A little about me...
I was born and raised in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia. I’m the youngest in my family and was raised in a Roman Catholic Family. My relationship with my family is very close and we are active in Roman Catholic Church activities. In fact, I am involved in the Mass choir, the youth organization, and as a photographer for my church’s activities. I have spent almost my entire life in Surabaya. Then, in 2009, I had the opportunity to study at the University of Queensland, Australia. After graduating with a Masters degree in Rural Systems Management, I felt that this was the time for me to set my personal commitment into reality. Every gift that I received should be shared with other people or to give back to the society. For me it doesn’t matter where I will perform my commitment, because in helping people it doesn’t matter in which country they live.
Why Vincentian Volunteers ...
It all started with my friend's suggestion to join the Vincentian Volunteers (VV). After reading VV’s website, especially about the part about VV having retreat programs and the volunteers having the opportunity to share their gifts. I became more interested and believed that VV was one of the paths for me to run my commitment. Through VV, I believe I could help people and at the same time I could grow and deepen my faith. As a matter of fact, my life experience in helping people is not much but I wanted to enrich that by working as a Vincentian Volunteer.
My Projects ...
I mainly work at L’Arche (French for The Ark) as a care assistant for 4 days a week. In this place, I work with adults that have learning disabilities, known as the core members. Basically, I support them in the craft rooms – making cushions, woven goods, candles and helping with the music group (karaoke). I also accompany the core members to their work placements, making sure they are safe. For me, the core members are very special in their own ways. I love to interact with them. In addition, the staff are so great. Their dedication has inspired me to work wholeheartedly. How do I feel about L’Arche as a whole? I'd say that every day I’m falling in love with L’Arche and it is my home.
My other work placement is in St. Gregory’s Youth and Community Centre for 1 day a week. In here I assist the staff in a breakfast club, after-school club and youth club. So I help the staff to make sure the children are safe while they do their various activities (e.g. having their breakfast, skit, play pool and have fun in the computer room). Furthermore, the staff are very helpful. They make my day much easier in a work situation and the children are friendly too. We are getting along pretty well and we spend our time by playing together and having relaxed conversation. In conclusion, every experience that I have in my work placements is beyond my expectation.
My Highlights ...
One day on the way back from one of the L’Arche core member work placements, I met my housemate. He said that I looked peaceful, comfortable and happy with the core member. Well, I am! In my mind I have a mission that I would help the core members and the staff of L’Arche as much as possible. However, they are the ones who help me as I feel I receive unconditional friendship. For example, when one of the core members of L’Arche said that they like me and I’m their best friend. Furthermore, the staff said that I fit in naturally here and they care about my day.
When one of the staff from St. Gregory's and I picked up the children from school. One of them ran towards me and gave me a warm hug. That moment has always cheered me up.
Having a VV’s community in my life is such a blessing for me. It is worthwhile to spend my time with other VV’s.
The first time I am feeling hungry for spiritual life.