The Truth About the American Dream: It's Not as Smooth as It Seems

 And Also the Organization I’ve Been Running for 18 Years

The organization I have been running for 18 years has continued to thrive, even during the challenging times of COVID. However, after COVID, the competition between organizations grew intense, and jealousy began to surface. Many tried repeatedly to bring me down, making my life stressful and difficult. For me, money is not the measure of happiness, but of course, everyone needs money to live. Ironically, money can also be the root of jealousy, as people often think that success comes easily.

In reality, I’ve worked incredibly hard for many years, sometimes working nonstop, even through the night, dedicating every hour of my time. Yet, some people couldn’t match my determination to keep going and continue helping the people in Bali who truly needed support.

Even the Indonesian government has never acknowledged or appreciated the countless efforts we’ve made to help the people of Bali and Indonesia. No matter how many children Bali Indonesia we helping better life and education, and how many disasters I’ve responded to or how much real, impactful work we’ve accomplished in the country, it often feels like those contributions go unseen. 

Let me tell you all the details of this story another time and return to when I first arrived in San Diego.

At first, applying for a green card here wasn’t easy. I had heard stories of people waiting for two to three years to get theirs. It’s not an easy process. I was grateful that I got mine in six months. However, there were sacrifices I had to make. Before my green card was issued, I wasn’t allowed to leave the USA. During that time, my father and I video-called every day. We would share stories about what we had cooked. However, because I had just moved to a foreign country and had fewer activities, I began feeling a little stressed. This was different from my life in Bali, where I was super busy and barely had time for myself, let alone my family. I was always managing YKPA.

Unfortunately, my father grew depressed after losing my mom. His kidney and diabetes issues worsened, but I couldn’t tell if he was joking or just seeking attention. I didn’t pay enough attention. I even hired a caregiver to take care of him while monitoring him from here. But suddenly, his condition became more severe, and he passed away.

I was devastated. My heart was broken. I didn’t know what to do. I had already prepared everything—clothes, suitcases, gifts I had bought for my father—but the green card restriction meant I couldn’t return to Bali. In the end, my brother Wawan decided to cremate him without me returning to Bali. I could only watch my father’s cremation ceremony through a video call with my aunt.

My heart shattered into pieces, and the regret I felt was overwhelming. As a daughter, I had done everything I could for my parents—I built a house for them, bought them a car and take vocation to Singapore with my mom and take to India for travel but now he was gone, and I couldn’t even see him. I don’t know what karma we must go through to endure something like this. Everyone in my village must have talked about me, but it didn’t matter—they didn’t need to know all the reasons behind this.

The past three years have been extremely difficult for me. My emotions have been unstable, and I’ve tried to cover it up in every way possible. It hasn’t been easy to move through life with a broken heart. This has often caused arguments between me and Michael. Seeing my son Gustu, who also experienced PTSD see lose our friend Jorgen suicide been give beautiful nice memory before he go on forever and was t far away from me, added to the chaos in my heart. 

After the heartbreak of only being able to see my father’s cremation virtually, I tried to keep myself busy. I joined the Red Cross here, took part in training and volunteered. I also applied to volunteer at a facility that helps elderly people, but they didn’t accept volunteers—only employees. Since I didn’t yet have my green card, I couldn’t work officially. Finally, I started studying CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), which is for caring for elderly people.

Eventually, I got my green card and a job as a caregiver at Wesley Palms, a senior living facility. At the same time, I wanted to expand my business here, similar to the one I ran in Bali: Love Bali Arts. But things didn’t go as smoothly as in Bali. Life here isn’t easy. Still, I keep trying. Until now, Love Bali Arts has been inactive for a year, but I haven’t given up.

Let me tell you more about my journey and work experiences here in the USA in the next story. Thank you for reading my story—please look forward to the next part.

My Journey travel Europe and the last trip in Amsterdam January 2025

  My Journey in Amsterdam

After a month of traveling across Europe, my time in Amsterdam, the last destination of my trip, has been an unforgettable experience. I feel so lucky to have so many wonderful friends from different parts of Europe and beyond, many of whom I first met in Bali. I’m a very friendly person who loves connecting with everyone without judgment, even when others might label someone as “strange.” For me, everyone is unique in their own way, and I believe that every person carries their own “backpack,” filled with past traumas and experiences from childhood to adulthood. These elements shape who we are and define the love languages we each carry. Similarly, I’ve faced many challenges, including trauma and even PTSD. Yet, with age, I’ve learned to better understand myself and accept who I am without comparing myself to others.

Back to my time in Amsterdam—I want to thank Joey and John, my dear friends and also the first donors of YKPA back in 2007, when we were helping street children. I’ll never forget John’s kindness and support during the tough early days of YKPA. We’ve been friends for 18 years, and they kindly let me stay for free in their apartment. Joey and John are businessmen who travel across Asia, sourcing and selling goods in Amsterdam. They own two gift shops in front of the Amsterdam Palace, named Sharp Gear. Due to the pandemic, one of their stores closed, but the other continues to operate with around eight employees, if I recall correctly.

I’ve learned a lot from them. John even taught me about business and where to shop during a trip to Thailand. This is my second time staying at their apartment in Amsterdam. John is currently traveling to Bangkok, as he doesn’t enjoy the cold winters in Amsterdam. I’m using John’s room while I stay here. Joey is a uniquely brilliant and intelligent man originally from New York, and spending time with him has been so much fun. We take a lot of walks from the apartment to the shop and around Amsterdam—sometimes on foot, sometimes by train.

During my stay, I also reconnected with Corne, another YKPA donor since the early days when we were teaching street children at Kuta Beach. Corne is also my ex-boyfriend who is now like a brother to me. He still continues to support YKPA to this day. Thank you, Corne, for taking the time to visit me in Amsterdam. Our night walk to the Red Light District brought back memories from six years ago. You also took me to 0° Ice Bar, where everything is made of ice—it was such a fun experience! I really appreciate your kindness and the thoughtful gifts you gave me during your visit.

On my last day in Amsterdam, I met with Alex, a close friend of five years. We first met at Toastmasters in Rotterdam, where we learned public speaking together. Over time, we’ve often shared knowledge, collaborated on videos, and explored IT topics. Thank you, Alex, for driving three hours in the rain just to meet me for a couple of hours and say goodbye. It was bittersweet, but I truly value our strong connection and friendship. Alex is now helping to improve YKPA’s website, which I’m incredibly grateful for.

I feel so fortunate to have such long-lasting friendships that feel like family. If any of my friends visit Amsterdam, I highly recommend stopping by Sharp Gear, John and Joey’s gift shop at 44 Rokin Street, right in front of the Amsterdam Palace. They have such unique stones and gifts from around the world—perfect for family, friends, or loved ones. Their shop stands out from the others in Amsterdam.

Thank you so much for all the wonderful memories during my trip to Amsterdam in January 2025. I love you all.

Putu Etik Artini

https://youtu.be/5EZBNEvWqeI

ykpa.org

joinwithusinternational.org

lovebaliart.com

My Study background Never to late to study chase our dream

Never to late to study chase our dream 

In 2007, I had the incredible opportunity to become one of the youngest founders of a non-profit organization in Bali, and possibly in Indonesia. Despite having only a high school education and the absence of a formal leadership degree, I followed my heart and passion to legally help the people of Bali, the island where I was born.

My travels across several Indonesian islands and my first visit to Singapore left me in awe of the towering modern buildings. During my second international trip to India, I witnessed the stark contrasts between wealth and poverty. These experiences, along with the many remote and underdeveloped villages I visited in Indonesia, fueled my resolve to make a difference, guided by a calling deep within my heart.

I am deeply grateful to Michael, whose unwavering support has always been a source of strength for me, even more so than my own parents. His encouragement reminds me of the song “You Raise Me Up.” In 2009, I began studying IT Management Informatics. collage Ganesha Guru Bali Indonesia. Juggling the early stages of YKPA, motherhood, and my studies was incredibly challenging. However, I persevered and earned my bachelor's degree in 2012, proudly bearing the title behind in my name AMd.

While many were proud of my educational accomplishment, I seldom use the title. In Indonesia, such titles are often used for government positions or corporate jobs. However, I have spent most of my life being self-employed and running my own small business, non profit organization.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdHuNKzHppU

Move to Another Country: A Journey Full of Challenges and Adventures

America Dream 

Moving to another country is not as easy or smooth as many people think, even if it’s about chasing the so-called "American Dream." Life, wherever it may be, is a challenge and an adventure. In every place, we must adapt and follow government rules. These challenges also serve as moments to step out of our comfort zones.

I was born and raised in Bali, and this is my first time truly living abroad. Before this, I had visited more than 20 countries across Europe, Australia, and Asia, but those were just visits on tourist visas. However, this time, it’s different—this is a major challenge for me as I move and settle in San Diego, California, USA. It's not as easy as people might imagine.

Initially, I thought everyone here would be very friendly and greet one another, even if they didn’t know each other—especially since I live near the beach in Ocean Beach, San Diego. However, finding friends is not as simple as I had imagined. The cost of living here is extremely high; it’s often said to be the most expensive state in all of the USA. Nevertheless, the area is very clean and the views are beautiful. The beaches are mesmerizing, especially when watching the waves and sunsets. People often sit on their cars, enjoying these moments with a bottle of drink in hand. Occasionally, I smell the scent of marijuana—it’s quite common here. However, that doesn’t mean people are unhealthy. In fact, many of them regularly exercise and maintain fit, healthy bodies.

Everything they have, whether it’s their beautifully sculpted bodies or their luxury cars, is undoubtedly a result of hard work. Many of them even work two or three jobs to achieve this lifestyle.

Returning to my story, many people have asked why I decided to move to America, especially when Bali is often seen as a "paradise" on Earth. Many dream of visiting or even living in Bali. But my life in Bali was already very comfortable. I owned three houses, two of which were empty after my parents passed away. I had a business and had been running a social organization for 18 years. Although life in Bali was not excessive, it was sufficient.

However, the loss of people I deeply loved, like my parents within the past three years and a close friend, Jorgan, who passed away due to suicide, left me deeply shaken. This loss was incredibly hard to accept. In Bali, I felt the environment became too competitive after COVID-19, and many people tried to bring me down out of jealousy over what I had achieved through my organization.

Love Bali Arts starting  

 My life adventure 

From Bali to San Diego: A Heartfelt Journey My Story of Heart and Hope

 

Hello, everyone! My name is Putu Etiartini, and I am excited to share my journey with you. I was born in a small village called Dusun Sunantaya Klod in Desa Penebel, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia. Growing up in this beautiful and serene village, I was surrounded by stunning views of rice fields, the majestic Batukaru mountain, and many rivers and hot springs nearby. Bali's rich culture and traditions have always been close to my heart. Alongside my younger brother, Wawan, we were raised by our loving parents, Made and Wayan, who, despite their limited education, did their best for us. They are now resting in peace in heaven.

At 18, I made a significant decision to move to the city. This move was both challenging and exciting, as it opened up new opportunities and experiences for me. Life was like a roller coaster with its ups and downs, filled with moments of joy, sadness, and everything in between. Through these experiences, I underwent a spiritual awakening that helped me find my path and passion. Despite facing setbacks, including a failed business venture due to a lack of knowledge, I was fortunate to receive another chance to pursue my dreams.

In 2007, driven by my passion for helping others, I co-founded YKPA (Yayasan Kasih Peduli Anak) with Michael Pate, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting street children, disadvantaged children, and empowering women in Bali. We also provide disaster relief and bring donations to villages in need. Through ykpa.org, we have positively impacted the lives of many children, offering them education, shelter, and hope for a brighter future.

In November 2022, I embarked on a new adventure by moving to San Diego. Here, I started my own business, Love Bali Arts (lovebaliarts.shop), which offers unique, handcrafted dolls, jewelry, fashions, paintings, and other crafts. These unique designs express heartfelt emotions of love, care, and connection, making them perfect gifts for loved ones, family, and friends. We strive to make each gift memorable and one-of-a-kind. A portion of our profits goes to our Bali home, which has served disadvantaged children for over 17 years.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope my story inspires you to pursue your dreams and make a difference. 

https://youtu.be/j8V0YsfB_J4

lovebaliarts.com 

ykpa.org

joinwithusinternational.org