2000
• Donate via PayPal: Rescue2000 Donation
• Donate via Venmo: Rescue2000 Donation

‍