Help me cover these loveless scars

Hello there

Thank you so much for viewing my campaign.

A little about myself;

My name is Inge and I am currently studying to be a mathematics, science and technology teacher in South Africa. Education wasn't my first choice but once I started working with children during my first attempt at a degree, I knew that it was what I was meant to be doing. Seeing that spark in kids eyes when they understand what you're teaching them, or helping a child through a difficult part of the work, or even helping a child improve their perception of the 'difficult' subjects is what makes my day.

A little about why I am starting this campaign;

During my first year of university, I lost nearly 30 kgs (65 pounds) in 2 months due to an eating disorder and entered a physically and emotionally abusive relationship. After, very luckily escaping with my life, I entered what I now know to be an emotionally abusive relationship. During this time I picked up nearly 60 kgs (130 pounds), and honestly laid a series of stretch marks across all of my body. Alongside the stretch marks there are marks on my thighs that are related to the physical abuse suffered, with the worst being on my left side, as well as my own self-harm at the time. I was sure that I would never love my legs again, always wear long pants and never swim without shorts on.

During the time that I did pick up all that weigh however, I did learn to love the body that I am in. After leaving my first degree and starting over I am proud to say I have lost close to 25 kgs (55 pounds) and counting. This weight loss is for no other reason other than my health and I am not paying that much attention to the scale except during doctors visits (which are going great) Now I am ready to take it to the next step of my body loving journey, adding a tattoo to a part of my body that I never thought I would, and always told myself was too ugly.

What this campaign is for;

This design below is the tattoo that I want to get on my thigh, a part of my body I was convinced I would never put a tattoo on.

I have already spoken to a tattoo artist near where I stay and have gotten an estimated price. The price above.

I believe that this is the next step towards recovery, because not only would this tattoo cover most of the scars on one of my thighs, it would also teach me that I set the limits to what my body is like and what I want to do with it.

Things I have done myself to aid this campaign;

I work on a freelance website where projects come and go, and I am also in the process of trying to find a tutoring or au pair position. They are scarce in my town and I have had no luck. The money I make for the freelancing is mostly put towards medication for myself or groceries for my household. I have been able to put small amounts away, however these amounts will always be more of a savings account in case of emergencies.

I have also been and still go to therapy, my therapist has however made it very clear that I will need to see a trauma specialist, and that it would be best to do once I have grown past every inhibition I have about my body and self. This is because of the fact that doubting yourself, during the process of working through traumatic events makes the process longer and harder.

Please help me reach this goal! I will share the results with you all.