Dear Columban Friends,
Columban lay missionary Febie Gonzales lives in Taiwan where she works with migrants. She recently wrote to me about her friendship with an Indonesian caregiver and how the compassion and strength of her friend has influenced her own life.
When I asked, “Why did you choose to come to Taiwan?” Adi, an Indonesian caregiver, replied, “To earn money for my family, to provide for their needs and well-being, to send my children to school, and to have a decent life back in my home country.” I’ve known and worked with Adi since 2018 at the Ai Jia Development Center. She is married and has three children who live in Indonesia. She has been in Taiwan for a full ten years without any home or local holiday, missing all the significant family events back home. After her first three years in Taiwan, she changed employers. When her second contract came to an end, the Covid pandemic hit. I witnessed her intense eagerness to go home. However, due to financial concerns and the health risks of travelling at that time, she decided to stay.
Adi looks after Mèimei, a student with physical and mental challenges who attends the center. Mèimei’s physical movements are limited as she sits in a wheelchair and struggles to speak. Adi’s work is much like caring for a baby; she even sleeps in the same room as Mèimei. Moreover, her responsibilities include household chores such as cleaning, shopping, and cooking. Fortunately, she is able to leave her employer’s house each day to take Mèimei to school.
Adi’s employer trusts and values her greatly, providing her with the salary she deserves and extra pay for her days off. Unfortunately, Adi hasn’t been able to take a day off because no one is available to care for Mèimei, who is entirely reliant on her and constantly longs for Adi’s nurturing affection. I have noticed how Adi displays genuine, tender love and care for Mèimei. She loves Mèimei as if she were her own child. I have seen how patient and gentle she is in supporting one of our students—an invaluable and heroic service.
Adi is a cheerful woman with a big, generous heart. Her humility and helpful nature are well recognized at the center. Two years ago, she had to undergo surgery, which was a challenging time for her. After being discharged from the hospital, she gradually returned to work because she needed to. It was hard, as she had to lift and carry Mèimei, who is a bit heavy. It took a month or more before Adi fully recovered and brought Mèimei back to the center to attend classes.
Adi is a resilient woman. Amidst life’s challenges, I haven’t heard any complaints from her. She continues to push on and works devotedly. She is a humble and compassionate caregiver who selflessly strives for a better life for her family and Mèimei.
Adi’s passion and dedication have inspired and influenced me to invest more love and value into my ministry at the center. In times when I feel tired, challenged, and unmotivated, I always remember Adi as a model of faithful service—a reliable worker. I am truly grateful to have met her. She has shown me the true life of a migrant worker—a caregiver who wholeheartedly provides exceptional care to her clients.
After reading Febie’s letter, I was reminded of this quote from Pope Francis, “Compassion is a language of God.” We are blessed to serve people so full of compassion even when their own circumstances are difficult. I can’t imagine how much Adi must miss her family, yet she provides loving, compassionate care for Mèimei.
It is only with your partnership that we are able to provide compassionate care for the poor, the neglected, and the sick. Your financial gift of any amount transforms lives and communities. We appreciate your support and remember you gratefully in our Masses and prayers.
Gratefully yours in Christ,
Fr. Al Utzig | Director, U.S. Region
The Missionary Society of St. Columban is entrusted by the Holy Father with part of the Church’s mission to spread the Faith and saving work of Christ.” (Vat.II) The Society works under the guidance of the Sacred Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and under the leadership of the bishops. We are listed in the U.S. Official Catholic Directory published annually by P.J. Kennedy and Sons. As such, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service recognizes us as a religious not-for-profit corporation, therefore contributions to our work are tax deductible. We employ no outside professional fund-raisers and pay no commissions.
