Hi Joel. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Yes I believe that our community should help the Steemians that are currently in a country with difficulties. This is what communities are for, taking care of the members which are in trouble. One day, it could be me that needs help.

So I upvoted you at my maximum power, it is a drop in the ocean but many drops make an ocean.

Intelliguy gave you great advice: I started meeting success here when I started reading seriously the posts, reflecting on them and wrote meaningful comments. The number of followers went up and so did the upvotes on my own posts.

Bon courage and keep your chin up, as you are doing now!