Help Anjili Reclaim Her Home and Livelihood
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Hi, my name is Anjili (or Lori to my family).
I’ve lived in a small community in Guatemala for the past 15 years. Five and a half years ago, after over a decade of hard work and saving, I was finally able to purchase a small home and piece of land where I envisioned raising my son and building a life with my then-husband.
I invested everything into:
- Securing the land with a wall and fencing
- Renovating the home for our family
Most recently, using the last of my savings to build a boutique and therapy space to house my private practice and retail business
I imagined my life here, raising my son in this vibrant village, and offering my healing work to locals and travelers alike.
A Devastating Shift
In spring 2024, my 10-year-old son began struggling with his mental health. As a licensed mental health social worker, I recognized the signs of early depression and made the heartbreaking decision for him to relocate to the U.S. to live full-time with his father. I stayed behind because I had just poured every cent I had into my property and couldn't afford to relocate.
In early 2025, I made the decision to rent my home and business so I could spend more time near my son. That’s when everything changed.
The Land Invasion
After publicly listing my property for rent, I became the target of a local man—known in the community for land theft, violence, and disturbing behavior. He has a documented history of:
- Attempted land grabs
- Sexual violence and harassment
- Threatening and intimidating locals and foreigners alike
He saw my listing and launched a calculated attempt to steal my land.
He began by:
- Claiming my property as his
- Launching a smear campaign online with horrific lies, including that I raped his mother and committed murder
- Encouraging violence against me and those who defended me
- Spreading false claims that we burned down his home, killed his animals, and extorted him for $250K
- He calls us racist, terrorist, and claims we are somehow connected to a genocide, he claims happened in 1988 (when I was 7 years old)
None of these claims are based in any truth. The damage, however, has been real and devastating.
What He Has Done
On March 24th, 2025, he:
- Tore down a 10m x 3m fence
- Entered my land with a machete and illegally occupied my property
- Built a barrier wall dividing my house from the rest of the land (including two yoga decks, a bathroom, shower, kitchen, and ceremonial fire pit)
- Destroyed my fire pit, spray-painted my decks and walls, and stole all items from my bodega (garden and construction tools)
- Pitched a tent and is now living on my land daily
The emotional and financial toll is enormous.
What This Has Cost Me
- Over $2,000 already in legal fees, translators, and security
- Destruction and theft totaling $7,000–$8,000
- Loss of $3,000 in refunded rental income & future income for the foreseeable future
- Closure of my boutique and online therapy practice
- Hundreds of violent, threatening messages, including rape and death threats
- Forced to shut down two websites and all social media to protect myself
I'm currently down to my last $1,500
My entire ability to work and generate income has been wiped out.
Who I Am
For those who know me:
- I’ve been working since I was 14
- I don’t come from money—I overcame addiction, trauma, and poverty to put myself through school and earn a master’s degree in social work
- I’ve built successful businesses, funded service organizations, and dedicated my life to healing and helping others
- I’ve created everything I have with my own two hands
I’ve never asked for help like this before. I’ve always been the giver, the one holding space, offering advice, cooking meals, or offering someone a place to stay.
But right now—I’m the one who needs support.
Where Things Stand
I currently have four active legal cases:
- Land dispute
- Theft
- Defamation
- Harassment
I’ve also filed for a restraining order for the protection of women against violence in guatemala. However, the Guatemalan legal system is slow and unpredictable and corruption is real here. It could take one to two years, or even longer, before justice is served.
In the meantime, I’m doing everything I can to stay safe, stay sane, and stay grounded—but I’m scared. I’m exhausted. And I’m trying to survive while being separated from my son and managing this crisis alone.
How You Can Help
If you’ve ever:
- Received my care, guidance, or support
- Been inspired by my work
- Stayed in my home, shared a meal with me, or received a moment of kindness from me
I’m asking if you would now hold me in your heart and offer support however you can:
- With a donation if you are able
- With words of encouragement
- With a share of this story
- Share my work and therapy practice with others so I can generate more work
This is the most vulnerable I’ve ever been. But I believe in truth. I believe in justice. And I will not give up on protecting what I have worked so hard to build.
Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring.
With love, courage, and gratitude,
Anjili
Organizer
Anjili L. Russell
Organizer
Keene, NH