Meet Rino
Marino Gudipun
A local man from the east Indonesian Island of Flores, Rino brings passion, knowledge, insight and unrivaled access to our adventure based journeys in Indonesia – a stunningly beautiful region of the world. His extensive grasp of English and understanding of the local traditions and culture makes for an educational immersion. Rino has invited our clients to dine in his mother’s home where they gained a feel for the simplicity of the day to day Floresian lifestyle. He truly treats guests like family.
In 2020, when world tourism shut down, we heard from Rino that his family was well, but he was down to the last $150 and that is what he and his wife and two sons survive on. We reached out to some past clients and joined in sending Rino approximately $1000. He allocated some of the funds he received to assisting his brother Marcel to enlarge the planting area of his market garden in Flores. He is growing tomatoes, beans and eggplants for sale in the local markets. He sent us a video showing how very organized it is, producing good quality and volumes. This will help provide Rino and family with a steady stream of income over the coming years. Talk about “Give a man a fish and he will eat today, teach him to fish and he will eat for life”.
At a time when we cannot help everyone who is suffering, the connections made with a few people around the world can really change their lives, and those of the people around them.