April 2013
Wadah at 5 Namaste from Maiti Nepal Wadah Builds Historic Bridges Across the Globe 2 | April 2013 | Editorial
FOUNDER Anie Hashim Djojohadikusumo
BOARD OF ADVISERS Message from the Wadah Patron Janti Notowidigdo Dewi Djarot Dear Friends and Readers, Tuti Mashuri Yekti Suradji
“We grow to serve and we serve so that others CHAIRPERSON may grow together with us.” I am very fond of Retnaning Tyas saying this as it is truly re ective of who and what we are. SECRETARY Paula Stella Nova Landowero When I look back on the years that have gone by, on the days when my friends and I would TREASURER daydream about how we would improve the J. Cecilia Parengkuan lives of the less fortunate, I can hardly believe Lilik Djohan that the dreams are very much reality. Wadah at 5 demonstrates that with drive, WADAH YOGYAKARTA determination, and divine intervention, we can expand beyond the con nes of our expectations to do more, help more, serve more--beyond the borders of CHAIRPERSON Indonesia even. Insiwijati Prasetyaningsih
"Luar biasa" or amazing is all I can say! The past ve years were a steep learning SECRETARY curve-- baby steps--struggling, balancing, discovering how to make the pieces Noeryati t in a giant jigsaw puzzle of needs/wants/issues/challenges/resources/ heroes/champions. In ve short years, it emerges a tapestry, woven with the TREASURER narratives of triumph amidst adversity, success against all odds. Not perfect, Bambang Purnomo Hediono mind you, there are hits and misses--it is the work of human hands after all. WADAH INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT With Wadah at 5, allow me to thank all for your continued support. Thank you to my family for owning my mission. Thank you to the new Executive and SECRETARY-GENERAL Advisory Boards for becoming the face of renewed hope. Thank you kind Alfredo P. Torno III readers for your time and share of mind. WADAH EUROPE You will nd that this edition tells of Wadah's undertakings in the past few Nathalie Bellosat months that are a portent of things to come in the next ve years. We publish them in the hope that they will inspire you to join our cause, to create your WADAH INDIA own, or perhaps just "count to one," so that everyone will count. Babli Kalha
We rejoice for the power, guidance and grace that are bestowed upon us daily WADAH PHILIPPINES by the Almighty. Tina Ferreros
WADAH SINGAPORE Lim Choo Hin
Publishing & Copyright WADAH Foundation
Editor Anie Djojohadikusumo Alfredo P. Torno III Patron Graphic & Printing Billy Bismarak & Fahrul Rozi April 2013 | Editorial | 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 Message from the Patron 3 From the Editor’s Desk From the Editor’s Desk 4 Messages to Wadah on its 5th Anniversary Welcome to our travel edition where we spotlight: Wadah’s forays to far-o places in support of partners Bumi Sehat and Maiti Nepal in the nal quarter of 8 Wadah at 5 2012; Wadah's own journey to its fth anniversary in January 2013. Namaste from Maiti Nepal 14 In voyages--as in life--say the poets, it is not about the destination, but the 16 Roadshow in the East Coast: journey. Wadah Builds Historic Bridges in Florida Thus, a trip to Nepal to be with the tra cked survivors of Maiti Nepal on the occasion of the country's most important festival in October 2012 20 Roadshow in the East Coast: strengthened a friendship that began during the preparations for last year's Internationally Lauded Wadah Global Gathering (WGG 2012) in Bali. A passage to India to visit Mr. Humanitarians Give Moving Bunker Roy of Barefoot College acquainted Wadah Chairperson Retnaning Tyas Presentation on Human Tra cking and myself with Mr. Roy's amazing innovations in girls' and women's education. 22 Roadshow in London: G International Hosts Maiti Nepal Another fruit of WGG 2012 was an invitation to Wadah and Ibu Robin Lim of and Wadah Foundation Bumi Sehat, 2011 CNN Hero of the Year, to speak at Pomona College in California on November 27. Then, at the urging of Wadah Friend Linda 24 Roadshow in the West Coast: Linsmayer, o to Florida ew Ibu Anie, daughter Sara, and Anuradha Koirala of The Wadah Spirit Touches Maiti Nepal, 2010 CNN Hero of the Year, to address the Sanibel Community on Pomona College November 29. On December 2, the two heroes were joined by 2009 Hero of the Year Efren Pena orida, and together with Ibu Anie and daughter Indra, Sharing 26 attended the CNN Hero awarding ceremony in Los Angeles. From December 5 28 Project GRACE: to 7, Ibu Anie and Ms. Koirala were in London for a series of talks organized by Greet and Celebrate Everyone! Wadah Gathering newbie Ian Rose.
30 News Briefs Back at home base, Wadah celebrated its fth: vision and mission statements, milestones, as well as a road map to its future were rolled out on January 28, 2013. What a journey it has been! As to tomorrow, in the words of Fr. Rocky Evangelista, "We are riding high on the wings of Wadah."
April 2013 In succeeding issues, expect news, articles, updates from Yayasan Arsari Djojohadikusumo (Arsari Djojohadikusumo Foundation, or YAD), apprising readers, friends and partners of the activities of the family foundation.
Wadah at 5 May we enjoin you, dear reader, to send us your own thoughts, musings, Namaste from Maiti Nepal Photograph by articles that you wish to share with us and fellow readers. Please email them to Wadah Builds Historic Bridges Alfredo P. Torno III [email protected]. Across the Globe for Wadah Newsletter Yet another chance to get into the Spirit of Wadah and join us in our journey of caring in sharing and giving!
Yayasan WADAH Titian Harapan (WADAH Foundation) MidPlaza 2 level 2 Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 10-11 Jakarta 10220, Indonesia Phone : +62 21 570 7789 Fax : +62 21 570 7630 Email : [email protected] www.wadahfoundation.or.id Photograph by Alfredo P. Torno III for Wadah Newsletter Dear Wadah Family, Dear Wadah Family, in Wadah I am one with fruitful ve your over rejoicing in the serviceyears of the the lost and the last. least, the have to I am honoured cord was too short, only 20 centimeters, due to hunger. hunger. due to short, too was 20 centimeters, only cord died. early short the baby in the labor and This broke cord hold Augustina except do, could nothing we was There the funeral. for and pay transport body, and cry, the tiny taking keep Augustina the good vitamins in the hope We next her will survive,that can replace but nothing baby a nutrient. is LOVE for and LOVE, nutritious food, James, story boy, this and her baby I share of Augustina on Earth, among they are one breath took for who never of the one example just the last," the lost and the "least, support. WADAH’s through help Ibu Anie, people you countries. in many a million more, are There nurturing for her WADAH... birth giving for to YOU Thank holding her hand and looking. For when no one was for powerful force be an astonishing, her up to growing GOOD. Ibu Anie... YOU I LOVE gratitude, With Ibu Robin Bali, IndonesiaBumi Sehat, with Anuradha, together this moment... I love sharing our hearts. are we opportunity in your companions be one of your to witness up close the growth be able to journey and to impact make with everyThe you Wadah. of and work small and simple action the take in bringing you of people ripples the lives into goodness of the Lord have as you touched have you the lives throughout mine. touched and consolation of inspiration source a constant are You and humble foundress your To journey. own in my Indra Hashim, Sarah, and Aryo, Ibu Anie, “mother,” the child, dearest of your on the growth congratulations Foundation. Wadah Rocky Evangelista Fr. Manila, Philippines Foundation, Tuloy Dear Ibu Anie, at I was (Sunday) Yesterday for Klinik Bumi Sehat ALL day, my Thus babies. had three we is late. you message to one Muslim, one Imagine, Anniversary th
A few days ago, I was called to help a young girl, in labor girl, help a young called to I was ago, days A few and when the ambulance, and I took Pagi in a slum. Pak and lthy, was the water ooded, the slum was arrived we from a girl found we There our knees. almost to reached already who was in labor with a Baby Sumba, Augustina, came she only for didn't well, know Augustina We dying. worry We check up. prenatal Sehat Bumi one time for to can't but we be a little food, she sells herself for that she is 20 but she is most likely about She says sure. totally but the Baby's Bumi Sehat, her to took We old. 16 years Christian and one Hindu family, all sharing joy, as their all sharing joy, Christian one Hindu and family, a birthday. babies share has WADAH, forth Hashim... your child, and Pak Ibu Anie, as each of us must be so proud, You years! ve reached your age ve, At is. WADAH, be a partwho is blessed to of leaping and she is running, is no longer crawling, "Baby" ying!! the for with you been there have I wish I could How I do believe however, birthday, WADAH's of celebration kneeling the catch to me right here, Godthat wanted humanity to devotion Your babies as they land on Earth. of do the work of us to so many makes it possible for be able to will never You in the world. su ering reducing have you the numbers of people whose lives count and this, I write As just so many. are there touched, heart and then my I smile, shining face, your imagine just Ibu Anie, eyes. up in my well and tears shivers, the road When joy. thinking brings me profound of you if I had the strength and I wondered getting so lonely, was up with Indra in the Bumi showed you going, keep to and visit people come Many and hugged me. Sehat o ce, after that a I felt special. hug was but your Bumi Sehat, of one Heart. Sisters are we for me, found you lifetime, Family. WADAH among the be counted to honored I feel join our hearts blessed to ALL are and hands together We caring for su ering, of all: reducing work in the greatest the lost least, The Rocky call: and Father the people you and the last.
5 on its to Wadah Messages 4 | April 2013 | Messages April 2013 | Messages | 5
light of God pierced my soul, etching that experience indelibly in the fabric of every cell of my being. Yes, God was present in the scavenger community of Indonesia, through your eyes, hands and hearts. God’s radiant light Dear Anie and all the of hope, love, peace and justice was being restored to members of the Wadah lives of His precious children, that if not for Wadah, would Foundation, have been destined to remain among the last, the least and lost here on earth. One by one, I saw your actions On behalf of Maiti Nepal, we matter, truly, meaningfully, matter. want to extend to you our warmest wishes as you This is my hope, my prayer, my toast to you Wadah: May celebrate a remarkable ve years of service for mankind. you come to fully realize that your good deeds wrapped in true love and kindness are rippling in ever-widening Our warmest congratulations on completing ve years. circles, reverberating out farther and longer than you may Working with Wadah Foundation is a pleasure. Wadah has ever know. Like the pebble (or boulder in your case) become an indispensable partner and carried out our breaking the surface of a still pond, your actions are projects with the same passion as if they had been their reverberating beyond your imaginations. I know, for I own. have seen what Wadah has done to help God transform the hearts and actions of individuals here. Anie, we believe that through your leadership and dedication Wadah Foundation is able to build such a Each time you count to one, may you know how much group and we are all proud of you. We very much value you matter. May you never tire of counting to one, until our friendship and look forward to continuing to work every one counts. You have started a movement. It is with you going forward. gaining momentum. It will gather enough energy to become self-perpetuating for it is written: “And let us not We wish you continued success as you celebrate this lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and important milestone. doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage...” Regards, Galatians 6:9. Anuradha Koirala and Maiti Family Kathmandu, Nepal So carry on shining brightly my Wadah stars, you have been beacons of light to so many in what can otherwise be a very dark world. Keep counting to one, until every one counts. Keep counting to one, knowing, that one by one, we can turn this whole world around. You are AMAZING beacons of love and light. To my Beloved Wadah Family on its Fifth Anniversary of With heart-felt humility, love and gratitude, your “friend”, ever-expanding love, Linda Linsmayer Happy fth anniversary. Sanibel, Florida, U.S.A. In these rst fast ve years, our hearts have grown so P.S.: Out of all the earthly titles I have received being close, so large, it is truly as if called a “friend of Wadah” is the highest honor. our hearts have become one. You have made me fully realize, you have in fact proved to me and the world, by your actions, that WE ARE ONE.
I have been blessed to witness how each of you humbly and with authentic love and pure compassion choose to count to others. I have seen the most beautiful radiant light shine in the eyes of mothers and children of Indonesia whose lives have been transformed by your All the best to WADAH and actions. I have been escorted with the most enthusiastic congratulations for such an angelic entourage of scavenger children through a dump exponential growth in all gleefully chanting one word of gratitude, “Wadah! Wadah! possible ways to helping Wadah!” When out of their sight, I sobbed with deep people help people! A gratitude knowing that no diplomatic or dignitary escort beautiful pursuit! could have ever rivaled the depth and intensity of everlasting importance, true signi cance and undiluted Happy birthday, love that I experienced in that instant. A white-hot laser Joan Fulton, Spain 6 | April 2013 | Messages
Happy birthday Wadah!! It is amazing to see how much inspiring work you all have accomplished in such a short time. The Wadah spirit has traveled across the globe and touched the lives of thousands. We cannot wait to see what the next ve years will bring, and we can’t wait to be a part of it!
Dr. Pardis Madhavi and Dr. Peter Kung Pomona College, Claremont, USA Dear Ibu Anie,
HAPPY 5TH ANNIVERSARY!
WADAH Philippines is indeed very proud to be associated with WADAH TITIAN HARAPAN. Dear Wadah Family, Founded in 2008 to help liberate Indonesian women from Happy 5th the chains of illiteracy and poverty at the grassroots level, Anniversary. Being WADAH TITIAN HARAPAN has gone beyond borders to friends of Wadah is extend its bridge of hope to powerless women and indeed an amazing children in many developing countries. experience. Congratulations for having ve fruitful and productive Throughout much of the world, women’s equality is years. You have worked hard and proven to yourself and undermined by historical imbalances in decision-making everyone what you are capable of. power and access to resources, rights, and entitlements for women. To our dear Ibu and Bapak, doing all that work while maintaining your full time position as parents to three Humanitarian crises - whether caused by armed con ict lovely children is admirable. It is very remarkable how the or natural disaster which is increasing because of climate two of you took lots of e ort and dedication to have change - always hurt women and children the most. everyone come together and make a change. We're sure it was worth it all, knowing that your achievements have WADAH looks at women as agents of change. Considering created an impact on many lives, not just in Indonesia but them as full economic actors and investing in them are a across the globe as well. You have empowered your smart way to help build the economies of the world. people and made such a positive di erence in the society that we live in--we salute you both. WADAH has achieved a lot in such a short ve years and now aims at reaching new levels and projects that assure To everyone behind this wonderful family, we the betterment of those less fortunate. It is our prayer congratulate you for a job well done. Your commitment that WADAH TITIAN HARAPAN and WADAH has made this organization successful. You must be INTERNATIONAL reach many more such milestones in the proud of yourself. The time you’ve invested and the years to come. e orts you’ve shared are truly noteworthy. Continue serving well and you’ll witness how Wadah can be an God bless you and may your light inspire others to be organization it has the potential to become. You are all an agents for change! inspiration, heroes indeed! Your "wingless angels," Our best wishes for your continued success. Tess Maniego and Cecille Ong Wadah Philippines With love, KB, Kesz and Ef Club 8586, Caring Children and Dynamic Teen Company Cavite, Philippines April 2013 | Messages | 7
world who otherwise would have ended up being tra cked or exploited because of poverty and ignorance.
We thank you in particular, for your most recent help in Dear Ibu Anie and the Wadah our disaster relief and recovery e orts in Mindanao where team, recent calamities disproportionately killed women and children and rendered rural women and young girls even I join you in celebrating more vulnerable to violence and exploitation, such as sex Wadah's 5th anniversary. I tra cking. have witnessed the growth of Wadah from a local inception During oods and typhoons, women and children are 14 to an organisation that operates on an international times more likely to die than men. platform to serve the needy, the lesser and the lost communities. The impact of WADAH has been far reaching and the organization’s remarkable success is a testament to your The strong collaboration and the unceasing e orts on vision and passionate desire to be a change maker for linking up various organisations and individuals serving women who need a helping hand to become self-reliant. the communities is commendable. I am honoured to be able to serve together with the team and have no qualms Your solid contributions to women’s empowerment have in introducing more people to the Wadah cause. I salute garnered you awards and recognition worldwide and the works of Wadah; the people on the ground who have made us all proud. worked tirelessly and quietly to serve the community yet subtly upholding the pride of the recipients to enable As you continue to break new ground and set enviable them to have a better standard of living. Thru Wadah's standards in the work that you do with women and collaboration with other organizations, I have the oppor- communities, may God bless you with more success! tunity to learn of individuals who toiled endlessly to save the lost, the abused and the neglected that their recipi- FRIENDS OF WADAH IN CEBU, PHILIPPINES: ents may have a better life. They are the heroes of the Jun Ferreros communities. Maita Manglapus Jose Ma. Cupin I celebrate now with you on this very special day. Please Fr.Ned Disu, CM do also take time to discover your 5 years e orts on the Sr. Emerose Nemenzo recipients and the organisations: those children given the YLAC Free School opportunity to study, youth rescued from prostitution, Balay Sa Kabataan Pre-School families aided with micro- nancing to survive in the slum. Rotary District 3860 Disaster Relief Task Force in Cebu These are the real life testimonies of Wadah's contribu- tion.
Congratulations on your achievement. I wish the Wadah board, team and volunteers good health and blessings for your unending endeavour! Shalom, Dear Wadah family and friends, Choo Hin Wadah Singapore Let me congratulate all of you for achieving such an enormous amount of success in sharing, caring and giving hope to so many.
You are all real stars. And as you move up to another level, here's wishing that you achieve many more milestones in Dear Ibu Anie, the years to come, as no one deserves more than all of you. Our congratulations on WADAH’s 5th anniversary Keep going like this and be an inspiration for many. celebrations. I am so honored to be a part of it. We are amazed at your high speed in making WADAH a Babli Kalha bridge of hope for many women and children around the Wadah India 8 | April 2013 | News
Wadah Chairperson, Retnaning Tyas April 2013 | News | 9
Then came the turn of Alfredo Torno, Secretary-General of global concern--poverty and illiteracy; the triangle or Wadah International Movement who presented Wadah’s Delta sign denoting change, or growth; bamboo vision and mission. As Alfredo explained, Wadah, despite representing the environment, as the community must its relative youth, had chalked up quite an impressive protect the environment. line-up of achievements, surpassing everyone's Ibu Anie cutting the ceremonial rice cone “Nasi Tumpeng” expectations, including its own, that it had outgrown its Ibu Anie concluded the afternoon program by thanking former vision/mission statements. Wadah's "doers and movers", making special mention of Wadah Friend Margaret Njoo, whose support has been “Empowerment, education and enterprise development for tremendous and unconditional. She then introduced the all" is the new vision. new set of Wadah o cers: Stronger and bigger at 5, Wadah Titian Harapan celebrated • Board of Advisers: Janti Notowidigdo, Dewi Djarot, its fth anniversary last January 28, 2013, at the Ballroom A To achieve the vision, the mission must support the new Tuti Mashuri and Yekti Suradji Wadah of the Intercontinental Jakarta Midplaza Hotel. direction: “To enable impact leaders- men and women – to • Chairperson: Retnaning Tyas bring hope, care, change to their communities to achieve • Secretary: Paula Stella Nova Landowero Present at the afternoon reception were the Arsari Millennium Development Goals (MDG)." • Treasurers: J. Cecilia Parengkuan and LIlik Djohan Djojohadikusumo Foundation (YAD) o cers, Wadah • Project Manager: Robby Reppa Foundation o cers and sta , coordinators, families, Alfredo then presented a graph that showed how Wadah's • Secretary-General, Wadah International Movement: at friends, various members of the Djojohadikusmo family activities lined up against the MDG, and demonstrated Alfredo Torno III and their guests. how Wadah is indeed a place with no walls. • YAD Executive Director: Catrini Kubontubuh • YAD Secretary: Yuliani Tri Astuti YAD Chairman Hashim Djojohadikusumo delivered the “Caring in Sharing and Giving”, the spirit of Wadah, was opening remarks, congratulating his wife, Wadah Founder further clari ed and translated into visual symbols: the Thereafter, she cut the ceremonial “Nasi Tumpeng” (Rice Anie Hashim for her passion and dedication to prioritizing hands in the shape of a heart showing how Wadah labors Cone) and handed the rst serving to Founder of Gerakan the needs of marginalized mothers, their families and their with and from the heart; the globe cupped inside the Pemberdayaan Suara Perempuan (GPSP), Indonesia's rst communities. heart-formed hands as the foundation tackles a pressing woman journalist, Herawati Diah. 5 Pak Hashim disclosed that Ibu Anie and he began their philanthropy as far back as 1986 but it was only in 2006 and 2008 when the family foundation and Wadah, respectively, were formalized. He praised the men and women of Wadah whose hard work and commitment throughout the years made them his personal heroes: Azhary, Ricardo, Adi, Kiswanti, Purwati, Ophan, among others.
Next on the stage was Chairperson Retnaning Tyas, who reported on the accomplishments of the year just past and enumerated the initiatives and programs of the coming years. Ibu Tyas also expressed her gratitude to everyone From the left Sari Szadzali, Tina Ferreros, Dan Dizon, Peter Carey supportive of Wadah and its activities. 10 | April 2013 | News
She then introduced the new set of Wadah O cers and called the following to the stage: (from the left) Al Torno, Robby Reppa, Catrini P. Kubontubuh, Yuliani Tri Astuti, Lilik Djohan, Paula Landowero, Retnaning Tyas, Yekti Suradji, Janti Notowidigdo, Ibu Anie Hashim
Then came the turn of Alfredo Torno, Secretary-General of global concern--poverty and illiteracy; the triangle or Wadah International Movement who presented Wadah’s Delta sign denoting change, or growth; bamboo vision and mission. As Alfredo explained, Wadah, despite representing the environment, as the community must its relative youth, had chalked up quite an impressive protect the environment. line-up of achievements, surpassing everyone's expectations, including its own, that it had outgrown its Ibu Anie concluded the afternoon program by thanking former vision/mission statements. Wadah's "doers and movers", making special mention of Wadah Friend Margaret Njoo, whose support has been “Empowerment, education and enterprise development for tremendous and unconditional. She then introduced the all" is the new vision. new set of Wadah o cers: Stronger and bigger at 5, Wadah Titian Harapan celebrated • Board of Advisers: Janti Notowidigdo, Dewi Djarot, its fth anniversary last January 28, 2013, at the Ballroom A To achieve the vision, the mission must support the new Tuti Mashuri and Yekti Suradji of the Intercontinental Jakarta Midplaza Hotel. direction: “To enable impact leaders- men and women – to • Chairperson: Retnaning Tyas bring hope, care, change to their communities to achieve • Secretary: Paula Stella Nova Landowero Present at the afternoon reception were the Arsari Millennium Development Goals (MDG)." • Treasurers: J. Cecilia Parengkuan and LIlik Djohan Djojohadikusumo Foundation (YAD) o cers, Wadah • Project Manager: Robby Reppa Foundation o cers and sta , coordinators, families, Alfredo then presented a graph that showed how Wadah's • Secretary-General, Wadah International Movement: friends, various members of the Djojohadikusmo family activities lined up against the MDG, and demonstrated Alfredo Torno III and their guests. how Wadah is indeed a place with no walls. • YAD Executive Director: Catrini Kubontubuh • YAD Secretary: Yuliani Tri Astuti YAD Chairman Hashim Djojohadikusumo delivered the “Caring in Sharing and Giving”, the spirit of Wadah, was opening remarks, congratulating his wife, Wadah Founder further clari ed and translated into visual symbols: the Thereafter, she cut the ceremonial “Nasi Tumpeng” (Rice Anie Hashim for her passion and dedication to prioritizing hands in the shape of a heart showing how Wadah labors Cone) and handed the rst serving to Founder of Gerakan the needs of marginalized mothers, their families and their with and from the heart; the globe cupped inside the Pemberdayaan Suara Perempuan (GPSP), Indonesia's rst communities. heart-formed hands as the foundation tackles a pressing woman journalist, Herawati Diah. Pak Hashim disclosed that Ibu Anie and he began their philanthropy as far back as 1986 but it was only in 2006 and 2008 when the family foundation and Wadah, respectively, were formalized. He praised the men and women of Wadah whose hard work and commitment throughout the years made them his personal heroes: Azhary, Ricardo, Adi, Kiswanti, Purwati, Ophan, among others.
Next on the stage was Chairperson Retnaning Tyas, who reported on the accomplishments of the year just past and enumerated the initiatives and programs of the coming years. Ibu Tyas also expressed her gratitude to everyone supportive of Wadah and its activities. Alfredo Torno III Ibu Anie, Margaret Njoo, Silvya Hasan April 2013 | News | 11
The Spirit of Wadah Caring in Sharing and Giving 12 | April 2013 | News
Bapak Hashim Djojohadikusumo Hasan Azhary. Ida Sudoyo, Endang Thohari
ARSARI Arjasari Team with Ibu Anie Hashim
Karina de Vega, Sylvia Maengkom, Ibu Tyas Ibu Anie, Ibu Herawati Diah, Yekti Suradji April 2013 | News | 13
Wadah entered Florida with all of the subtlety of a small by this team and in my heart, knew others would be Further extending the spirit of inclusiveness, each of these Although the event ended late, audience members tropical storm making landfall as a named hurricane. As a equally inspired if given the opportunity to meet them key local organizations, chose to invite other similar lingered at a hero’s reception put on by the church for the result of their inaugural event on Sanibel Island, which was too. So I deliberately choose to take greater action, casting non-pro ts, foundations, churches, government social opportunity to ask questions, have their photos taken and attended by approximately 200 people and read about by the net out farther yet trusting that whatever results service agencies and businesses to be part of the event; form partnerships of their own with other like-minded thousands more, Wadah Foundation established itself as a occurred would be up to the Lord. Here’s how the Lord did. upfront to maximize their sense of ownership and to attendees. In short, every organization and person that powerful, meaningful, inspirational global humanitarian maximize the achievement of broad-based awareness of participated in this event at any level, fully embraced it and force in Southwest Florida. Measurable Results: Based on Finite Objectives the event and the cause. In the end, two churches actively felt ful lled at its completion. I can unequivocally state, participated and all others were invited through their that our entire community felt richer, closer and more Initial Humble Objective Event Partners: We ended up with a core planning team Pastors/clergy. In addition, ve other local and regional inspired to take action to count to one as a result of having that initially appeared to be a most unlikely pairing. This non-pro t and social service organizations either had this event. Queries have already come in asking when The somewhat impromptu event began with the humble ultimately ideal core team ended up being an eclectic, speakers or informational tables and representatives these dynamic speakers can return. So if they aren’t intention of hosting a small informational tea to give a inclusive and in uential mix that included, The Sanibel present. coming to your town, they can certainly come back to my woman’s church group on this tiny island, an opportunity Community Church, Human Tra cking Awareness island where they are certain to receive a grander heroes' to hear from Wadah’s Patron Founder, Anie Partnerships and Zonta International. It was an unlikely Attendance/Audience Mix: The event was attended by welcome and more sizable audience. Djojohadikusumo, about how e orts of the foundation’s partnership because current U.S. dictates of political approximately 200 people. The audience included people team have one by one transformed the lives of individuals, correctness make us prone to believe that we cannot host of all faiths, ages (including several youth groups), and Clarity of Purpose; An Aid in Seeking Sponsors and Daisy Hadmoko, Margaret Njoo, Babli Kalha dr. Yustina Yudha Nita and Florencio Mario Vierra entire communities and the world around them. an event in a venue of one religion without people of other social backgrounds. The audience was described as Making Decisions beliefs feeling unwelcome, uncomfortable or “engaged”, “attentive” and Yet as a Friend of Wadah I felt the overwhelming need to disrespected. Similar conventional thinking follows that “passionate”. I worked closely with Anie and treat the Wadah team’s time as a precious resource that secular social service events must be kept aseptically Alfredo upfront to agree upon should be treated as a trust (as in the Parable of Talents) masked/devoid of all religions to be deemed professional Media Coverage: Several a written statement objectives and thus utilized in a manner that would maximize the and neutral. Yet following the spirit of Wadah’s local newspapers chose for the event that would e ectiveness of its use. With her characteristic compassion inclusiveness, local bridges that had never been crossed to pick up and run press clearly communicate what we Anie reassured me Wadah would be grateful for the before were built to honor and serve our common releases announcing the were trying to accomplish. It intention of my e orts and that having even a small connectedness, our oneness in humanity. Creating these event. The local Visitors was a helpful device to review number of passionate attendees would be valued. While constructive local partnerships was in and of itself a Bureau and Chamber of with potential local event her understanding appeased my insecurity, it did nothing positive accomplishment that may not have been realized Commerce emailed event partners and to insure to tame my conscious. I was greatly honored and inspired without Wadah. announcements to their subsequent decisions and members as did the local trade-o s were consistent social service organizations, with our stated goals. The churches and non-pro ts. objectives we agreed upon In addition, the Sanibel were to: Community Church volunteered to run a paid 1. AWARENESS: Create and ad promoting the event. maximize broad-based Favorable, lengthy post- awareness among a high coverage of the event also quality/passionate audience appeared in the newspaper. of the magnitude of human rights violations that are Adi Hermawan Evi Manalu, Lia Parengkuan, Arya Subamia, Didit Tumakaka Feedback/Action: Each of occurring around the world the non-pro ts received right now and to share what a discernible increase in Wadah Foundation and Maiti inquiries and positive Nepal are doing to prevent feedback following the such. event. As The Sanibel 2. ATTITUDE: To demonstrate Community Church Senior through the stories of their Pastor Daryl Donovan global foundations the descended the steps after seeing their new facility graced di erence ordinary people can make in changing the lives with the presence of 200 people who otherwise may not of individuals and in transforming entire communities and have entered their doors he declared with deep the world. satisfaction, “This was an historic event for our church 3. ACTION: To inspire others to take action. Do something, community.” The Co-Chair of the SW Florida Regional anything, wherever you are. Make your one count. Make Human Tra cking Coalition and Human Rights certain EVERY ONE COUNTS. COUNT TO ONE. So that one Partnership thanked us for raising awareness of and by one, little by little, collectively, we can turn the world supporting their cause. The Sanibel Chamber of around. "If the whole world collaborates we can change Commerce described the event as “powerful” and an asset the world." Anuradha says and lives. to our community. A local upscale eatery thanked us for the opportunity to serve our humanitarian entourage Backstory/Disclaimer: complimentary dinners as their way of supporting our Truth be told, when Anie rst o ered to come to my island heroes' e orts to achieve justice for so many. home and speak, I was simultaneously thrilled to see my
Tina Ferreros, Al Torno, Janti Notowidigdo, Nina Yusuf, Ibu Anie, Ibu Peggy, Capt. Budi Suhardi
I prayed about this “opportunity” with fear and trembling confessing to both God and Anie my fear based insecurities. Anie exuded empathy and reassurance in her clarifying response that she would be honored by any heartfelt e ort regardless of results. Darn her and her sincerity. Thus, I was o cially busted. I had to do it, insecurities and all. I did it afraid, but I did it as if I were doing it for the Lord, because I was. And with each obedient step I took, God rewarded my e ort with undeserved grace and encouragement. I can claim without hesitation that this event was an outstanding success for everyone involved, all thanks be to God. From the very beginning it was clear, while billed as a Wadah event, this was being done for God’s purposes. It was dedicated to serving Him, His will, His people: all of them; beloved friends and seething with insecurity and the least, the lost and the last. Having asked for His will to self-doubt about hosting even an informal event on be done through this event, I should have known, it would Wadah’s behalf. I enumerated countless (and valid) be much bigger, better and broader reaching than we ever reasons for my reluctance: 1). I am a relatively new would have imagined. And it was. May the glory be to God seasonal resident on Sanibel and thus have few deep so people from every nation may come to have His peace, connections I thought I would need to put on a successful love and hope. event 2). There was less than two months until Anie would be there (with Thanksgiving in the middle further cutting into time), leaving little time to plan an event. My best, most all-encompassing excuse of all, 3). I’m only me.
When I silently re-read the very same quote I read aloud at the Wadah Global Gathering I was forced to admit how incredible lame and cowardly my excuses were. “I am only one. But I am one. I cannot do everything but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” Edmund Everett Hale
This event was unlike any other event I have ever been part of, in that it proved to be an unequivocal, resounding success not just for some of the participants, but for each and every local organization and party that chose to be involved. Everyone left more full, inspired and energized as a result of this gathering. In e ect, the evening proved to be a real-life, earthly example of the Biblical principle of miraculous multiplication as it was exhibited in the story of loaves and shes. While it began humbly, the event was fully embraced by each partner and thus generated enough critical mass and energy to achieve what seemed to become a self- perpetuating momentum. While the groups involved have not yet formed on-going long term partnerships, I would be surprised if some did not naturally evolve over time. While I may have helped raise the sails for this event, it was clearly God’s grace that lled the sails. 14 | April 2013 | News
Wadah entered Florida with all of the subtlety of a small by this team and in my heart, knew others would be Further extending the spirit of inclusiveness, each of these Although the event ended late, audience members tropical storm making landfall as a named hurricane. As a equally inspired if given the opportunity to meet them key local organizations, chose to invite other similar lingered at a hero’s reception put on by the church for the result of their inaugural event on Sanibel Island, which was too. So I deliberately choose to take greater action, casting non-pro ts, foundations, churches, government social opportunity to ask questions, have their photos taken and attended by approximately 200 people and read about by the net out farther yet trusting that whatever results service agencies and businesses to be part of the event; form partnerships of their own with other like-minded thousands more, Wadah Foundation established itself as a occurred would be up to the Lord. Here’s how the Lord did. upfront to maximize their sense of ownership and to attendees. In short, every organization and person that powerful, meaningful, inspirational global humanitarian maximize the achievement of broad-based awareness of participated in this event at any level, fully embraced it and force in Southwest Florida. Measurable Results: Based on Finite Objectives the event and the cause. In the end, two churches actively felt ful lled at its completion. I can unequivocally state, participated and all others were invited through their that our entire community felt richer, closer and more Initial Humble Objective Event Partners: We ended up with a core planning team Pastors/clergy. In addition, ve other local and regional inspired to take action to count to one as a result of having that initially appeared to be a most unlikely pairing. This non-pro t and social service organizations either had this event. Queries have already come in asking when The somewhat impromptu event began with the humble ultimately ideal core team ended up being an eclectic, speakers or informational tables and representatives these dynamic speakers can return. So if they aren’t intention of hosting a small informational tea to give a inclusive and in uential mix that included, The Sanibel present. coming to your town, they can certainly come back to my woman’s church group on this tiny island, an opportunity Community Church, Human Tra cking Awareness island where they are certain to receive a grander heroes' to hear from Wadah’s Patron Founder, Anie Partnerships and Zonta International. It was an unlikely Attendance/Audience Mix: The event was attended by welcome and more sizable audience. Djojohadikusumo, about how e orts of the foundation’s partnership because current U.S. dictates of political approximately 200 people. The audience included people team have one by one transformed the lives of individuals, correctness make us prone to believe that we cannot host of all faiths, ages (including several youth groups), and Clarity of Purpose; An Aid in Seeking Sponsors and entire communities and the world around them. an event in a venue of one religion without people of other social backgrounds. The audience was described as Making Decisions beliefs feeling unwelcome, uncomfortable or “engaged”, “attentive” and Yet as a Friend of Wadah I felt the overwhelming need to disrespected. Similar conventional thinking follows that “passionate”. I worked closely with Anie and treat the Wadah team’s time as a precious resource that secular social service events must be kept aseptically Alfredo upfront to agree upon should be treated as a trust (as in the Parable of Talents) masked/devoid of all religions to be deemed professional Media Coverage: Several a written statement objectives and thus utilized in a manner that would maximize the and neutral. Yet following the spirit of Wadah’s local newspapers chose for the event that would e ectiveness of its use. With her characteristic compassion inclusiveness, local bridges that had never been crossed to pick up and run press clearly communicate what we Anie reassured me Wadah would be grateful for the before were built to honor and serve our common releases announcing the were trying to accomplish. It Maiti Nepal children and Wadah Foundation executives intention of my e orts and that having even a small connectedness, our oneness in humanity. Creating these event. The local Visitors was a helpful device to review number of passionate attendees would be valued. While constructive local partnerships was in and of itself a Bureau and Chamber of with potential local event her understanding appeased my insecurity, it did nothing positive accomplishment that may not have been realized Commerce emailed event partners and to insure to tame my conscious. I was greatly honored and inspired without Wadah. announcements to their subsequent decisions and members as did the local trade-o s were consistent Upon the invitation of Anuradha Koirala, Founder of Maiti garments--a gift from the Wadah and Arsari social service organizations, with our stated goals. The Nepal, Wadah Foundation Founder and Patron Anie Djojohadikusumo Foundations--to greet the visitors. On churches and non-pro ts. objectives we agreed upon Namaste Djojohadikusumo and a group of Wadah executives and this particular day of Dashain, Anuradha led the rites. Ibu In addition, the Sanibel were to: friends ew to Kathmandu, Nepal, on October 23, 2012, to Anie and Babli Kalha were whisked to the stage where they Community Church take part in the annual celebration of Dashain Festival. also bestowed blessings and gifts upon the residents who volunteered to run a paid 1. AWARENESS: Create and from had queued one by one, in ritual fashion. The other ad promoting the event. maximize broad-based The Dashain Festival is Nepal's biggest, longest and most members of the Wadah entourage were assigned to the Favorable, lengthy post- awareness among a high auspicious, celebrated by Nepalese of all castes and creeds commissaries where they spent the morning serving coverage of the event also quality/passionate audience throughout the country. 15 days of family gatherings and festive meals to the residents--that was Anuradha's appeared in the newspaper. of the magnitude of human Maiti Nepal celebrations, animal sacri ces, oral o erings make it the surprise! rights violations that are most anticipated as well. Feedback/Action: Each of occurring around the world On October 25, the scheduled departure of Wadah for the non-pro ts received right now and to share what The Wadah entourage arrived in time to celebrate the last Jakarta, before proceeding to the airport, the group went a discernible increase in Wadah Foundation and Maiti and most important days of the lunar fortnight. Upon their back to Maiti Nepal to bid farewell to the children and inquiries and positive Nepal are doing to prevent arrival, along with Maiti's other guests, they were treated survivors. feedback following the such. to a program of Nepali cultural songs and dances event. As The Sanibel 2. ATTITUDE: To demonstrate performed by the residents of Maiti Nepal in the courtyard As Wadah entered the grounds for the last time, all the Community Church Senior through the stories of their under the full moon. One would never have imagined, children stood in line along the perimeter of the courtyard Pastor Daryl Donovan global foundations the save for the occasional wistfulness, shyness, or physical and once more clapped as everyone trooped through the descended the steps after seeing their new facility graced di erence ordinary people can make in changing the lives impairment, that they were tra cked victims, or that for gate. It was a sweet farewell that had everyone in the with the presence of 200 people who otherwise may not of individuals and in transforming entire communities and some, their days were numbered, being Aids/HIV+. group grateful, inspired, and eager to return to Maiti. have entered their doors he declared with deep the world. satisfaction, “This was an historic event for our church 3. ACTION: To inspire others to take action. Do something, Everyone was so bowled over by the children, so visibly Meanwhile, everyone at Maiti Nepal said that it was the community.” The Co-Chair of the SW Florida Regional anything, wherever you are. Make your one count. Make touched by the performances, that the night ended much best Dashain celebration they had ever had. Human Tra cking Coalition and Human Rights certain EVERY ONE COUNTS. COUNT TO ONE. So that one too soon, albeit with the promise of a surprise the next Partnership thanked us for raising awareness of and by one, little by little, collectively, we can turn the world day. Namaste! supporting their cause. The Sanibel Chamber of around. "If the whole world collaborates we can change Commerce described the event as “powerful” and an asset the world." Anuradha says and lives. On the following day, the party arrived at the Maiti Nepal to our community. A local upscale eatery thanked us for compound of low-rise, red brick buildings to thunderous the opportunity to serve our humanitarian entourage Backstory/Disclaimer: applause and chanting from the residents. All had complimentary dinners as their way of supporting our Truth be told, when Anie rst o ered to come to my island gathered, young and old, boys and girls, in their new heroes' e orts to achieve justice for so many. home and speak, I was simultaneously thrilled to see my
I prayed about this “opportunity” with fear and trembling confessing to both God and Anie my fear based insecurities. Anie exuded empathy and reassurance in her clarifying response that she would be honored by any heartfelt e ort regardless of results. Darn her and her sincerity. Thus, I was o cially busted. I had to do it, insecurities and all. I did it afraid, but I did it as if I were doing it for the Lord, because I was. And with each obedient step I took, God rewarded my e ort with undeserved grace and encouragement. I can claim without hesitation that this event was an outstanding success for everyone involved, all thanks be to God. From the very beginning it was clear, while billed as a Wadah event, this was being done for God’s purposes. It was dedicated to serving Him, His will, His people: all of them; beloved friends and seething with insecurity and the least, the lost and the last. Having asked for His will to self-doubt about hosting even an informal event on be done through this event, I should have known, it would Wadah’s behalf. I enumerated countless (and valid) be much bigger, better and broader reaching than we ever reasons for my reluctance: 1). I am a relatively new would have imagined. And it was. May the glory be to God seasonal resident on Sanibel and thus have few deep so people from every nation may come to have His peace, connections I thought I would need to put on a successful love and hope. event 2). There was less than two months until Anie would be there (with Thanksgiving in the middle further cutting into time), leaving little time to plan an event. My best, most all-encompassing excuse of all, 3). I’m only me.
When I silently re-read the very same quote I read aloud at the Wadah Global Gathering I was forced to admit how incredible lame and cowardly my excuses were. “I am only one. But I am one. I cannot do everything but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” Edmund Everett Hale
This event was unlike any other event I have ever been part of, in that it proved to be an unequivocal, resounding success not just for some of the participants, but for each and every local organization and party that chose to be involved. Everyone left more full, inspired and energized as a result of this gathering. In e ect, the evening proved to be a real-life, earthly example of the Biblical principle of miraculous multiplication as it was exhibited in the story of loaves and shes. While it began humbly, the event was fully embraced by each partner and thus generated enough critical mass and energy to achieve what seemed to become a self- perpetuating momentum. While the groups involved have not yet formed on-going long term partnerships, I would be surprised if some did not naturally evolve over time. While I may have helped raise the sails for this event, it was clearly God’s grace that lled the sails. April 2013 | News | 15
Wadah entered Florida with all of the subtlety of a small by this team and in my heart, knew others would be Further extending the spirit of inclusiveness, each of these Although the event ended late, audience members tropical storm making landfall as a named hurricane. As a equally inspired if given the opportunity to meet them key local organizations, chose to invite other similar lingered at a hero’s reception put on by the church for the result of their inaugural event on Sanibel Island, which was too. So I deliberately choose to take greater action, casting non-pro ts, foundations, churches, government social opportunity to ask questions, have their photos taken and attended by approximately 200 people and read about by the net out farther yet trusting that whatever results service agencies and businesses to be part of the event; form partnerships of their own with other like-minded thousands more, Wadah Foundation established itself as a occurred would be up to the Lord. Here’s how the Lord did. upfront to maximize their sense of ownership and to attendees. In short, every organization and person that powerful, meaningful, inspirational global humanitarian maximize the achievement of broad-based awareness of participated in this event at any level, fully embraced it and force in Southwest Florida. Measurable Results: Based on Finite Objectives the event and the cause. In the end, two churches actively felt ful lled at its completion. I can unequivocally state, participated and all others were invited through their that our entire community felt richer, closer and more Initial Humble Objective Event Partners: We ended up with a core planning team Pastors/clergy. In addition, ve other local and regional inspired to take action to count to one as a result of having that initially appeared to be a most unlikely pairing. This non-pro t and social service organizations either had this event. Queries have already come in asking when The somewhat impromptu event began with the humble ultimately ideal core team ended up being an eclectic, speakers or informational tables and representatives these dynamic speakers can return. So if they aren’t intention of hosting a small informational tea to give a inclusive and in uential mix that included, The Sanibel present. coming to your town, they can certainly come back to my woman’s church group on this tiny island, an opportunity Community Church, Human Tra cking Awareness island where they are certain to receive a grander heroes' to hear from Wadah’s Patron Founder, Anie Partnerships and Zonta International. It was an unlikely Attendance/Audience Mix: The event was attended by welcome and more sizable audience. Djojohadikusumo, about how e orts of the foundation’s partnership because current U.S. dictates of political approximately 200 people. The audience included people team have one by one transformed the lives of individuals, correctness make us prone to believe that we cannot host of all faiths, ages (including several youth groups), and Clarity of Purpose; An Aid in Seeking Sponsors and entire communities and the world around them. an event in a venue of one religion without people of other social backgrounds. The audience was described as Making Decisions beliefs feeling unwelcome, uncomfortable or “engaged”, “attentive” and Yet as a Friend of Wadah I felt the overwhelming need to disrespected. Similar conventional thinking follows that “passionate”. I worked closely with Anie and treat the Wadah team’s time as a precious resource that secular social service events must be kept aseptically Alfredo upfront to agree upon should be treated as a trust (as in the Parable of Talents) masked/devoid of all religions to be deemed professional Media Coverage: Several a written statement objectives and thus utilized in a manner that would maximize the and neutral. Yet following the spirit of Wadah’s local newspapers chose for the event that would e ectiveness of its use. With her characteristic compassion inclusiveness, local bridges that had never been crossed to pick up and run press clearly communicate what we Anie reassured me Wadah would be grateful for the before were built to honor and serve our common releases announcing the were trying to accomplish. It intention of my e orts and that having even a small connectedness, our oneness in humanity. Creating these event. The local Visitors was a helpful device to review number of passionate attendees would be valued. While constructive local partnerships was in and of itself a Bureau and Chamber of with potential local event her understanding appeased my insecurity, it did nothing positive accomplishment that may not have been realized Commerce emailed event partners and to insure to tame my conscious. I was greatly honored and inspired without Wadah. announcements to their subsequent decisions and members as did the local trade-o s were consistent Upon the invitation of Anuradha Koirala, Founder of Maiti garments--a gift from the Wadah and Arsari social service organizations, with our stated goals. The Nepal, Wadah Foundation Founder and Patron Anie Djojohadikusumo Foundations--to greet the visitors. On churches and non-pro ts. objectives we agreed upon Djojohadikusumo and a group of Wadah executives and this particular day of Dashain, Anuradha led the rites. Ibu In addition, the Sanibel were to: friends ew to Kathmandu, Nepal, on October 23, 2012, to Anie and Babli Kalha were whisked to the stage where they Community Church take part in the annual celebration of Dashain Festival. also bestowed blessings and gifts upon the residents who volunteered to run a paid 1. AWARENESS: Create and had queued one by one, in ritual fashion. The other ad promoting the event. maximize broad-based The Dashain Festival is Nepal's biggest, longest and most members of the Wadah entourage were assigned to the Favorable, lengthy post- awareness among a high auspicious, celebrated by Nepalese of all castes and creeds commissaries where they spent the morning serving coverage of the event also quality/passionate audience throughout the country. 15 days of family gatherings and festive meals to the residents--that was Anuradha's appeared in the newspaper. of the magnitude of human celebrations, animal sacri ces, oral o erings make it the surprise! rights violations that are most anticipated as well. Feedback/Action: Each of occurring around the world On October 25, the scheduled departure of Wadah for the non-pro ts received right now and to share what The Wadah entourage arrived in time to celebrate the last Jakarta, before proceeding to the airport, the group went a discernible increase in Wadah Foundation and Maiti and most important days of the lunar fortnight. Upon their back to Maiti Nepal to bid farewell to the children and inquiries and positive Nepal are doing to prevent arrival, along with Maiti's other guests, they were treated survivors. feedback following the such. to a program of Nepali cultural songs and dances event. As The Sanibel 2. ATTITUDE: To demonstrate performed by the residents of Maiti Nepal in the courtyard As Wadah entered the grounds for the last time, all the Community Church Senior through the stories of their under the full moon. One would never have imagined, children stood in line along the perimeter of the courtyard Pastor Daryl Donovan global foundations the save for the occasional wistfulness, shyness, or physical and once more clapped as everyone trooped through the descended the steps after seeing their new facility graced di erence ordinary people can make in changing the lives impairment, that they were tra cked victims, or that for gate. It was a sweet farewell that had everyone in the with the presence of 200 people who otherwise may not of individuals and in transforming entire communities and some, their days were numbered, being Aids/HIV+. group grateful, inspired, and eager to return to Maiti. have entered their doors he declared with deep the world. satisfaction, “This was an historic event for our church 3. ACTION: To inspire others to take action. Do something, Everyone was so bowled over by the children, so visibly Meanwhile, everyone at Maiti Nepal said that it was the community.” The Co-Chair of the SW Florida Regional anything, wherever you are. Make your one count. Make touched by the performances, that the night ended much best Dashain celebration they had ever had. Human Tra cking Coalition and Human Rights certain EVERY ONE COUNTS. COUNT TO ONE. So that one too soon, albeit with the promise of a surprise the next Partnership thanked us for raising awareness of and by one, little by little, collectively, we can turn the world day. Namaste! supporting their cause. The Sanibel Chamber of around. "If the whole world collaborates we can change Commerce described the event as “powerful” and an asset the world." Anuradha says and lives. On the following day, the party arrived at the Maiti Nepal to our community. A local upscale eatery thanked us for compound of low-rise, red brick buildings to thunderous the opportunity to serve our humanitarian entourage Backstory/Disclaimer: applause and chanting from the residents. All had complimentary dinners as their way of supporting our Truth be told, when Anie rst o ered to come to my island gathered, young and old, boys and girls, in their new heroes' e orts to achieve justice for so many. home and speak, I was simultaneously thrilled to see my
I prayed about this “opportunity” with fear and trembling confessing to both God and Anie my fear based insecurities. Anie exuded empathy and reassurance in her clarifying response that she would be honored by any heartfelt e ort regardless of results. Darn her and her sincerity. Thus, I was o cially busted. I had to do it, insecurities and all. I did it afraid, but I did it as if I were doing it for the Lord, because I was. And with each obedient step I took, God rewarded my e ort with undeserved grace and encouragement. I can claim without hesitation that this event was an outstanding success for everyone involved, all thanks be to God. From the very beginning it was clear, while billed as a Wadah event, this was being done for God’s purposes. It was dedicated to serving Him, His will, His people: all of them; beloved friends and seething with insecurity and the least, the lost and the last. Having asked for His will to self-doubt about hosting even an informal event on be done through this event, I should have known, it would Wadah’s behalf. I enumerated countless (and valid) be much bigger, better and broader reaching than we ever reasons for my reluctance: 1). I am a relatively new would have imagined. And it was. May the glory be to God seasonal resident on Sanibel and thus have few deep so people from every nation may come to have His peace, connections I thought I would need to put on a successful love and hope. event 2). There was less than two months until Anie would be there (with Thanksgiving in the middle further cutting into time), leaving little time to plan an event. My best, most all-encompassing excuse of all, 3). I’m only me.
When I silently re-read the very same quote I read aloud at the Wadah Global Gathering I was forced to admit how incredible lame and cowardly my excuses were. “I am only one. But I am one. I cannot do everything but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” Edmund Everett Hale
This event was unlike any other event I have ever been part of, in that it proved to be an unequivocal, resounding success not just for some of the participants, but for each and every local organization and party that chose to be involved. Everyone left more full, inspired and energized as a result of this gathering. In e ect, the evening proved to be a real-life, earthly example of the Biblical principle of miraculous multiplication as it was exhibited in the story of loaves and shes. While it began humbly, the event was fully embraced by each partner and thus generated enough critical mass and energy to achieve what seemed to become a self- perpetuating momentum. While the groups involved have not yet formed on-going long term partnerships, I would be surprised if some did not naturally evolve over time. While I may have helped raise the sails for this event, it was clearly God’s grace that lled the sails. 16 | April 2013 | News
Wadah entered Florida with all of the subtlety of a small by this team and in my heart, knew others would be Further extending the spirit of inclusiveness, each of these Although the event ended late, audience members Roadshow in the East Coast tropical storm making landfall as a named hurricane. As a equally inspired if given the opportunity to meet them key local organizations, chose to invite other similar lingered at a hero’s reception put on by the church for the result of their inaugural event on Sanibel Island, which was too. So I deliberately choose to take greater action, casting non-pro ts, foundations, churches, government social opportunity to ask questions, have their photos taken and attended by approximately 200 people and read about by the net out farther yet trusting that whatever results service agencies and businesses to be part of the event; form partnerships of their own with other like-minded thousands more, Wadah Foundation established itself as a occurred would be up to the Lord. Here’s how the Lord did. upfront to maximize their sense of ownership and to attendees. In short, every organization and person that powerful, meaningful, inspirational global humanitarian maximize the achievement of broad-based awareness of participated in this event at any level, fully embraced it and force in Southwest Florida. Measurable Results: Based on Finite Objectives the event and the cause. In the end, two churches actively felt ful lled at its completion. I can unequivocally state, participated and all others were invited through their that our entire community felt richer, closer and more Initial Humble Objective Event Partners: We ended up with a core planning team Pastors/clergy. In addition, ve other local and regional inspired to take action to count to one as a result of having that initially appeared to be a most unlikely pairing. This non-pro t and social service organizations either had this event. Queries have already come in asking when Wadah Builds The somewhat impromptu event began with the humble ultimately ideal core team ended up being an eclectic, speakers or informational tables and representatives these dynamic speakers can return. So if they aren’t intention of hosting a small informational tea to give a inclusive and in uential mix that included, The Sanibel present. coming to your town, they can certainly come back to my woman’s church group on this tiny island, an opportunity Community Church, Human Tra cking Awareness island where they are certain to receive a grander heroes' to hear from Wadah’s Patron Founder, Anie Partnerships and Zonta International. It was an unlikely Attendance/Audience Mix: The event was attended by welcome and more sizable audience. Historic Bridges in Florida Djojohadikusumo, about how e orts of the foundation’s partnership because current U.S. dictates of political approximately 200 people. The audience included people By Linda Linsmayer team have one by one transformed the lives of individuals, correctness make us prone to believe that we cannot host of all faiths, ages (including several youth groups), and Clarity of Purpose; An Aid in Seeking Sponsors and entire communities and the world around them. an event in a venue of one religion without people of other social backgrounds. The audience was described as Making Decisions beliefs feeling unwelcome, uncomfortable or “engaged”, “attentive” and Yet as a Friend of Wadah I felt the overwhelming need to disrespected. Similar conventional thinking follows that “passionate”. I worked closely with Anie and treat the Wadah team’s time as a precious resource that secular social service events must be kept aseptically Alfredo upfront to agree upon should be treated as a trust (as in the Parable of Talents) masked/devoid of all religions to be deemed professional Media Coverage: Several a written statement objectives and thus utilized in a manner that would maximize the and neutral. Yet following the spirit of Wadah’s local newspapers chose for the event that would e ectiveness of its use. With her characteristic compassion inclusiveness, local bridges that had never been crossed to pick up and run press clearly communicate what we Anie reassured me Wadah would be grateful for the before were built to honor and serve our common releases announcing the were trying to accomplish. It intention of my e orts and that having even a small connectedness, our oneness in humanity. Creating these event. The local Visitors was a helpful device to review number of passionate attendees would be valued. While constructive local partnerships was in and of itself a Bureau and Chamber of with potential local event her understanding appeased my insecurity, it did nothing positive accomplishment that may not have been realized Commerce emailed event partners and to insure to tame my conscious. I was greatly honored and inspired without Wadah. announcements to their subsequent decisions and members as did the local trade-o s were consistent social service organizations, with our stated goals. The churches and non-pro ts. objectives we agreed upon In addition, the Sanibel were to: Community Church volunteered to run a paid 1. AWARENESS: Create and ad promoting the event. maximize broad-based Favorable, lengthy post- awareness among a high coverage of the event also quality/passionate audience appeared in the newspaper. of the magnitude of human rights violations that are Feedback/Action: Each of occurring around the world the non-pro ts received right now and to share what a discernible increase in Wadah Foundation and Maiti inquiries and positive Nepal are doing to prevent feedback following the such. event. As The Sanibel 2. ATTITUDE: To demonstrate Community Church Senior through the stories of their Pastor Daryl Donovan global foundations the descended the steps after seeing their new facility graced di erence ordinary people can make in changing the lives with the presence of 200 people who otherwise may not of individuals and in transforming entire communities and have entered their doors he declared with deep the world. satisfaction, “This was an historic event for our church 3. ACTION: To inspire others to take action. Do something, community.” The Co-Chair of the SW Florida Regional anything, wherever you are. Make your one count. Make Human Tra cking Coalition and Human Rights certain EVERY ONE COUNTS. COUNT TO ONE. So that one Partnership thanked us for raising awareness of and by one, little by little, collectively, we can turn the world supporting their cause. The Sanibel Chamber of around. "If the whole world collaborates we can change Commerce described the event as “powerful” and an asset the world." Anuradha says and lives. to our community. A local upscale eatery thanked us for the opportunity to serve our humanitarian entourage Backstory/Disclaimer: complimentary dinners as their way of supporting our Truth be told, when Anie rst o ered to come to my island heroes' e orts to achieve justice for so many. home and speak, I was simultaneously thrilled to see my
I prayed about this “opportunity” with fear and trembling confessing to both God and Anie my fear based insecurities. Anie exuded empathy and reassurance in her clarifying response that she would be honored by any heartfelt e ort regardless of results. Darn her and her sincerity. Thus, I was o cially busted. I had to do it, insecurities and all. I did it afraid, but I did it as if I were doing it for the Lord, because I was. And with each obedient step I took, God rewarded my e ort with undeserved grace and encouragement. I can claim without hesitation that this event was an outstanding success for everyone involved, all thanks be to God. From the very beginning it was clear, while billed as a Wadah event, this was being done for God’s purposes. It was dedicated to serving Him, His will, His people: all of them; beloved friends and seething with insecurity and the least, the lost and the last. Having asked for His will to self-doubt about hosting even an informal event on be done through this event, I should have known, it would Wadah’s behalf. I enumerated countless (and valid) be much bigger, better and broader reaching than we ever reasons for my reluctance: 1). I am a relatively new would have imagined. And it was. May the glory be to God seasonal resident on Sanibel and thus have few deep so people from every nation may come to have His peace, connections I thought I would need to put on a successful love and hope. event 2). There was less than two months until Anie would be there (with Thanksgiving in the middle further cutting into time), leaving little time to plan an event. My best, most all-encompassing excuse of all, 3). I’m only me.
When I silently re-read the very same quote I read aloud at the Wadah Global Gathering I was forced to admit how incredible lame and cowardly my excuses were. “I am only one. But I am one. I cannot do everything but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” Edmund Everett Hale
This event was unlike any other event I have ever been part of, in that it proved to be an unequivocal, resounding success not just for some of the participants, but for each and every local organization and party that chose to be involved. Everyone left more full, inspired and energized as a result of this gathering. In e ect, the evening proved to be a real-life, earthly example of the Biblical principle of miraculous multiplication as it was exhibited in the story of loaves and shes. While it began humbly, the event was fully embraced by each partner and thus generated enough critical mass and energy to achieve what seemed to become a self- perpetuating momentum. While the groups involved have not yet formed on-going long term partnerships, I would be surprised if some did not naturally evolve over time. While I may have helped raise the sails for this event, it was clearly God’s grace that lled the sails. April 2013 | News | 17
Wadah entered Florida with all of the subtlety of a small by this team and in my heart, knew others would be Further extending the spirit of inclusiveness, each of these Although the event ended late, audience members tropical storm making landfall as a named hurricane. As a equally inspired if given the opportunity to meet them key local organizations, chose to invite other similar lingered at a hero’s reception put on by the church for the result of their inaugural event on Sanibel Island, which was too. So I deliberately choose to take greater action, casting non-pro ts, foundations, churches, government social opportunity to ask questions, have their photos taken and attended by approximately 200 people and read about by the net out farther yet trusting that whatever results service agencies and businesses to be part of the event; form partnerships of their own with other like-minded thousands more, Wadah Foundation established itself as a occurred would be up to the Lord. Here’s how the Lord did. upfront to maximize their sense of ownership and to attendees. In short, every organization and person that powerful, meaningful, inspirational global humanitarian maximize the achievement of broad-based awareness of participated in this event at any level, fully embraced it and force in Southwest Florida. Measurable Results: Based on Finite Objectives the event and the cause. In the end, two churches actively felt ful lled at its completion. I can unequivocally state, participated and all others were invited through their that our entire community felt richer, closer and more Initial Humble Objective Event Partners: We ended up with a core planning team Pastors/clergy. In addition, ve other local and regional inspired to take action to count to one as a result of having that initially appeared to be a most unlikely pairing. This non-pro t and social service organizations either had this event. Queries have already come in asking when The somewhat impromptu event began with the humble ultimately ideal core team ended up being an eclectic, speakers or informational tables and representatives these dynamic speakers can return. So if they aren’t intention of hosting a small informational tea to give a inclusive and in uential mix that included, The Sanibel present. coming to your town, they can certainly come back to my woman’s church group on this tiny island, an opportunity Community Church, Human Tra cking Awareness island where they are certain to receive a grander heroes' to hear from Wadah’s Patron Founder, Anie Partnerships and Zonta International. It was an unlikely Attendance/Audience Mix: The event was attended by welcome and more sizable audience. Djojohadikusumo, about how e orts of the foundation’s partnership because current U.S. dictates of political approximately 200 people. The audience included people team have one by one transformed the lives of individuals, correctness make us prone to believe that we cannot host of all faiths, ages (including several youth groups), and Clarity of Purpose; An Aid in Seeking Sponsors and entire communities and the world around them. an event in a venue of one religion without people of other social backgrounds. The audience was described as Making Decisions beliefs feeling unwelcome, uncomfortable or “engaged”, “attentive” and Yet as a Friend of Wadah I felt the overwhelming need to disrespected. Similar conventional thinking follows that “passionate”. I worked closely with Anie and treat the Wadah team’s time as a precious resource that secular social service events must be kept aseptically Alfredo upfront to agree upon should be treated as a trust (as in the Parable of Talents) masked/devoid of all religions to be deemed professional Media Coverage: Several a written statement objectives and thus utilized in a manner that would maximize the and neutral. Yet following the spirit of Wadah’s local newspapers chose for the event that would e ectiveness of its use. With her characteristic compassion inclusiveness, local bridges that had never been crossed to pick up and run press clearly communicate what we Anie reassured me Wadah would be grateful for the before were built to honor and serve our common releases announcing the were trying to accomplish. It intention of my e orts and that having even a small connectedness, our oneness in humanity. Creating these event. The local Visitors was a helpful device to review number of passionate attendees would be valued. While constructive local partnerships was in and of itself a Bureau and Chamber of with potential local event her understanding appeased my insecurity, it did nothing positive accomplishment that may not have been realized Commerce emailed event partners and to insure to tame my conscious. I was greatly honored and inspired without Wadah. announcements to their subsequent decisions and members as did the local trade-o s were consistent social service organizations, with our stated goals. The churches and non-pro ts. objectives we agreed upon In addition, the Sanibel were to: Community Church volunteered to run a paid 1. AWARENESS: Create and ad promoting the event. maximize broad-based Favorable, lengthy post- awareness among a high coverage of the event also quality/passionate audience appeared in the newspaper. of the magnitude of human rights violations that are Feedback/Action: Each of occurring around the world the non-pro ts received right now and to share what a discernible increase in Wadah Foundation and Maiti inquiries and positive Nepal are doing to prevent feedback following the such. event. As The Sanibel 2. ATTITUDE: To demonstrate Community Church Senior through the stories of their Pastor Daryl Donovan global foundations the descended the steps after seeing their new facility graced di erence ordinary people can make in changing the lives with the presence of 200 people who otherwise may not of individuals and in transforming entire communities and have entered their doors he declared with deep the world. satisfaction, “This was an historic event for our church 3. ACTION: To inspire others to take action. Do something, community.” The Co-Chair of the SW Florida Regional anything, wherever you are. Make your one count. Make Human Tra cking Coalition and Human Rights certain EVERY ONE COUNTS. COUNT TO ONE. So that one Partnership thanked us for raising awareness of and by one, little by little, collectively, we can turn the world supporting their cause. The Sanibel Chamber of around. "If the whole world collaborates we can change Commerce described the event as “powerful” and an asset the world." Anuradha says and lives. to our community. A local upscale eatery thanked us for the opportunity to serve our humanitarian entourage Backstory/Disclaimer: complimentary dinners as their way of supporting our Truth be told, when Anie rst o ered to come to my island heroes' e orts to achieve justice for so many. home and speak, I was simultaneously thrilled to see my
I prayed about this “opportunity” with fear and trembling confessing to both God and Anie my fear based insecurities. Anie exuded empathy and reassurance in her clarifying response that she would be honored by any heartfelt e ort regardless of results. Darn her and her sincerity. Thus, I was o cially busted. I had to do it, insecurities and all. I did it afraid, but I did it as if I were doing it for the Lord, because I was. And with each obedient step I took, God rewarded my e ort with undeserved grace and encouragement. I can claim without hesitation that this event was an outstanding success for everyone involved, all thanks be to God. From the very beginning it was clear, while billed as a Wadah event, this was being done for God’s purposes. It was dedicated to serving Him, His will, His people: all of them; beloved friends and seething with insecurity and the least, the lost and the last. Having asked for His will to self-doubt about hosting even an informal event on be done through this event, I should have known, it would Wadah’s behalf. I enumerated countless (and valid) be much bigger, better and broader reaching than we ever reasons for my reluctance: 1). I am a relatively new would have imagined. And it was. May the glory be to God seasonal resident on Sanibel and thus have few deep so people from every nation may come to have His peace, connections I thought I would need to put on a successful love and hope. event 2). There was less than two months until Anie would be there (with Thanksgiving in the middle further cutting into time), leaving little time to plan an event. My best, most all-encompassing excuse of all, 3). I’m only me.
When I silently re-read the very same quote I read aloud at the Wadah Global Gathering I was forced to admit how incredible lame and cowardly my excuses were. “I am only one. But I am one. I cannot do everything but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” Edmund Everett Hale
This event was unlike any other event I have ever been part of, in that it proved to be an unequivocal, resounding success not just for some of the participants, but for each and every local organization and party that chose to be involved. Everyone left more full, inspired and energized as a result of this gathering. In e ect, the evening proved to be a real-life, earthly example of the Biblical principle of miraculous multiplication as it was exhibited in the story of loaves and shes. While it began humbly, the event was fully embraced by each partner and thus generated enough critical mass and energy to achieve what seemed to become a self- perpetuating momentum. While the groups involved have not yet formed on-going long term partnerships, I would be surprised if some did not naturally evolve over time. While I may have helped raise the sails for this event, it was clearly God’s grace that lled the sails. 18 | April 2013 | News
Wadah entered Florida with all of the subtlety of a small by this team and in my heart, knew others would be Further extending the spirit of inclusiveness, each of these Although the event ended late, audience members tropical storm making landfall as a named hurricane. As a equally inspired if given the opportunity to meet them key local organizations, chose to invite other similar lingered at a hero’s reception put on by the church for the result of their inaugural event on Sanibel Island, which was too. So I deliberately choose to take greater action, casting non-pro ts, foundations, churches, government social opportunity to ask questions, have their photos taken and attended by approximately 200 people and read about by the net out farther yet trusting that whatever results service agencies and businesses to be part of the event; form partnerships of their own with other like-minded thousands more, Wadah Foundation established itself as a occurred would be up to the Lord. Here’s how the Lord did. upfront to maximize their sense of ownership and to attendees. In short, every organization and person that powerful, meaningful, inspirational global humanitarian maximize the achievement of broad-based awareness of participated in this event at any level, fully embraced it and force in Southwest Florida. Measurable Results: Based on Finite Objectives the event and the cause. In the end, two churches actively felt ful lled at its completion. I can unequivocally state, participated and all others were invited through their that our entire community felt richer, closer and more Initial Humble Objective Event Partners: We ended up with a core planning team Pastors/clergy. In addition, ve other local and regional inspired to take action to count to one as a result of having that initially appeared to be a most unlikely pairing. This non-pro t and social service organizations either had this event. Queries have already come in asking when The somewhat impromptu event began with the humble ultimately ideal core team ended up being an eclectic, speakers or informational tables and representatives these dynamic speakers can return. So if they aren’t intention of hosting a small informational tea to give a inclusive and in uential mix that included, The Sanibel present. coming to your town, they can certainly come back to my woman’s church group on this tiny island, an opportunity Community Church, Human Tra cking Awareness island where they are certain to receive a grander heroes' to hear from Wadah’s Patron Founder, Anie Partnerships and Zonta International. It was an unlikely Attendance/Audience Mix: The event was attended by welcome and more sizable audience. Djojohadikusumo, about how e orts of the foundation’s partnership because current U.S. dictates of political approximately 200 people. The audience included people team have one by one transformed the lives of individuals, correctness make us prone to believe that we cannot host of all faiths, ages (including several youth groups), and Clarity of Purpose; An Aid in Seeking Sponsors and entire communities and the world around them. an event in a venue of one religion without people of other social backgrounds. The audience was described as Making Decisions beliefs feeling unwelcome, uncomfortable or “engaged”, “attentive” and Yet as a Friend of Wadah I felt the overwhelming need to disrespected. Similar conventional thinking follows that “passionate”. I worked closely with Anie and treat the Wadah team’s time as a precious resource that secular social service events must be kept aseptically Alfredo upfront to agree upon should be treated as a trust (as in the Parable of Talents) masked/devoid of all religions to be deemed professional Media Coverage: Several a written statement objectives and thus utilized in a manner that would maximize the and neutral. Yet following the spirit of Wadah’s local newspapers chose for the event that would e ectiveness of its use. With her characteristic compassion inclusiveness, local bridges that had never been crossed to pick up and run press clearly communicate what we Anie reassured me Wadah would be grateful for the before were built to honor and serve our common releases announcing the were trying to accomplish. It intention of my e orts and that having even a small connectedness, our oneness in humanity. Creating these event. The local Visitors was a helpful device to review number of passionate attendees would be valued. While constructive local partnerships was in and of itself a Bureau and Chamber of with potential local event her understanding appeased my insecurity, it did nothing positive accomplishment that may not have been realized Commerce emailed event partners and to insure to tame my conscious. I was greatly honored and inspired without Wadah. announcements to their subsequent decisions and members as did the local trade-o s were consistent social service organizations, with our stated goals. The churches and non-pro ts. objectives we agreed upon In addition, the Sanibel were to: Community Church volunteered to run a paid 1. AWARENESS: Create and ad promoting the event. maximize broad-based Favorable, lengthy post- awareness among a high coverage of the event also quality/passionate audience appeared in the newspaper. of the magnitude of human rights violations that are Feedback/Action: Each of occurring around the world the non-pro ts received right now and to share what a discernible increase in Wadah Foundation and Maiti inquiries and positive Nepal are doing to prevent feedback following the Sara Djojohadikusumo such. event. As The Sanibel 2. ATTITUDE: To demonstrate Community Church Senior through the stories of their Pastor Daryl Donovan global foundations the descended the steps after seeing their new facility graced di erence ordinary people can make in changing the lives with the presence of 200 people who otherwise may not of individuals and in transforming entire communities and have entered their doors he declared with deep the world. satisfaction, “This was an historic event for our church 3. ACTION: To inspire others to take action. Do something, community.” The Co-Chair of the SW Florida Regional anything, wherever you are. Make your one count. Make Human Tra cking Coalition and Human Rights certain EVERY ONE COUNTS. COUNT TO ONE. So that one Partnership thanked us for raising awareness of and by one, little by little, collectively, we can turn the world supporting their cause. The Sanibel Chamber of around. "If the whole world collaborates we can change Commerce described the event as “powerful” and an asset the world." Anuradha says and lives. to our community. A local upscale eatery thanked us for the opportunity to serve our humanitarian entourage Backstory/Disclaimer: complimentary dinners as their way of supporting our Truth be told, when Anie rst o ered to come to my island heroes' e orts to achieve justice for so many. home and speak, I was simultaneously thrilled to see my
I prayed about this “opportunity” with fear and trembling confessing to both God and Anie my fear based insecurities. Anie exuded empathy and reassurance in her clarifying response that she would be honored by any heartfelt e ort regardless of results. Darn her and her sincerity. Thus, I was o cially busted. I had to do it, insecurities and all. I did it afraid, but I did it as if I were doing it for the Lord, because I was. And with each obedient step I took, God rewarded my e ort with undeserved grace and encouragement. I can claim without hesitation that this event was an outstanding success for everyone involved, all thanks be to God. From the very beginning it was clear, while billed as a Wadah event, this was being done for God’s purposes. It was dedicated to serving Him, His will, His people: all of them; beloved friends and seething with insecurity and the least, the lost and the last. Having asked for His will to self-doubt about hosting even an informal event on be done through this event, I should have known, it would Wadah’s behalf. I enumerated countless (and valid) be much bigger, better and broader reaching than we ever reasons for my reluctance: 1). I am a relatively new would have imagined. And it was. May the glory be to God seasonal resident on Sanibel and thus have few deep so people from every nation may come to have His peace, connections I thought I would need to put on a successful love and hope. event 2). There was less than two months until Anie would be there (with Thanksgiving in the middle further cutting into time), leaving little time to plan an event. My best, most all-encompassing excuse of all, 3). I’m only me.
When I silently re-read the very same quote I read aloud at the Wadah Global Gathering I was forced to admit how incredible lame and cowardly my excuses were. “I am only one. But I am one. I cannot do everything but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” Edmund Everett Hale
This event was unlike any other event I have ever been part of, in that it proved to be an unequivocal, resounding success not just for some of the participants, but for each and every local organization and party that chose to be involved. Everyone left more full, inspired and energized as a result of this gathering. In e ect, the evening proved to be a real-life, earthly example of the Biblical principle of miraculous multiplication as it was exhibited in the story of loaves and shes. While it began humbly, the event was fully embraced by each partner and thus generated enough critical mass and energy to achieve what seemed to become a self- perpetuating momentum. While the groups involved have not yet formed on-going long term partnerships, I would be surprised if some did not naturally evolve over time. While I may have helped raise the sails for this event, it was clearly God’s grace that lled the sails. Wadah entered Florida with all of the subtlety of a small by this team and in my heart, knew others would be Further extending the spirit of inclusiveness, each of these Although the event ended late, audience members tropical storm making landfall as a named hurricane. As a equally inspired if given the opportunity to meet them key local organizations, chose to invite other similar lingered at a hero’s reception put on by the church for the result of their inaugural event on Sanibel Island, which was too. So I deliberately choose to take greater action, casting non-pro ts, foundations, churches, government social opportunity to ask questions, have their photos taken and attended by approximately 200 people and read about by the net out farther yet trusting that whatever results service agencies and businesses to be part of the event; form partnerships of their own with other like-minded thousands more, Wadah Foundation established itself as a occurred would be up to the Lord. Here’s how the Lord did. upfront to maximize their sense of ownership and to attendees. In short, every organization and person that powerful, meaningful, inspirational global humanitarian maximize the achievement of broad-based awareness of participated in this event at any level, fully embraced it and force in Southwest Florida. Measurable Results: Based on Finite Objectives the event and the cause. In the end, two churches actively felt ful lled at its completion. I can unequivocally state, participated and all others were invited through their that our entire community felt richer, closer and more Initial Humble Objective Event Partners: We ended up with a core planning team Pastors/clergy. In addition, ve other local and regional inspired to take action to count to one as a result of having that initially appeared to be a most unlikely pairing. This non-pro t and social service organizations either had this event. Queries have already come in asking when The somewhat impromptu event began with the humble ultimately ideal core team ended up being an eclectic, speakers or informational tables and representatives these dynamic speakers can return. So if they aren’t intention of hosting a small informational tea to give a inclusive and in uential mix that included, The Sanibel present. coming to your town, they can certainly come back to my woman’s church group on this tiny island, an opportunity Community Church, Human Tra cking Awareness island where they are certain to receive a grander heroes' to hear from Wadah’s Patron Founder, Anie Partnerships and Zonta International. It was an unlikely Attendance/Audience Mix: The event was attended by welcome and more sizable audience. Djojohadikusumo, about how e orts of the foundation’s partnership because current U.S. dictates of political approximately 200 people. The audience included people team have one by one transformed the lives of individuals, correctness make us prone to believe that we cannot host of all faiths, ages (including several youth groups), and Clarity of Purpose; An Aid in Seeking Sponsors and entire communities and the world around them. an event in a venue of one religion without people of other social backgrounds. The audience was described as Making Decisions beliefs feeling unwelcome, uncomfortable or “engaged”, “attentive” and Yet as a Friend of Wadah I felt the overwhelming need to disrespected. Similar conventional thinking follows that “passionate”. I worked closely with Anie and treat the Wadah team’s time as a precious resource that secular social service events must be kept aseptically Alfredo upfront to agree upon should be treated as a trust (as in the Parable of Talents) masked/devoid of all religions to be deemed professional Media Coverage: Several a written statement objectives and thus utilized in a manner that would maximize the and neutral. Yet following the spirit of Wadah’s local newspapers chose for the event that would e ectiveness of its use. With her characteristic compassion inclusiveness, local bridges that had never been crossed to pick up and run press clearly communicate what we Anie reassured me Wadah would be grateful for the before were built to honor and serve our common releases announcing the were trying to accomplish. It intention of my e orts and that having even a small connectedness, our oneness in humanity. Creating these event. The local Visitors was a helpful device to review number of passionate attendees would be valued. While constructive local partnerships was in and of itself a Bureau and Chamber of with potential local event her understanding appeased my insecurity, it did nothing positive accomplishment that may not have been realized Commerce emailed event partners and to insure to tame my conscious. I was greatly honored and inspired without Wadah. announcements to their subsequent decisions and members as did the local trade-o s were consistent social service organizations, with our stated goals. The churches and non-pro ts. objectives we agreed upon In addition, the Sanibel were to: Community Church volunteered to run a paid 1. AWARENESS: Create and ad promoting the event. maximize broad-based Favorable, lengthy post- awareness among a high coverage of the event also quality/passionate audience appeared in the newspaper. of the magnitude of human rights violations that are Feedback/Action: Each of occurring around the world the non-pro ts received right now and to share what a discernible increase in Wadah Foundation and Maiti inquiries and positive Nepal are doing to prevent feedback following the such. event. As The Sanibel 2. ATTITUDE: To demonstrate Community Church Senior through the stories of their Pastor Daryl Donovan global foundations the descended the steps after seeing their new facility graced di erence ordinary people can make in changing the lives with the presence of 200 people who otherwise may not of individuals and in transforming entire communities and have entered their doors he declared with deep the world. satisfaction, “This was an historic event for our church 3. ACTION: To inspire others to take action. Do something, community.” The Co-Chair of the SW Florida Regional anything, wherever you are. Make your one count. Make Human Tra cking Coalition and Human Rights certain EVERY ONE COUNTS. COUNT TO ONE. So that one Partnership thanked us for raising awareness of and by one, little by little, collectively, we can turn the world supporting their cause. The Sanibel Chamber of around. "If the whole world collaborates we can change Commerce described the event as “powerful” and an asset the world." Anuradha says and lives. to our community. A local upscale eatery thanked us for the opportunity to serve our humanitarian entourage Backstory/Disclaimer: complimentary dinners as their way of supporting our Truth be told, when Anie rst o ered to come to my island heroes' e orts to achieve justice for so many. home and speak, I was simultaneously thrilled to see my
April 2013 | News | 19
I prayed about this “opportunity” with fear and trembling confessing to both God and Anie my fear based insecurities. Anie exuded empathy and reassurance in her clarifying response that she would be honored by any heartfelt e ort regardless of results. Darn her and her sincerity. Thus, I was o cially busted. I had to do it, insecurities and all. I did it afraid, but I did it as if I were doing it for the Lord, because I was. And with each obedient step I took, God rewarded my e ort with undeserved grace and encouragement. I can claim without hesitation that this event was an outstanding Linda Linsmayer success for everyone involved, all thanks be to God. From the very beginning it was clear, while billed as a Wadah event, this was being done for God’s purposes. It was dedicated to serving Him, His will, His people: all of them; beloved friends and seething with insecurity and the least, the lost and the last. Having asked for His will to self-doubt about hosting even an informal event on be done through this event, I should have known, it would Wadah’s behalf. I enumerated countless (and valid) be much bigger, better and broader reaching than we ever reasons for my reluctance: 1). I am a relatively new would have imagined. And it was. May the glory be to God seasonal resident on Sanibel and thus have few deep so people from every nation may come to have His peace, connections I thought I would need to put on a successful love and hope. event 2). There was less than two months until Anie would be there (with Thanksgiving in the middle further cutting into time), leaving little time to plan an event. My best, most all-encompassing excuse of all, 3). I’m only me.
When I silently re-read the very same quote I read aloud at the Wadah Global Gathering I was forced to admit how incredible lame and cowardly my excuses were. “I am only one. But I am one. I cannot do everything but I can do On November 27, 2012, we at Pomona College had something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere the great honor and privilege to host the Wadah family with what I can do.” Edmund Everett Hale on our campus. Wadah founder and patron Anie Djojohadikusumo spearheaded the events with much gusto and enthusiasm, and our campus is still abuzz with the excitement and inspiration that Wadah brought to us last year.
“Hold up both of your hands and spread the love,” said CNN Hero Robin Lim, as the classroom was lled with the Wadah spirit and positive energy. Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin began the visit with a special lecture in one of Pomona’s Ibu Anie, Anurudha Koirala, Nola Theiss most popular courses, Medical Anthropology. There, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin were joined by the esteemed Djojohadikusumo family members, Pak Hashim This event was unlike any other event I have ever been part Djojohadikusumo and their daughters Sara and Indra. The Orlene Shimberg of, in that it proved to be an unequivocal, resounding focus of the discussion in this class was on Wadah’s work to success not just for some of the participants, but for each empower men, women and children in the arena of health and every local organization and party that chose to be and healing, bringing body and soul in line with the involved. Everyone left more full, inspired and energized as message of justice and equality that Wadah embodies. Ibu a result of this gathering. In e ect, the evening proved to Anie spoke about the amazing work that Wadah has been be a real-life, earthly example of the Biblical principle of doing throughout Asia to promote health and human miraculous multiplication as it was exhibited in the story of rights, and inspired students to work towards social loaves and shes. While it began humbly, the event was change in this arena. Robin Lim presented her work as a fully embraced by each partner and thus generated midwife and introduced students in the course to the enough critical mass and energy to achieve what seemed importance of healing with love. The messages put forth to become a self- perpetuating momentum. While the by Ibu Robin and Ibu Anie in this course were of groups involved have not yet formed on-going long term paramount importance because most of the students in partnerships, I would be surprised if some did not naturally the class aspire to go into medicine or the eld of health in evolve over time. While I may have helped raise the sails some way. Inspired by the approach Wadah encompasses, the students now understand healing as an endeavor of HTAP Executive Director Nola Theiss for this event, it was clearly God’s grace that lled the sails.
love. This message has stayed with them to this day and will remain in their hearts forever.
The next stop for the Wadah family was the Pomona Women’s Union. The Women’s Union has been a sacred space and an important symbol for the Pomona campus for many decades. It is a space for honest and open conversation, and a place to discuss women’s empowerment and issues pertaining to inequality. Being joined by the Wadah family was such a treat for the members of the Women’s Union, who included Acting President Cecilia Conrad, Acting Dean Betsy Crighton and a wide array of faculty and students among them that day. At the Women’s Union, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin spoke once again from the heart. They talked about what brought them to the work that they do, and discussed the founding of the Wadah and Bumi Sehat Foundations. Ibu Robin told the stories of the women with whom she works with day in and day out, whose lives have been changed by the women at Bumi Sehat. These mothers have been given a new chance, and an opportunity to birth and heal in a safe space thanks to the nancial support of Wadah, and the emotional support of Bumi Sehat. Ibu Anie then presented
her story and discussed how she had come to found Wadah. She then spoke of the inspiring work of the Wadah foundation in promoting women’s rights and human rights throughout Asia. Members of the Women’s Union were left feeling inspired to join the Wadah family in the ght for women’s rights globally. At least three students volunteered to join Ibu Anie in Indonesia to help Wadah further its important work.
After lunch, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin spoke to a group of seniors at Pomona who are all Gender and Women’s Studies majors in the Gender and Women’s Studies senior seminar. In this intimate gathering of a dozen students, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin had the chance to delve deeply into their stories, articulating their thoughts on feminism, empowerment, equality, and the importance of community in building a movement for change. Students asked the Wadah members to teach them how to build a feminist movement that has broad reaching positive e ects. Ibu Anie explained that working through the heart, inspired by passion and dedication, anything is possible.
Without a doubt, the Wadah spirit has touched the Pomona College community. Ever since their visit in November, students and faculty alike have been talking about the amazing work of Wadah and the inspiring stories of Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin. We all feel blessed to have had the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by the Wadah family. Indeed, many in the Pomona community feel that they have already joined the Wadah family as well. Conversations on campus now focus on how to organize another event for our Wadah friends, so that we can keep the Wadah spirit alive at Pomona. Wadah entered Florida with all of the subtlety of a small by this team and in my heart, knew others would be Further extending the spirit of inclusiveness, each of these Although the event ended late, audience members tropical storm making landfall as a named hurricane. As a equally inspired if given the opportunity to meet them key local organizations, chose to invite other similar lingered at a hero’s reception put on by the church for the result of their inaugural event on Sanibel Island, which was too. So I deliberately choose to take greater action, casting non-pro ts, foundations, churches, government social opportunity to ask questions, have their photos taken and attended by approximately 200 people and read about by the net out farther yet trusting that whatever results service agencies and businesses to be part of the event; form partnerships of their own with other like-minded thousands more, Wadah Foundation established itself as a occurred would be up to the Lord. Here’s how the Lord did. upfront to maximize their sense of ownership and to attendees. In short, every organization and person that powerful, meaningful, inspirational global humanitarian maximize the achievement of broad-based awareness of participated in this event at any level, fully embraced it and force in Southwest Florida. Measurable Results: Based on Finite Objectives the event and the cause. In the end, two churches actively felt ful lled at its completion. I can unequivocally state, participated and all others were invited through their that our entire community felt richer, closer and more Initial Humble Objective Event Partners: We ended up with a core planning team Pastors/clergy. In addition, ve other local and regional inspired to take action to count to one as a result of having that initially appeared to be a most unlikely pairing. This non-pro t and social service organizations either had this event. Queries have already come in asking when The somewhat impromptu event began with the humble ultimately ideal core team ended up being an eclectic, speakers or informational tables and representatives these dynamic speakers can return. So if they aren’t intention of hosting a small informational tea to give a inclusive and in uential mix that included, The Sanibel present. coming to your town, they can certainly come back to my woman’s church group on this tiny island, an opportunity Community Church, Human Tra cking Awareness island where they are certain to receive a grander heroes' to hear from Wadah’s Patron Founder, Anie Partnerships and Zonta International. It was an unlikely Attendance/Audience Mix: The event was attended by welcome and more sizable audience. Djojohadikusumo, about how e orts of the foundation’s partnership because current U.S. dictates of political approximately 200 people. The audience included people team have one by one transformed the lives of individuals, correctness make us prone to believe that we cannot host of all faiths, ages (including several youth groups), and Clarity of Purpose; An Aid in Seeking Sponsors and entire communities and the world around them. an event in a venue of one religion without people of other social backgrounds. The audience was described as Making Decisions beliefs feeling unwelcome, uncomfortable or “engaged”, “attentive” and Yet as a Friend of Wadah I felt the overwhelming need to disrespected. Similar conventional thinking follows that “passionate”. I worked closely with Anie and treat the Wadah team’s time as a precious resource that secular social service events must be kept aseptically Alfredo upfront to agree upon should be treated as a trust (as in the Parable of Talents) masked/devoid of all religions to be deemed professional Media Coverage: Several a written statement objectives and thus utilized in a manner that would maximize the and neutral. Yet following the spirit of Wadah’s local newspapers chose for the event that would e ectiveness of its use. With her characteristic compassion inclusiveness, local bridges that had never been crossed to pick up and run press clearly communicate what we Anie reassured me Wadah would be grateful for the before were built to honor and serve our common releases announcing the were trying to accomplish. It intention of my e orts and that having even a small connectedness, our oneness in humanity. Creating these event. The local Visitors was a helpful device to review number of passionate attendees would be valued. While constructive local partnerships was in and of itself a Bureau and Chamber of with potential local event her understanding appeased my insecurity, it did nothing positive accomplishment that may not have been realized Commerce emailed event partners and to insure to tame my conscious. I was greatly honored and inspired without Wadah. announcements to their subsequent decisions and members as did the local trade-o s were consistent social service organizations, with our stated goals. The churches and non-pro ts. objectives we agreed upon In addition, the Sanibel were to: Community Church volunteered to run a paid 1. AWARENESS: Create and ad promoting the event. maximize broad-based Favorable, lengthy post- awareness among a high coverage of the event also quality/passionate audience appeared in the newspaper. of the magnitude of human rights violations that are Feedback/Action: Each of occurring around the world the non-pro ts received right now and to share what a discernible increase in Wadah Foundation and Maiti inquiries and positive Nepal are doing to prevent feedback following the such. event. As The Sanibel 2. ATTITUDE: To demonstrate Community Church Senior through the stories of their Pastor Daryl Donovan global foundations the descended the steps after seeing their new facility graced di erence ordinary people can make in changing the lives with the presence of 200 people who otherwise may not of individuals and in transforming entire communities and have entered their doors he declared with deep the world. satisfaction, “This was an historic event for our church 3. ACTION: To inspire others to take action. Do something, community.” The Co-Chair of the SW Florida Regional anything, wherever you are. Make your one count. Make Human Tra cking Coalition and Human Rights certain EVERY ONE COUNTS. COUNT TO ONE. So that one Partnership thanked us for raising awareness of and by one, little by little, collectively, we can turn the world supporting their cause. The Sanibel Chamber of around. "If the whole world collaborates we can change Commerce described the event as “powerful” and an asset the world." Anuradha says and lives. to our community. A local upscale eatery thanked us for the opportunity to serve our humanitarian entourage Backstory/Disclaimer: complimentary dinners as their way of supporting our Truth be told, when Anie rst o ered to come to my island heroes' e orts to achieve justice for so many. home and speak, I was simultaneously thrilled to see my
20 | April 2013 | News
I prayed about this “opportunity” with fear and trembling The magnitude and horror of human tra cking of human confessing to both God and Anie my fear based Roadshow in the East Coast tra cking can be overwhelming. But, “doing nothing is insecurities. Anie exuded empathy and reassurance in her not an option, she said. “Evil triumphs when good people clarifying response that she would be honored by any do nothing.” heartfelt e ort regardless of results. Darn her and her sincerity. Thus, I was o cially busted. I had to do it, Indonesian television personality and the 26-year-old insecurities and all. I did it afraid, but I did it as if I were Internationally Lauded Humanitarians Give Moving daughter of Anie Djojohadikusumo, Sara doing it for the Lord, because I was. And with each Djojohadikusumo spoke of her newly established obedient step I took, God rewarded my e ort with Presentation on organization’s work to raise awareness of the crime of undeserved grace and encouragement. I can claim Human Trafficking human tra cking among Indonesia’s youth. Using social without hesitation that this event was an outstanding By Dalia Jakubauskas media and grassroots networking, Parinama Astha seeks success for everyone involved, all thanks be to God. From to educate young Indonesians about the stark realities of the very beginning it was clear, while billed as a Wadah Three globally recognized humanitarians delivered a which hosted the event, and Reverend Dr. Ellen Sloan of St. human tra cking. event, this was being done for God’s purposes. It was message of hope and enlightenment to nearly 200 people Michael’s Episcopal Church, who delivered the closing dedicated to serving Him, His will, His people: all of them; beloved friends and seething with insecurity and who attended a presentation on human tra cking on remarks. Other organizations represented at the event the least, the lost and the last. Having asked for His will to self-doubt about hosting even an informal event on Thursday, November 29 at the Sanibel Community Church. included: Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Inc, which be done through this event, I should have known, it would Wadah’s behalf. I enumerated countless (and valid) CNN 2010 Hero of the Year, Anuradha Koirala, works with survivors of domestic abuse in Lee, Hendry and be much bigger, better and broader reaching than we ever reasons for my reluctance: 1). I am a relatively new of Maiti Nepal; Forbes Hero of Philanthropy Anie Charlotte counties; Our Mother’s Home, which provides Mrs. Djojohadikusumo shared her life’s journey from her would have imagined. And it was. May the glory be to God seasonal resident on Sanibel and thus have few deep Djojohadikusumo, founder of Wadah Foundation, housing and life skills for teen moms and their children in beginnings as part of 16 siblings growing up in a poor but so people from every nation may come to have His peace, connections I thought I would need to put on a successful Indonesia; and Sara Djojohadikusumo, founder of Lee County; and Beauty From Ashes, a faith-based loving Indonesian family, to her purpose today as love and hope. event 2). There was less than two months until Anie would Parinama Astha. All three women work to combat human organization that works to rescue sex workers in Lee philanthropist and founder of the Wadah Foundation. The be there (with Thanksgiving in the middle further cutting tra cking and sexual slavery in their home countries of County. 5-year-old foundation is based in Jakarta and works to into time), leaving little time to plan an event. My best, Nepal and Indonesia. improve the lives of Indonesia’s poorest citizens – whom most all-encompassing excuse of all, 3). I’m only me. Sanibel resident Linda Linsmayer, a friend to Mrs. Mrs. Djojohadikusumo calls the “least, the last and the lost.” The event, the rst held at the newly constructed Djojohadikusumo and the Wadah Foundation who was When I silently re-read the very same quote I read aloud at auditorium of the Sanibel Community Church, was a joint instrumental in bringing the three women to the island, The foundation, through micro-loans, jobs skills training, the Wadah Global Gathering I was forced to admit how e ort between social service organizations such as, The noted in her opening remarks that this was not a religious education, and community outreach, focuses entirely on incredible lame and cowardly my excuses were. “I am only Zonta Club of Sanibel/Captiva and Human Tra cking event. Rather, this was an event to raise public awareness women as a means to lift the status of Indonesia’s poor. “It Awareness Partnerships (HTAP), and members of Sanibel’s of the tragedy that is human tra cking and open to caring one. But I am one. I cannot do everything but I can do is our mission to help them so that they can help On November 27, 2012, we at Pomona College had faith-based community including: the community church, people of all faiths, she said. something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere themselves and their communities,” she said. the great honor and privilege to host the Wadah family with what I can do.” Edmund Everett Hale on our campus. Wadah founder and patron Anie A close friend of Mrs. Djojohadikusumo and founder of Djojohadikusumo spearheaded the events with much Maiti Nepal, Anuradha Kiorala, spoke matter-of-factly gusto and enthusiasm, and our campus is still abuzz with about her organization’s work to rescue and rehabilitate the excitement and inspiration that Wadah brought to us thousands of Nepalese women and girls who are tricked or last year. sold into sexual slavery. The 15-year-old organization has rescued and provided refuge and support to over 12,000 “Hold up both of your hands and spread the love,” said women and girls. CNN Hero Robin Lim, as the classroom was lled with the Wadah spirit and positive energy. Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin Girls as young as 3-years-old are sold to brothels in India, began the visit with a special lecture in one of Pomona’s Asia and China. In India alone, nearly 400,000 Nepalese most popular courses, Medical Anthropology. There, Ibu women and girls have been enslaved as sex workers, said Anie and Ibu Robin were joined by the esteemed Mrs. Kiorala. They are often beaten, tortured and killed. Djojohadikusumo family members, Pak Hashim Some have even had their organs sold to illicit organ This event was unlike any other event I have ever been part Djojohadikusumo and their daughters Sara and Indra. The banks. Many end up dying of their injuries or diseases like focus of the discussion in this class was on Wadah’s work to of, in that it proved to be an unequivocal, resounding AIDS, she said. success not just for some of the participants, but for each empower men, women and children in the arena of health and every local organization and party that chose to be and healing, bringing body and soul in line with the involved. Everyone left more full, inspired and energized as “I led a very sheltered existence,” she said. “I could not message of justice and equality that Wadah embodies. Ibu a result of this gathering. In e ect, the evening proved to believe this was going on and I decided this could not exist Anie spoke about the amazing work that Wadah has been be a real-life, earthly example of the Biblical principle of in my world. I had to do something.” doing throughout Asia to promote health and human miraculous multiplication as it was exhibited in the story of rights, and inspired students to work towards social loaves and shes. While it began humbly, the event was Island resident, Zontian and founder of HTAP, Nola Theiss change in this arena. Robin Lim presented her work as a fully embraced by each partner and thus generated also gave a brief presentation on the existence of the crime midwife and introduced students in the course to the enough critical mass and energy to achieve what seemed locally and concurred that everyone can do something to importance of healing with love. The messages put forth to become a self- perpetuating momentum. While the eliminate modern-day slavery. Whether it’s simply talking by Ibu Robin and Ibu Anie in this course were of groups involved have not yet formed on-going long term to neighbors about the problem to raise awareness, or paramount importance because most of the students in partnerships, I would be surprised if some did not naturally becoming educated about whether consumer goods, the class aspire to go into medicine or the eld of health in evolve over time. While I may have helped raise the sails such as chocolate and mobile phones, use slave labor in some way. Inspired by the approach Wadah encompasses, for this event, it was clearly God’s grace that lled the sails. their production process, ‘’we can all do something.” she the students now understand healing as an endeavor of said.
love. This message has stayed with them to this day and will remain in their hearts forever.
The next stop for the Wadah family was the Pomona Women’s Union. The Women’s Union has been a sacred space and an important symbol for the Pomona campus for many decades. It is a space for honest and open conversation, and a place to discuss women’s empowerment and issues pertaining to inequality. Being joined by the Wadah family was such a treat for the members of the Women’s Union, who included Acting President Cecilia Conrad, Acting Dean Betsy Crighton and a wide array of faculty and students among them that day. At the Women’s Union, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin spoke once again from the heart. They talked about what brought them to the work that they do, and discussed the founding of the Wadah and Bumi Sehat Foundations. Ibu Robin told the stories of the women with whom she works with day in and day out, whose lives have been changed by the women at Bumi Sehat. These mothers have been given a new chance, and an opportunity to birth and heal in a safe space thanks to the nancial support of Wadah, and the emotional support of Bumi Sehat. Ibu Anie then presented
her story and discussed how she had come to found Wadah. She then spoke of the inspiring work of the Wadah foundation in promoting women’s rights and human rights throughout Asia. Members of the Women’s Union were left feeling inspired to join the Wadah family in the ght for women’s rights globally. At least three students volunteered to join Ibu Anie in Indonesia to help Wadah further its important work.
After lunch, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin spoke to a group of seniors at Pomona who are all Gender and Women’s Studies majors in the Gender and Women’s Studies senior seminar. In this intimate gathering of a dozen students, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin had the chance to delve deeply into their stories, articulating their thoughts on feminism, empowerment, equality, and the importance of community in building a movement for change. Students asked the Wadah members to teach them how to build a feminist movement that has broad reaching positive e ects. Ibu Anie explained that working through the heart, inspired by passion and dedication, anything is possible.
Without a doubt, the Wadah spirit has touched the Pomona College community. Ever since their visit in November, students and faculty alike have been talking about the amazing work of Wadah and the inspiring stories of Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin. We all feel blessed to have had the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by the Wadah family. Indeed, many in the Pomona community feel that they have already joined the Wadah family as well. Conversations on campus now focus on how to organize another event for our Wadah friends, so that we can keep the Wadah spirit alive at Pomona. Wadah entered Florida with all of the subtlety of a small by this team and in my heart, knew others would be Further extending the spirit of inclusiveness, each of these Although the event ended late, audience members tropical storm making landfall as a named hurricane. As a equally inspired if given the opportunity to meet them key local organizations, chose to invite other similar lingered at a hero’s reception put on by the church for the result of their inaugural event on Sanibel Island, which was too. So I deliberately choose to take greater action, casting non-pro ts, foundations, churches, government social opportunity to ask questions, have their photos taken and attended by approximately 200 people and read about by the net out farther yet trusting that whatever results service agencies and businesses to be part of the event; form partnerships of their own with other like-minded thousands more, Wadah Foundation established itself as a occurred would be up to the Lord. Here’s how the Lord did. upfront to maximize their sense of ownership and to attendees. In short, every organization and person that powerful, meaningful, inspirational global humanitarian maximize the achievement of broad-based awareness of participated in this event at any level, fully embraced it and force in Southwest Florida. Measurable Results: Based on Finite Objectives the event and the cause. In the end, two churches actively felt ful lled at its completion. I can unequivocally state, participated and all others were invited through their that our entire community felt richer, closer and more Initial Humble Objective Event Partners: We ended up with a core planning team Pastors/clergy. In addition, ve other local and regional inspired to take action to count to one as a result of having that initially appeared to be a most unlikely pairing. This non-pro t and social service organizations either had this event. Queries have already come in asking when The somewhat impromptu event began with the humble ultimately ideal core team ended up being an eclectic, speakers or informational tables and representatives these dynamic speakers can return. So if they aren’t intention of hosting a small informational tea to give a inclusive and in uential mix that included, The Sanibel present. coming to your town, they can certainly come back to my woman’s church group on this tiny island, an opportunity Community Church, Human Tra cking Awareness island where they are certain to receive a grander heroes' to hear from Wadah’s Patron Founder, Anie Partnerships and Zonta International. It was an unlikely Attendance/Audience Mix: The event was attended by welcome and more sizable audience. Djojohadikusumo, about how e orts of the foundation’s partnership because current U.S. dictates of political approximately 200 people. The audience included people team have one by one transformed the lives of individuals, correctness make us prone to believe that we cannot host of all faiths, ages (including several youth groups), and Clarity of Purpose; An Aid in Seeking Sponsors and entire communities and the world around them. an event in a venue of one religion without people of other social backgrounds. The audience was described as Making Decisions beliefs feeling unwelcome, uncomfortable or “engaged”, “attentive” and Yet as a Friend of Wadah I felt the overwhelming need to disrespected. Similar conventional thinking follows that “passionate”. I worked closely with Anie and treat the Wadah team’s time as a precious resource that secular social service events must be kept aseptically Alfredo upfront to agree upon should be treated as a trust (as in the Parable of Talents) masked/devoid of all religions to be deemed professional Media Coverage: Several a written statement objectives and thus utilized in a manner that would maximize the and neutral. Yet following the spirit of Wadah’s local newspapers chose for the event that would e ectiveness of its use. With her characteristic compassion inclusiveness, local bridges that had never been crossed to pick up and run press clearly communicate what we Anie reassured me Wadah would be grateful for the before were built to honor and serve our common releases announcing the were trying to accomplish. It intention of my e orts and that having even a small connectedness, our oneness in humanity. Creating these event. The local Visitors was a helpful device to review number of passionate attendees would be valued. While constructive local partnerships was in and of itself a Bureau and Chamber of with potential local event her understanding appeased my insecurity, it did nothing positive accomplishment that may not have been realized Commerce emailed event partners and to insure to tame my conscious. I was greatly honored and inspired without Wadah. announcements to their subsequent decisions and members as did the local trade-o s were consistent social service organizations, with our stated goals. The churches and non-pro ts. objectives we agreed upon In addition, the Sanibel were to: Community Church volunteered to run a paid 1. AWARENESS: Create and ad promoting the event. maximize broad-based Favorable, lengthy post- awareness among a high coverage of the event also quality/passionate audience appeared in the newspaper. of the magnitude of human rights violations that are Feedback/Action: Each of occurring around the world the non-pro ts received right now and to share what a discernible increase in Wadah Foundation and Maiti inquiries and positive Nepal are doing to prevent feedback following the such. event. As The Sanibel 2. ATTITUDE: To demonstrate Community Church Senior through the stories of their Pastor Daryl Donovan global foundations the descended the steps after seeing their new facility graced di erence ordinary people can make in changing the lives with the presence of 200 people who otherwise may not of individuals and in transforming entire communities and have entered their doors he declared with deep the world. satisfaction, “This was an historic event for our church 3. ACTION: To inspire others to take action. Do something, community.” The Co-Chair of the SW Florida Regional anything, wherever you are. Make your one count. Make Human Tra cking Coalition and Human Rights certain EVERY ONE COUNTS. COUNT TO ONE. So that one Partnership thanked us for raising awareness of and by one, little by little, collectively, we can turn the world supporting their cause. The Sanibel Chamber of around. "If the whole world collaborates we can change Commerce described the event as “powerful” and an asset the world." Anuradha says and lives. to our community. A local upscale eatery thanked us for the opportunity to serve our humanitarian entourage Backstory/Disclaimer: complimentary dinners as their way of supporting our Truth be told, when Anie rst o ered to come to my island heroes' e orts to achieve justice for so many. home and speak, I was simultaneously thrilled to see my
April 2013 | News | 21
I prayed about this “opportunity” with fear and trembling The magnitude and horror of human tra cking of human confessing to both God and Anie my fear based tra cking can be overwhelming. But, “doing nothing is insecurities. Anie exuded empathy and reassurance in her not an option, she said. “Evil triumphs when good people clarifying response that she would be honored by any do nothing.” heartfelt e ort regardless of results. Darn her and her sincerity. Thus, I was o cially busted. I had to do it, Indonesian television personality and the 26-year-old insecurities and all. I did it afraid, but I did it as if I were daughter of Anie Djojohadikusumo, Sara doing it for the Lord, because I was. And with each Djojohadikusumo spoke of her newly established obedient step I took, God rewarded my e ort with organization’s work to raise awareness of the crime of undeserved grace and encouragement. I can claim human tra cking among Indonesia’s youth. Using social without hesitation that this event was an outstanding media and grassroots networking, Parinama Astha seeks success for everyone involved, all thanks be to God. From to educate young Indonesians about the stark realities of the very beginning it was clear, while billed as a Wadah Three globally recognized humanitarians delivered a which hosted the event, and Reverend Dr. Ellen Sloan of St. human tra cking. event, this was being done for God’s purposes. It was message of hope and enlightenment to nearly 200 people Michael’s Episcopal Church, who delivered the closing Anurudha Koirala, Ibu Anie, Dalia Jakubauskas, dedicated to serving Him, His will, His people: all of them; Marci Kaveney, Lauren Mueller beloved friends and seething with insecurity and who attended a presentation on human tra cking on remarks. Other organizations represented at the event the least, the lost and the last. Having asked for His will to self-doubt about hosting even an informal event on Thursday, November 29 at the Sanibel Community Church. included: Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Inc, which be done through this event, I should have known, it would Wadah’s behalf. I enumerated countless (and valid) CNN 2010 Hero of the Year, Anuradha Koirala, works with survivors of domestic abuse in Lee, Hendry and be much bigger, better and broader reaching than we ever reasons for my reluctance: 1). I am a relatively new of Maiti Nepal; Forbes Hero of Philanthropy Anie Charlotte counties; Our Mother’s Home, which provides Mrs. Djojohadikusumo shared her life’s journey from her would have imagined. And it was. May the glory be to God seasonal resident on Sanibel and thus have few deep Djojohadikusumo, founder of Wadah Foundation, housing and life skills for teen moms and their children in beginnings as part of 16 siblings growing up in a poor but so people from every nation may come to have His peace, connections I thought I would need to put on a successful Indonesia; and Sara Djojohadikusumo, founder of Lee County; and Beauty From Ashes, a faith-based loving Indonesian family, to her purpose today as love and hope. event 2). There was less than two months until Anie would Parinama Astha. All three women work to combat human organization that works to rescue sex workers in Lee philanthropist and founder of the Wadah Foundation. The be there (with Thanksgiving in the middle further cutting tra cking and sexual slavery in their home countries of County. 5-year-old foundation is based in Jakarta and works to into time), leaving little time to plan an event. My best, Nepal and Indonesia. improve the lives of Indonesia’s poorest citizens – whom most all-encompassing excuse of all, 3). I’m only me. Sanibel resident Linda Linsmayer, a friend to Mrs. Mrs. Djojohadikusumo calls the “least, the last and the lost.” The event, the rst held at the newly constructed Djojohadikusumo and the Wadah Foundation who was When I silently re-read the very same quote I read aloud at auditorium of the Sanibel Community Church, was a joint instrumental in bringing the three women to the island, The foundation, through micro-loans, jobs skills training, the Wadah Global Gathering I was forced to admit how e ort between social service organizations such as, The noted in her opening remarks that this was not a religious education, and community outreach, focuses entirely on Zonta Club of Sanibel/Captiva and Human Tra cking event. Rather, this was an event to raise public awareness Connie Rose, Luzcelina Garcia, Linda Linsmayer, incredible lame and cowardly my excuses were. “I am only women as a means to lift the status of Indonesia’s poor. “It Ibu Anie, Laura Barsam Awareness Partnerships (HTAP), and members of Sanibel’s of the tragedy that is human tra cking and open to caring one. But I am one. I cannot do everything but I can do is our mission to help them so that they can help On November 27, 2012, we at Pomona College had faith-based community including: the community church, people of all faiths, she said. something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere themselves and their communities,” she said. the great honor and privilege to host the Wadah family with what I can do.” Edmund Everett Hale on our campus. Wadah founder and patron Anie A close friend of Mrs. Djojohadikusumo and founder of Djojohadikusumo spearheaded the events with much Maiti Nepal, Anuradha Kiorala, spoke matter-of-factly gusto and enthusiasm, and our campus is still abuzz with about her organization’s work to rescue and rehabilitate the excitement and inspiration that Wadah brought to us thousands of Nepalese women and girls who are tricked or last year. sold into sexual slavery. The 15-year-old organization has rescued and provided refuge and support to over 12,000 “Hold up both of your hands and spread the love,” said women and girls. CNN Hero Robin Lim, as the classroom was lled with the Wadah spirit and positive energy. Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin Girls as young as 3-years-old are sold to brothels in India, began the visit with a special lecture in one of Pomona’s Asia and China. In India alone, nearly 400,000 Nepalese most popular courses, Medical Anthropology. There, Ibu women and girls have been enslaved as sex workers, said Anie and Ibu Robin were joined by the esteemed Mrs. Kiorala. They are often beaten, tortured and killed. Djojohadikusumo family members, Pak Hashim Some have even had their organs sold to illicit organ Orlene Shimberg, Anurudha Koirila, Kris Ritts, Michelle Shaw This event was unlike any other event I have ever been part Djojohadikusumo and their daughters Sara and Indra. The banks. Many end up dying of their injuries or diseases like focus of the discussion in this class was on Wadah’s work to of, in that it proved to be an unequivocal, resounding AIDS, she said. success not just for some of the participants, but for each empower men, women and children in the arena of health and every local organization and party that chose to be and healing, bringing body and soul in line with the involved. Everyone left more full, inspired and energized as “I led a very sheltered existence,” she said. “I could not message of justice and equality that Wadah embodies. Ibu a result of this gathering. In e ect, the evening proved to believe this was going on and I decided this could not exist Anie spoke about the amazing work that Wadah has been be a real-life, earthly example of the Biblical principle of in my world. I had to do something.” doing throughout Asia to promote health and human miraculous multiplication as it was exhibited in the story of rights, and inspired students to work towards social loaves and shes. While it began humbly, the event was Island resident, Zontian and founder of HTAP, Nola Theiss change in this arena. Robin Lim presented her work as a fully embraced by each partner and thus generated also gave a brief presentation on the existence of the crime midwife and introduced students in the course to the enough critical mass and energy to achieve what seemed locally and concurred that everyone can do something to importance of healing with love. The messages put forth to become a self- perpetuating momentum. While the eliminate modern-day slavery. Whether it’s simply talking by Ibu Robin and Ibu Anie in this course were of groups involved have not yet formed on-going long term to neighbors about the problem to raise awareness, or paramount importance because most of the students in partnerships, I would be surprised if some did not naturally becoming educated about whether consumer goods, the class aspire to go into medicine or the eld of health in evolve over time. While I may have helped raise the sails such as chocolate and mobile phones, use slave labor in some way. Inspired by the approach Wadah encompasses, their production process, ‘’we can all do something.” she the students now understand healing as an endeavor of for this event, it was clearly God’s grace that lled the sails. Barb Nave and Linda Linsmayer said.
love. This message has stayed with them to this day and will remain in their hearts forever.
The next stop for the Wadah family was the Pomona Women’s Union. The Women’s Union has been a sacred space and an important symbol for the Pomona campus for many decades. It is a space for honest and open conversation, and a place to discuss women’s empowerment and issues pertaining to inequality. Being joined by the Wadah family was such a treat for the members of the Women’s Union, who included Acting President Cecilia Conrad, Acting Dean Betsy Crighton and a wide array of faculty and students among them that day. At the Women’s Union, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin spoke once again from the heart. They talked about what brought them to the work that they do, and discussed the founding of the Wadah and Bumi Sehat Foundations. Ibu Robin told the stories of the women with whom she works with day in and day out, whose lives have been changed by the women at Bumi Sehat. These mothers have been given a new chance, and an opportunity to birth and heal in a safe space thanks to the nancial support of Wadah, and the emotional support of Bumi Sehat. Ibu Anie then presented
her story and discussed how she had come to found Wadah. She then spoke of the inspiring work of the Wadah foundation in promoting women’s rights and human rights throughout Asia. Members of the Women’s Union were left feeling inspired to join the Wadah family in the ght for women’s rights globally. At least three students volunteered to join Ibu Anie in Indonesia to help Wadah further its important work.
After lunch, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin spoke to a group of seniors at Pomona who are all Gender and Women’s Studies majors in the Gender and Women’s Studies senior seminar. In this intimate gathering of a dozen students, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin had the chance to delve deeply into their stories, articulating their thoughts on feminism, empowerment, equality, and the importance of community in building a movement for change. Students asked the Wadah members to teach them how to build a feminist movement that has broad reaching positive e ects. Ibu Anie explained that working through the heart, inspired by passion and dedication, anything is possible.
Without a doubt, the Wadah spirit has touched the Pomona College community. Ever since their visit in November, students and faculty alike have been talking about the amazing work of Wadah and the inspiring stories of Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin. We all feel blessed to have had the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by the Wadah family. Indeed, many in the Pomona community feel that they have already joined the Wadah family as well. Conversations on campus now focus on how to organize another event for our Wadah friends, so that we can keep the Wadah spirit alive at Pomona. Wadah entered Florida with all of the subtlety of a small by this team and in my heart, knew others would be Further extending the spirit of inclusiveness, each of these Although the event ended late, audience members tropical storm making landfall as a named hurricane. As a equally inspired if given the opportunity to meet them key local organizations, chose to invite other similar lingered at a hero’s reception put on by the church for the result of their inaugural event on Sanibel Island, which was too. So I deliberately choose to take greater action, casting non-pro ts, foundations, churches, government social opportunity to ask questions, have their photos taken and attended by approximately 200 people and read about by the net out farther yet trusting that whatever results service agencies and businesses to be part of the event; form partnerships of their own with other like-minded thousands more, Wadah Foundation established itself as a occurred would be up to the Lord. Here’s how the Lord did. upfront to maximize their sense of ownership and to attendees. In short, every organization and person that powerful, meaningful, inspirational global humanitarian maximize the achievement of broad-based awareness of participated in this event at any level, fully embraced it and force in Southwest Florida. Measurable Results: Based on Finite Objectives the event and the cause. In the end, two churches actively felt ful lled at its completion. I can unequivocally state, participated and all others were invited through their that our entire community felt richer, closer and more Initial Humble Objective Event Partners: We ended up with a core planning team Pastors/clergy. In addition, ve other local and regional inspired to take action to count to one as a result of having that initially appeared to be a most unlikely pairing. This non-pro t and social service organizations either had this event. Queries have already come in asking when The somewhat impromptu event began with the humble ultimately ideal core team ended up being an eclectic, speakers or informational tables and representatives these dynamic speakers can return. So if they aren’t intention of hosting a small informational tea to give a inclusive and in uential mix that included, The Sanibel present. coming to your town, they can certainly come back to my woman’s church group on this tiny island, an opportunity Community Church, Human Tra cking Awareness island where they are certain to receive a grander heroes' to hear from Wadah’s Patron Founder, Anie Partnerships and Zonta International. It was an unlikely Attendance/Audience Mix: The event was attended by welcome and more sizable audience. Djojohadikusumo, about how e orts of the foundation’s partnership because current U.S. dictates of political approximately 200 people. The audience included people team have one by one transformed the lives of individuals, correctness make us prone to believe that we cannot host of all faiths, ages (including several youth groups), and Clarity of Purpose; An Aid in Seeking Sponsors and entire communities and the world around them. an event in a venue of one religion without people of other social backgrounds. The audience was described as Making Decisions beliefs feeling unwelcome, uncomfortable or “engaged”, “attentive” and Yet as a Friend of Wadah I felt the overwhelming need to disrespected. Similar conventional thinking follows that “passionate”. I worked closely with Anie and treat the Wadah team’s time as a precious resource that secular social service events must be kept aseptically Alfredo upfront to agree upon should be treated as a trust (as in the Parable of Talents) masked/devoid of all religions to be deemed professional Media Coverage: Several a written statement objectives and thus utilized in a manner that would maximize the and neutral. Yet following the spirit of Wadah’s local newspapers chose for the event that would e ectiveness of its use. With her characteristic compassion inclusiveness, local bridges that had never been crossed to pick up and run press clearly communicate what we Anie reassured me Wadah would be grateful for the before were built to honor and serve our common releases announcing the were trying to accomplish. It intention of my e orts and that having even a small connectedness, our oneness in humanity. Creating these event. The local Visitors was a helpful device to review number of passionate attendees would be valued. While constructive local partnerships was in and of itself a Bureau and Chamber of with potential local event her understanding appeased my insecurity, it did nothing positive accomplishment that may not have been realized Commerce emailed event partners and to insure to tame my conscious. I was greatly honored and inspired without Wadah. announcements to their subsequent decisions and members as did the local trade-o s were consistent social service organizations, with our stated goals. The churches and non-pro ts. objectives we agreed upon In addition, the Sanibel were to: Community Church volunteered to run a paid 1. AWARENESS: Create and ad promoting the event. maximize broad-based Favorable, lengthy post- awareness among a high coverage of the event also quality/passionate audience appeared in the newspaper. of the magnitude of human rights violations that are Feedback/Action: Each of occurring around the world the non-pro ts received right now and to share what a discernible increase in Wadah Foundation and Maiti inquiries and positive Nepal are doing to prevent feedback following the such. event. As The Sanibel 2. ATTITUDE: To demonstrate Community Church Senior through the stories of their Pastor Daryl Donovan global foundations the descended the steps after seeing their new facility graced di erence ordinary people can make in changing the lives with the presence of 200 people who otherwise may not of individuals and in transforming entire communities and have entered their doors he declared with deep the world. satisfaction, “This was an historic event for our church 3. ACTION: To inspire others to take action. Do something, community.” The Co-Chair of the SW Florida Regional anything, wherever you are. Make your one count. Make Human Tra cking Coalition and Human Rights certain EVERY ONE COUNTS. COUNT TO ONE. So that one Partnership thanked us for raising awareness of and by one, little by little, collectively, we can turn the world supporting their cause. The Sanibel Chamber of around. "If the whole world collaborates we can change Commerce described the event as “powerful” and an asset the world." Anuradha says and lives. to our community. A local upscale eatery thanked us for the opportunity to serve our humanitarian entourage Backstory/Disclaimer: complimentary dinners as their way of supporting our Truth be told, when Anie rst o ered to come to my island heroes' e orts to achieve justice for so many. home and speak, I was simultaneously thrilled to see my
22 | April 2013 | News
I prayed about this “opportunity” with fear and trembling confessing to both God and Anie my fear based insecurities. Anie exuded empathy and reassurance in her clarifying response that she would be honored by any heartfelt e ort regardless of results. Darn her and her sincerity. Thus, I was o cially busted. I had to do it, insecurities and all. I did it afraid, but I did it as if I were doing it for the Lord, because I was. And with each obedient step I took, God rewarded my e ort with undeserved grace and encouragement. I can claim without hesitation that this event was an outstanding success for everyone involved, all thanks be to God. From the very beginning it was clear, while billed as a Wadah event, this was being done for God’s purposes. It was dedicated to serving Him, His will, His people: all of them; beloved friends and seething with insecurity and the least, the lost and the last. Having asked for His will to self-doubt about hosting even an informal event on be done through this event, I should have known, it would Wadah’s behalf. I enumerated countless (and valid) be much bigger, better and broader reaching than we ever reasons for my reluctance: 1). I am a relatively new would have imagined. And it was. May the glory be to God seasonal resident on Sanibel and thus have few deep so people from every nation may come to have His peace, connections I thought I would need to put on a successful love and hope. event 2). There was less than two months until Anie would be there (with Thanksgiving in the middle further cutting into time), leaving little time to plan an event. My best, G International’s Ian Rose (foreground, far right) welcomes Ibu Anie, Anuradha Koirala and guests most all-encompassing excuse of all, 3). I’m only me.
When I silently re-read the very same quote I read aloud at Roadshow in London the Wadah Global Gathering I was forced to admit how incredible lame and cowardly my excuses were. “I am only Anuradha to take the microphone and she captivated the one. But I am one. I cannot do everything but I can do audience with her talk on how she and her movement On November 27, 2012, we at Pomona College had something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere were tackling the terrible sex tra cking of Nepalese girls the great honor and privilege to host the Wadah family with what I can do.” Edmund Everett Hale G International Hosts and young women. She also showed the lm made by on our campus. Wadah founder and patron Anie CNN which highlighted her unique energy, charisma and Djojohadikusumo spearheaded the events with much bravery in ghting the evil trade. gusto and enthusiasm, and our campus is still abuzz with the excitement and inspiration that Wadah brought to us Maiti Nepal and Ian then invited Anie to speak on the work and values of last year. WADAH. Anie's enthusiasm and love was evident in every word, every smile and every gesture. Above all was her “Hold up both of your hands and spread the love,” said admiration and respect for Anuradha and her team. The CNN Hero Robin Lim, as the classroom was lled with the Wadah Foundation Wadah spirit and positive energy. Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin London audience was amazed to discover the scope of By Paul Hensby WADAH's work, shown in a short, e ective video. began the visit with a special lecture in one of Pomona’s most popular courses, Medical Anthropology. There, Ibu The question and answer session that followed con rmed Anie and Ibu Robin were joined by the esteemed I was honoured to be asked by Ian Rose, a long standing successful investors, entrepreneurs and philanthropists. how much the audience had been a ected by the dreadful Djojohadikusumo family members, Pak Hashim This event was unlike any other event I have ever been part London-based friend of WADAH, to help organise a I enjoyed working with Ian and his loyal assistants Abby stories of the tra cked girls. Everyone there wished Djojohadikusumo and their daughters Sara and Indra. The of, in that it proved to be an unequivocal, resounding reception to welcome Anuradha Koirala, founder of Maiti and Clemmie who deserve much of the credit for the Anuradha to succeed in ending this terrible trade. The focus of the discussion in this class was on Wadah’s work to success not just for some of the participants, but for each Nepal to London. success of the event…within a few days the guest list was event ended with guests and speakers networking and empower men, women and children in the arena of health and every local organization and party that chose to be drawn up and a plan of action agreed, including selecting nding out more about WADAH and Maiti Nepal. and healing, bringing body and soul in line with the involved. Everyone left more full, inspired and energized as Anuradha, accompanied by Mrs. Anie Hashim, and her the caterers, hiring the audio visual equipment and message of justice and equality that Wadah embodies. Ibu a result of this gathering. In e ect, the evening proved to right-hand man Bishwo Ram Khadka, had been a guest at sending out the invites. In the days that followed, Ian and I received emails from Anie spoke about the amazing work that Wadah has been be a real-life, earthly example of the Biblical principle of the 2012 CNN Hero Of The Year award ceremony in Los many of the guests to thank us and say how much they doing throughout Asia to promote health and human miraculous multiplication as it was exhibited in the story of Angeles. Anie, who was at Anuradha’s side during this My background is in media management, and I arranged had learned from the evening. They were moved by the rights, and inspired students to work towards social loaves and shes. While it began humbly, the event was gruelling trip, decided they would break the journey back for Anuradha to be interviewed on BBC Radio 4's Woman's presentations given by Anuradha and Anie…indeed one change in this arena. Robin Lim presented her work as a fully embraced by each partner and thus generated to Nepal by spending some days in London. She asked Ian Hour during her stay in London, and asked a Chinese TV of the philanthropists in the audience pledged to donate a midwife and introduced students in the course to the enough critical mass and energy to achieve what seemed if the reception could be held at the wonderful showroom news channel to lm the reception...the edited version was signi cant sum to Maiti Nepal to support its brave importance of healing with love. The messages put forth to become a self- perpetuating momentum. While the of the highly respected jewellery company G International seen by millions of people around the world. campaign. by Ibu Robin and Ibu Anie in this course were of groups involved have not yet formed on-going long term he runs with his business partner Glenn Spiro. paramount importance because most of the students in partnerships, I would be surprised if some did not naturally When the evening arrived, everyone was on great form. I would like to end by thanking Anie and Anuradha for the the class aspire to go into medicine or the eld of health in evolve over time. While I may have helped raise the sails Ian agreed immediately and then asked if I would help him Ian made a lovely speech introducing Anuradha and Anie, gifts they presented me with for helping organise the some way. Inspired by the approach Wadah encompasses, for this event, it was clearly God’s grace that lled the sails. and also invite suitable guests from my network of and thanking the guests for attending. He then asked event…I will treasure them for the rest of my life. the students now understand healing as an endeavor of
love. This message has stayed with them to this day and will remain in their hearts forever.
The next stop for the Wadah family was the Pomona Women’s Union. The Women’s Union has been a sacred space and an important symbol for the Pomona campus for many decades. It is a space for honest and open conversation, and a place to discuss women’s empowerment and issues pertaining to inequality. Being joined by the Wadah family was such a treat for the members of the Women’s Union, who included Acting President Cecilia Conrad, Acting Dean Betsy Crighton and a wide array of faculty and students among them that day. At the Women’s Union, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin spoke once again from the heart. They talked about what brought them to the work that they do, and discussed the founding of the Wadah and Bumi Sehat Foundations. Ibu Robin told the stories of the women with whom she works with day in and day out, whose lives have been changed by the women at Bumi Sehat. These mothers have been given a new chance, and an opportunity to birth and heal in a safe space thanks to the nancial support of Wadah, and the emotional support of Bumi Sehat. Ibu Anie then presented
her story and discussed how she had come to found Wadah. She then spoke of the inspiring work of the Wadah foundation in promoting women’s rights and human rights throughout Asia. Members of the Women’s Union were left feeling inspired to join the Wadah family in the ght for women’s rights globally. At least three students volunteered to join Ibu Anie in Indonesia to help Wadah further its important work.
After lunch, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin spoke to a group of seniors at Pomona who are all Gender and Women’s Studies majors in the Gender and Women’s Studies senior seminar. In this intimate gathering of a dozen students, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin had the chance to delve deeply into their stories, articulating their thoughts on feminism, empowerment, equality, and the importance of community in building a movement for change. Students asked the Wadah members to teach them how to build a feminist movement that has broad reaching positive e ects. Ibu Anie explained that working through the heart, inspired by passion and dedication, anything is possible.
Without a doubt, the Wadah spirit has touched the Pomona College community. Ever since their visit in November, students and faculty alike have been talking about the amazing work of Wadah and the inspiring stories of Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin. We all feel blessed to have had the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by the Wadah family. Indeed, many in the Pomona community feel that they have already joined the Wadah family as well. Conversations on campus now focus on how to organize another event for our Wadah friends, so that we can keep the Wadah spirit alive at Pomona. Wadah entered Florida with all of the subtlety of a small by this team and in my heart, knew others would be Further extending the spirit of inclusiveness, each of these Although the event ended late, audience members tropical storm making landfall as a named hurricane. As a equally inspired if given the opportunity to meet them key local organizations, chose to invite other similar lingered at a hero’s reception put on by the church for the result of their inaugural event on Sanibel Island, which was too. So I deliberately choose to take greater action, casting non-pro ts, foundations, churches, government social opportunity to ask questions, have their photos taken and attended by approximately 200 people and read about by the net out farther yet trusting that whatever results service agencies and businesses to be part of the event; form partnerships of their own with other like-minded thousands more, Wadah Foundation established itself as a occurred would be up to the Lord. Here’s how the Lord did. upfront to maximize their sense of ownership and to attendees. In short, every organization and person that powerful, meaningful, inspirational global humanitarian maximize the achievement of broad-based awareness of participated in this event at any level, fully embraced it and force in Southwest Florida. Measurable Results: Based on Finite Objectives the event and the cause. In the end, two churches actively felt ful lled at its completion. I can unequivocally state, participated and all others were invited through their that our entire community felt richer, closer and more Initial Humble Objective Event Partners: We ended up with a core planning team Pastors/clergy. In addition, ve other local and regional inspired to take action to count to one as a result of having that initially appeared to be a most unlikely pairing. This non-pro t and social service organizations either had this event. Queries have already come in asking when The somewhat impromptu event began with the humble ultimately ideal core team ended up being an eclectic, speakers or informational tables and representatives these dynamic speakers can return. So if they aren’t intention of hosting a small informational tea to give a inclusive and in uential mix that included, The Sanibel present. coming to your town, they can certainly come back to my woman’s church group on this tiny island, an opportunity Community Church, Human Tra cking Awareness island where they are certain to receive a grander heroes' to hear from Wadah’s Patron Founder, Anie Partnerships and Zonta International. It was an unlikely Attendance/Audience Mix: The event was attended by welcome and more sizable audience. Djojohadikusumo, about how e orts of the foundation’s partnership because current U.S. dictates of political approximately 200 people. The audience included people team have one by one transformed the lives of individuals, correctness make us prone to believe that we cannot host of all faiths, ages (including several youth groups), and Clarity of Purpose; An Aid in Seeking Sponsors and entire communities and the world around them. an event in a venue of one religion without people of other social backgrounds. The audience was described as Making Decisions beliefs feeling unwelcome, uncomfortable or “engaged”, “attentive” and Yet as a Friend of Wadah I felt the overwhelming need to disrespected. Similar conventional thinking follows that “passionate”. I worked closely with Anie and treat the Wadah team’s time as a precious resource that secular social service events must be kept aseptically Alfredo upfront to agree upon should be treated as a trust (as in the Parable of Talents) masked/devoid of all religions to be deemed professional Media Coverage: Several a written statement objectives and thus utilized in a manner that would maximize the and neutral. Yet following the spirit of Wadah’s local newspapers chose for the event that would e ectiveness of its use. With her characteristic compassion inclusiveness, local bridges that had never been crossed to pick up and run press clearly communicate what we Anie reassured me Wadah would be grateful for the before were built to honor and serve our common releases announcing the were trying to accomplish. It intention of my e orts and that having even a small connectedness, our oneness in humanity. Creating these event. The local Visitors was a helpful device to review number of passionate attendees would be valued. While constructive local partnerships was in and of itself a Bureau and Chamber of with potential local event her understanding appeased my insecurity, it did nothing positive accomplishment that may not have been realized Commerce emailed event partners and to insure to tame my conscious. I was greatly honored and inspired without Wadah. announcements to their subsequent decisions and members as did the local trade-o s were consistent social service organizations, with our stated goals. The churches and non-pro ts. objectives we agreed upon In addition, the Sanibel were to: Community Church volunteered to run a paid 1. AWARENESS: Create and ad promoting the event. maximize broad-based Favorable, lengthy post- awareness among a high coverage of the event also quality/passionate audience appeared in the newspaper. of the magnitude of human rights violations that are Feedback/Action: Each of occurring around the world the non-pro ts received right now and to share what a discernible increase in Wadah Foundation and Maiti inquiries and positive Nepal are doing to prevent feedback following the such. event. As The Sanibel 2. ATTITUDE: To demonstrate Community Church Senior through the stories of their Pastor Daryl Donovan global foundations the descended the steps after seeing their new facility graced di erence ordinary people can make in changing the lives with the presence of 200 people who otherwise may not of individuals and in transforming entire communities and have entered their doors he declared with deep the world. satisfaction, “This was an historic event for our church 3. ACTION: To inspire others to take action. Do something, community.” The Co-Chair of the SW Florida Regional anything, wherever you are. Make your one count. Make Human Tra cking Coalition and Human Rights certain EVERY ONE COUNTS. COUNT TO ONE. So that one Partnership thanked us for raising awareness of and by one, little by little, collectively, we can turn the world supporting their cause. The Sanibel Chamber of around. "If the whole world collaborates we can change Commerce described the event as “powerful” and an asset the world." Anuradha says and lives. to our community. A local upscale eatery thanked us for the opportunity to serve our humanitarian entourage Backstory/Disclaimer: complimentary dinners as their way of supporting our Truth be told, when Anie rst o ered to come to my island heroes' e orts to achieve justice for so many. home and speak, I was simultaneously thrilled to see my
April 2013 | News | 23
I prayed about this “opportunity” with fear and trembling confessing to both God and Anie my fear based insecurities. Anie exuded empathy and reassurance in her clarifying response that she would be honored by any heartfelt e ort regardless of results. Darn her and her sincerity. Thus, I was o cially busted. I had to do it, insecurities and all. I did it afraid, but I did it as if I were doing it for the Lord, because I was. And with each obedient step I took, God rewarded my e ort with undeserved grace and encouragement. I can claim without hesitation that this event was an outstanding success for everyone involved, all thanks be to God. From the very beginning it was clear, while billed as a Wadah event, this was being done for God’s purposes. It was Anurudha Koirala dedicated to serving Him, His will, His people: all of them; beloved friends and seething with insecurity and the least, the lost and the last. Having asked for His will to self-doubt about hosting even an informal event on be done through this event, I should have known, it would Wadah’s behalf. I enumerated countless (and valid) be much bigger, better and broader reaching than we ever reasons for my reluctance: 1). I am a relatively new would have imagined. And it was. May the glory be to God seasonal resident on Sanibel and thus have few deep so people from every nation may come to have His peace, connections I thought I would need to put on a successful love and hope. event 2). There was less than two months until Anie would be there (with Thanksgiving in the middle further cutting into time), leaving little time to plan an event. My best, most all-encompassing excuse of all, 3). I’m only me.
When I silently re-read the very same quote I read aloud at the Wadah Global Gathering I was forced to admit how incredible lame and cowardly my excuses were. “I am only Anuradha to take the microphone and she captivated the Paul Hensby, Ian Rose one. But I am one. I cannot do everything but I can do audience with her talk on how she and her movement On November 27, 2012, we at Pomona College had something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere were tackling the terrible sex tra cking of Nepalese girls the great honor and privilege to host the Wadah family with what I can do.” Edmund Everett Hale and young women. She also showed the lm made by on our campus. Wadah founder and patron Anie CNN which highlighted her unique energy, charisma and Djojohadikusumo spearheaded the events with much bravery in ghting the evil trade. gusto and enthusiasm, and our campus is still abuzz with the excitement and inspiration that Wadah brought to us Ian then invited Anie to speak on the work and values of last year. WADAH. Anie's enthusiasm and love was evident in every word, every smile and every gesture. Above all was her “Hold up both of your hands and spread the love,” said admiration and respect for Anuradha and her team. The CNN Hero Robin Lim, as the classroom was lled with the London audience was amazed to discover the scope of Wadah spirit and positive energy. Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin WADAH's work, shown in a short, e ective video. began the visit with a special lecture in one of Pomona’s most popular courses, Medical Anthropology. There, Ibu The question and answer session that followed con rmed Anie and Ibu Robin were joined by the esteemed I was honoured to be asked by Ian Rose, a long standing successful investors, entrepreneurs and philanthropists. how much the audience had been a ected by the dreadful Djojohadikusumo family members, Pak Hashim This event was unlike any other event I have ever been part London-based friend of WADAH, to help organise a I enjoyed working with Ian and his loyal assistants Abby stories of the tra cked girls. Everyone there wished Ibu Anie Djojohadikusumo and their daughters Sara and Indra. The of, in that it proved to be an unequivocal, resounding reception to welcome Anuradha Koirala, founder of Maiti and Clemmie who deserve much of the credit for the Anuradha to succeed in ending this terrible trade. The focus of the discussion in this class was on Wadah’s work to success not just for some of the participants, but for each Nepal to London. success of the event…within a few days the guest list was event ended with guests and speakers networking and empower men, women and children in the arena of health and every local organization and party that chose to be drawn up and a plan of action agreed, including selecting nding out more about WADAH and Maiti Nepal. and healing, bringing body and soul in line with the involved. Everyone left more full, inspired and energized as Anuradha, accompanied by Mrs. Anie Hashim, and her the caterers, hiring the audio visual equipment and message of justice and equality that Wadah embodies. Ibu a result of this gathering. In e ect, the evening proved to right-hand man Bishwo Ram Khadka, had been a guest at sending out the invites. In the days that followed, Ian and I received emails from Anie spoke about the amazing work that Wadah has been be a real-life, earthly example of the Biblical principle of the 2012 CNN Hero Of The Year award ceremony in Los many of the guests to thank us and say how much they doing throughout Asia to promote health and human miraculous multiplication as it was exhibited in the story of Angeles. Anie, who was at Anuradha’s side during this My background is in media management, and I arranged had learned from the evening. They were moved by the rights, and inspired students to work towards social loaves and shes. While it began humbly, the event was gruelling trip, decided they would break the journey back for Anuradha to be interviewed on BBC Radio 4's Woman's presentations given by Anuradha and Anie…indeed one change in this arena. Robin Lim presented her work as a fully embraced by each partner and thus generated to Nepal by spending some days in London. She asked Ian Hour during her stay in London, and asked a Chinese TV of the philanthropists in the audience pledged to donate a midwife and introduced students in the course to the enough critical mass and energy to achieve what seemed if the reception could be held at the wonderful showroom news channel to lm the reception...the edited version was signi cant sum to Maiti Nepal to support its brave importance of healing with love. The messages put forth to become a self- perpetuating momentum. While the of the highly respected jewellery company G International seen by millions of people around the world. campaign. by Ibu Robin and Ibu Anie in this course were of groups involved have not yet formed on-going long term he runs with his business partner Glenn Spiro. paramount importance because most of the students in partnerships, I would be surprised if some did not naturally When the evening arrived, everyone was on great form. I would like to end by thanking Anie and Anuradha for the the class aspire to go into medicine or the eld of health in evolve over time. While I may have helped raise the sails Ian agreed immediately and then asked if I would help him Ian made a lovely speech introducing Anuradha and Anie, gifts they presented me with for helping organise the some way. Inspired by the approach Wadah encompasses, the students now understand healing as an endeavor of for this event, it was clearly God’s grace that lled the sails. and also invite suitable guests from my network of and thanking the guests for attending. He then asked event…I will treasure them for the rest of my life. Friends of WADAH in London
love. This message has stayed with them to this day and will remain in their hearts forever.
The next stop for the Wadah family was the Pomona Women’s Union. The Women’s Union has been a sacred space and an important symbol for the Pomona campus for many decades. It is a space for honest and open conversation, and a place to discuss women’s empowerment and issues pertaining to inequality. Being joined by the Wadah family was such a treat for the members of the Women’s Union, who included Acting President Cecilia Conrad, Acting Dean Betsy Crighton and a wide array of faculty and students among them that day. At the Women’s Union, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin spoke once again from the heart. They talked about what brought them to the work that they do, and discussed the founding of the Wadah and Bumi Sehat Foundations. Ibu Robin told the stories of the women with whom she works with day in and day out, whose lives have been changed by the women at Bumi Sehat. These mothers have been given a new chance, and an opportunity to birth and heal in a safe space thanks to the nancial support of Wadah, and the emotional support of Bumi Sehat. Ibu Anie then presented
her story and discussed how she had come to found Wadah. She then spoke of the inspiring work of the Wadah foundation in promoting women’s rights and human rights throughout Asia. Members of the Women’s Union were left feeling inspired to join the Wadah family in the ght for women’s rights globally. At least three students volunteered to join Ibu Anie in Indonesia to help Wadah further its important work.
After lunch, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin spoke to a group of seniors at Pomona who are all Gender and Women’s Studies majors in the Gender and Women’s Studies senior seminar. In this intimate gathering of a dozen students, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin had the chance to delve deeply into their stories, articulating their thoughts on feminism, empowerment, equality, and the importance of community in building a movement for change. Students asked the Wadah members to teach them how to build a feminist movement that has broad reaching positive e ects. Ibu Anie explained that working through the heart, inspired by passion and dedication, anything is possible.
Without a doubt, the Wadah spirit has touched the Pomona College community. Ever since their visit in November, students and faculty alike have been talking about the amazing work of Wadah and the inspiring stories of Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin. We all feel blessed to have had the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by the Wadah family. Indeed, many in the Pomona community feel that they have already joined the Wadah family as well. Conversations on campus now focus on how to organize another event for our Wadah friends, so that we can keep the Wadah spirit alive at Pomona. Wadah entered Florida with all of the subtlety of a small by this team and in my heart, knew others would be Further extending the spirit of inclusiveness, each of these Although the event ended late, audience members tropical storm making landfall as a named hurricane. As a equally inspired if given the opportunity to meet them key local organizations, chose to invite other similar lingered at a hero’s reception put on by the church for the result of their inaugural event on Sanibel Island, which was too. So I deliberately choose to take greater action, casting non-pro ts, foundations, churches, government social opportunity to ask questions, have their photos taken and attended by approximately 200 people and read about by the net out farther yet trusting that whatever results service agencies and businesses to be part of the event; form partnerships of their own with other like-minded thousands more, Wadah Foundation established itself as a occurred would be up to the Lord. Here’s how the Lord did. upfront to maximize their sense of ownership and to attendees. In short, every organization and person that powerful, meaningful, inspirational global humanitarian maximize the achievement of broad-based awareness of participated in this event at any level, fully embraced it and force in Southwest Florida. Measurable Results: Based on Finite Objectives the event and the cause. In the end, two churches actively felt ful lled at its completion. I can unequivocally state, participated and all others were invited through their that our entire community felt richer, closer and more Initial Humble Objective Event Partners: We ended up with a core planning team Pastors/clergy. In addition, ve other local and regional inspired to take action to count to one as a result of having that initially appeared to be a most unlikely pairing. This non-pro t and social service organizations either had this event. Queries have already come in asking when The somewhat impromptu event began with the humble ultimately ideal core team ended up being an eclectic, speakers or informational tables and representatives these dynamic speakers can return. So if they aren’t intention of hosting a small informational tea to give a inclusive and in uential mix that included, The Sanibel present. coming to your town, they can certainly come back to my woman’s church group on this tiny island, an opportunity Community Church, Human Tra cking Awareness island where they are certain to receive a grander heroes' to hear from Wadah’s Patron Founder, Anie Partnerships and Zonta International. It was an unlikely Attendance/Audience Mix: The event was attended by welcome and more sizable audience. Djojohadikusumo, about how e orts of the foundation’s partnership because current U.S. dictates of political approximately 200 people. The audience included people team have one by one transformed the lives of individuals, correctness make us prone to believe that we cannot host of all faiths, ages (including several youth groups), and Clarity of Purpose; An Aid in Seeking Sponsors and entire communities and the world around them. an event in a venue of one religion without people of other social backgrounds. The audience was described as Making Decisions beliefs feeling unwelcome, uncomfortable or “engaged”, “attentive” and Yet as a Friend of Wadah I felt the overwhelming need to disrespected. Similar conventional thinking follows that “passionate”. I worked closely with Anie and treat the Wadah team’s time as a precious resource that secular social service events must be kept aseptically Alfredo upfront to agree upon should be treated as a trust (as in the Parable of Talents) masked/devoid of all religions to be deemed professional Media Coverage: Several a written statement objectives and thus utilized in a manner that would maximize the and neutral. Yet following the spirit of Wadah’s local newspapers chose for the event that would e ectiveness of its use. With her characteristic compassion inclusiveness, local bridges that had never been crossed to pick up and run press clearly communicate what we Anie reassured me Wadah would be grateful for the before were built to honor and serve our common releases announcing the were trying to accomplish. It intention of my e orts and that having even a small connectedness, our oneness in humanity. Creating these event. The local Visitors was a helpful device to review number of passionate attendees would be valued. While constructive local partnerships was in and of itself a Bureau and Chamber of with potential local event her understanding appeased my insecurity, it did nothing positive accomplishment that may not have been realized Commerce emailed event partners and to insure to tame my conscious. I was greatly honored and inspired without Wadah. announcements to their subsequent decisions and members as did the local trade-o s were consistent social service organizations, with our stated goals. The churches and non-pro ts. objectives we agreed upon In addition, the Sanibel were to: Community Church volunteered to run a paid 1. AWARENESS: Create and ad promoting the event. maximize broad-based Favorable, lengthy post- awareness among a high coverage of the event also quality/passionate audience appeared in the newspaper. of the magnitude of human rights violations that are Feedback/Action: Each of occurring around the world the non-pro ts received right now and to share what a discernible increase in Wadah Foundation and Maiti inquiries and positive Nepal are doing to prevent feedback following the such. event. As The Sanibel 2. ATTITUDE: To demonstrate Community Church Senior through the stories of their Pastor Daryl Donovan global foundations the descended the steps after seeing their new facility graced di erence ordinary people can make in changing the lives with the presence of 200 people who otherwise may not of individuals and in transforming entire communities and have entered their doors he declared with deep the world. satisfaction, “This was an historic event for our church 3. ACTION: To inspire others to take action. Do something, community.” The Co-Chair of the SW Florida Regional anything, wherever you are. Make your one count. Make Human Tra cking Coalition and Human Rights certain EVERY ONE COUNTS. COUNT TO ONE. So that one Partnership thanked us for raising awareness of and by one, little by little, collectively, we can turn the world supporting their cause. The Sanibel Chamber of around. "If the whole world collaborates we can change Commerce described the event as “powerful” and an asset the world." Anuradha says and lives. to our community. A local upscale eatery thanked us for the opportunity to serve our humanitarian entourage Backstory/Disclaimer: complimentary dinners as their way of supporting our Truth be told, when Anie rst o ered to come to my island heroes' e orts to achieve justice for so many. home and speak, I was simultaneously thrilled to see my
24 | April 2013 | News
I prayed about this “opportunity” with fear and trembling confessing to both God and Anie my fear based insecurities. Anie exuded empathy and reassurance in her clarifying response that she would be honored by any heartfelt e ort regardless of results. Darn her and her sincerity. Thus, I was o cially busted. I had to do it, insecurities and all. I did it afraid, but I did it as if I were doing it for the Lord, because I was. And with each obedient step I took, God rewarded my e ort with undeserved grace and encouragement. I can claim without hesitation that this event was an outstanding success for everyone involved, all thanks be to God. From the very beginning it was clear, while billed as a Wadah event, this was being done for God’s purposes. It was dedicated to serving Him, His will, His people: all of them; beloved friends and seething with insecurity and the least, the lost and the last. Having asked for His will to self-doubt about hosting even an informal event on be done through this event, I should have known, it would Wadah’s behalf. I enumerated countless (and valid) be much bigger, better and broader reaching than we ever reasons for my reluctance: 1). I am a relatively new would have imagined. And it was. May the glory be to God seasonal resident on Sanibel and thus have few deep so people from every nation may come to have His peace, connections I thought I would need to put on a successful love and hope. event 2). There was less than two months until Anie would be there (with Thanksgiving in the middle further cutting into time), leaving little time to plan an event. My best, most all-encompassing excuse of all, 3). I’m only me. From left Jenny Wysynski, Tori Bellino, Ibu Anie, Margaret Connor
When I silently re-read the very same quote I read aloud at the Wadah Global Gathering I was forced to admit how Roadshow in the West Coast incredible lame and cowardly my excuses were. “I am only one. But I am one. I cannot do everything but I can do On November 27, 2012, we at Pomona College had something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere the great honor and privilege to host the Wadah family with what I can do.” Edmund Everett Hale on our campus. Wadah founder and patron Anie Djojohadikusumo spearheaded the events with much gusto and enthusiasm, and our campus is still abuzz with The the excitement and inspiration that Wadah brought to us last year.
Wadah “Hold up both of your hands and spread the love,” said CNN Hero Robin Lim, as the classroom was lled with the Wadah spirit and positive energy. Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin began the visit with a special lecture in one of Pomona’s Spirit most popular courses, Medical Anthropology. There, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin were joined by the esteemed Djojohadikusumo family members, Pak Hashim This event was unlike any other event I have ever been part Djojohadikusumo and their daughters Sara and Indra. The of, in that it proved to be an unequivocal, resounding Touches focus of the discussion in this class was on Wadah’s work to success not just for some of the participants, but for each empower men, women and children in the arena of health and every local organization and party that chose to be and healing, bringing body and soul in line with the involved. Everyone left more full, inspired and energized as message of justice and equality that Wadah embodies. Ibu a result of this gathering. In e ect, the evening proved to Pomona Anie spoke about the amazing work that Wadah has been be a real-life, earthly example of the Biblical principle of doing throughout Asia to promote health and human miraculous multiplication as it was exhibited in the story of rights, and inspired students to work towards social loaves and shes. While it began humbly, the event was change in this arena. Robin Lim presented her work as a College midwife and introduced students in the course to the fully embraced by each partner and thus generated enough critical mass and energy to achieve what seemed importance of healing with love. The messages put forth to become a self- perpetuating momentum. While the By Pardis Mahdavi, Ph.D. by Ibu Robin and Ibu Anie in this course were of groups involved have not yet formed on-going long term paramount importance because most of the students in partnerships, I would be surprised if some did not naturally the class aspire to go into medicine or the eld of health in evolve over time. While I may have helped raise the sails some way. Inspired by the approach Wadah encompasses, for this event, it was clearly God’s grace that lled the sails. the students now understand healing as an endeavor of
love. This message has stayed with them to this day and will remain in their hearts forever.
The next stop for the Wadah family was the Pomona Women’s Union. The Women’s Union has been a sacred space and an important symbol for the Pomona campus for many decades. It is a space for honest and open conversation, and a place to discuss women’s empowerment and issues pertaining to inequality. Being joined by the Wadah family was such a treat for the members of the Women’s Union, who included Acting President Cecilia Conrad, Acting Dean Betsy Crighton and a wide array of faculty and students among them that day. At the Women’s Union, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin spoke once again from the heart. They talked about what brought them to the work that they do, and discussed the founding of the Wadah and Bumi Sehat Foundations. Ibu Robin told the stories of the women with whom she works with day in and day out, whose lives have been changed by the women at Bumi Sehat. These mothers have been given a new chance, and an opportunity to birth and heal in a safe space thanks to the nancial support of Wadah, and the emotional support of Bumi Sehat. Ibu Anie then presented
her story and discussed how she had come to found Wadah. She then spoke of the inspiring work of the Wadah foundation in promoting women’s rights and human rights throughout Asia. Members of the Women’s Union were left feeling inspired to join the Wadah family in the ght for women’s rights globally. At least three students volunteered to join Ibu Anie in Indonesia to help Wadah further its important work.
After lunch, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin spoke to a group of seniors at Pomona who are all Gender and Women’s Studies majors in the Gender and Women’s Studies senior seminar. In this intimate gathering of a dozen students, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin had the chance to delve deeply into their stories, articulating their thoughts on feminism, empowerment, equality, and the importance of community in building a movement for change. Students asked the Wadah members to teach them how to build a feminist movement that has broad reaching positive e ects. Ibu Anie explained that working through the heart, inspired by passion and dedication, anything is possible.
Without a doubt, the Wadah spirit has touched the Pomona College community. Ever since their visit in November, students and faculty alike have been talking about the amazing work of Wadah and the inspiring stories of Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin. We all feel blessed to have had the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by the Wadah family. Indeed, many in the Pomona community feel that they have already joined the Wadah family as well. Conversations on campus now focus on how to organize another event for our Wadah friends, so that we can keep the Wadah spirit alive at Pomona. On November 27, 2012, we at Pomona College had the great honor and privilege to host the Wadah family on our campus. Wadah founder and patron Anie Djojohadikusumo spearheaded the events with much gusto and enthusiasm, and our campus is still abuzz with the excitement and inspiration that Wadah brought to us last year.
“Hold up both of your hands and spread the love,” said CNN Hero Robin Lim, as the classroom was lled with the Wadah spirit and positive energy. Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin began the visit with a special lecture in one of Pomona’s most popular courses, Medical Anthropology. There, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin were joined by the esteemed Djojohadikusumo family members, Pak Hashim Djojohadikusumo and their daughters Sara and Indra. The focus of the discussion in this class was on Wadah’s work to empower men, women and children in the arena of health and healing, bringing body and soul in line with the message of justice and equality that Wadah embodies. Ibu Anie spoke about the amazing work that Wadah has been doing throughout Asia to promote health and human rights, and inspired students to work towards social change in this arena. Robin Lim presented her work as a midwife and introduced students in the course to the importance of healing with love. The messages put forth by Ibu Robin and Ibu Anie in this course were of paramount importance because most of the students in the class aspire to go into medicine or the eld of health in some way. Inspired by the approach Wadah encompasses, the students now understand healing as an endeavor of
April 2013 | News | 25
love. This message has stayed with them to this day and will remain in their hearts forever.
The next stop for the Wadah family was the Pomona Women’s Union. The Women’s Union has been a sacred space and an important symbol for the Pomona campus for many decades. It is a space for honest and open conversation, and a place to discuss women’s empowerment and issues pertaining to inequality. Being joined by the Wadah family was such a treat for the members of the Women’s Union, who included Acting From Ibu Anie to Pardis Mahdavi Ph.D., a token of appreciation from Wadah Foundation President Cecilia Conrad, Acting Dean Betsy Crighton and a wide array of faculty and students among them that day. At the Women’s Union, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin spoke once again from the heart. They talked about what brought them to the work that they do, and discussed the founding of the Wadah and Bumi Sehat Foundations. Ibu Robin told the stories of the women with whom she works with day in and day out, whose lives have been changed by the women at Bumi Sehat. These mothers have been given a new chance, and an opportunity to birth and heal in a safe space thanks to the nancial support of Wadah, and the emotional support of Bumi Sehat. Ibu Anie then presented
Dr. Madhavi's class in Pomona
her story and discussed how she had come to found Wadah. She then spoke of the inspiring work of the Wadah foundation in promoting women’s rights and human rights throughout Asia. Members of the Women’s Union were left feeling inspired to join the Wadah family in the ght for women’s rights globally. At least three students volunteered to join Ibu Anie in Indonesia to help Wadah further its important work. Ibu Robin After lunch, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin spoke to a group of seniors at Pomona who are all Gender and Women’s Studies majors in the Gender and Women’s Studies senior seminar. In this intimate gathering of a dozen students, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin had the chance to delve deeply into their stories, articulating their thoughts on feminism, empowerment, equality, and the importance of community in building a movement for change. Students asked the Wadah members to teach them how to build a feminist movement that has broad reaching positive e ects. Ibu Anie explained that working through the heart, inspired by passion and dedication, anything is possible.
Without a doubt, the Wadah spirit has touched the Pomona College Acting President Cecilia Conrad Ph.D., center Pomona College community. Ever since their visit in November, students and faculty alike have been talking about the amazing work of Wadah and the inspiring stories of Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin. We all feel blessed to have had the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by the Wadah family. Indeed, many in the Pomona community feel that they have already joined the Wadah family as well. Conversations on campus now focus on how to organize another event for our Wadah friends, so that we can keep the Wadah spirit alive at Pomona. On November 27, 2012, we at Pomona College had the great honor and privilege to host the Wadah family on our campus. Wadah founder and patron Anie Djojohadikusumo spearheaded the events with much gusto and enthusiasm, and our campus is still abuzz with the excitement and inspiration that Wadah brought to us last year.
“Hold up both of your hands and spread the love,” said CNN Hero Robin Lim, as the classroom was lled with the Wadah spirit and positive energy. Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin began the visit with a special lecture in one of Pomona’s most popular courses, Medical Anthropology. There, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin were joined by the esteemed Djojohadikusumo family members, Pak Hashim Djojohadikusumo and their daughters Sara and Indra. The focus of the discussion in this class was on Wadah’s work to empower men, women and children in the arena of health and healing, bringing body and soul in line with the message of justice and equality that Wadah embodies. Ibu Anie spoke about the amazing work that Wadah has been doing throughout Asia to promote health and human rights, and inspired students to work towards social change in this arena. Robin Lim presented her work as a midwife and introduced students in the course to the importance of healing with love. The messages put forth by Ibu Robin and Ibu Anie in this course were of paramount importance because most of the students in the class aspire to go into medicine or the eld of health in some way. Inspired by the approach Wadah encompasses, the students now understand healing as an endeavor of
26 | April 2013 | News
love. This message has stayed with them to this day and will remain in their hearts forever.
The next stop for the Wadah family was the Pomona Women’s Union. The Women’s Union has been a sacred space and an important symbol for the Pomona campus for many decades. It is a space for honest and open conversation, and a place to discuss women’s empowerment and issues pertaining to inequality. Being joined by the Wadah family was such a treat for the members of the Women’s Union, who included Acting President Cecilia Conrad, Acting Dean Betsy Crighton and a wide array of faculty and students among them that day. At the Women’s Union, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin spoke once again from the heart. They talked about what brought them to the work that they do, and discussed the founding of the Wadah and Bumi Sehat Foundations. Ibu Robin told the stories of the women with whom she works with day in and day out, whose lives have been changed by the women at Bumi Sehat. These mothers have been given a new chance, and an opportunity to birth and heal in a safe space thanks to the nancial support of Wadah, and the emotional support of Bumi Sehat. Ibu Anie then presented
her story and discussed how she had come to found Wadah. She then spoke of the inspiring work of the Wadah foundation in promoting women’s rights and human rights throughout Asia. Members of the Women’s Union were left feeling inspired to join the Wadah family in the ght for women’s rights globally. At least three students volunteered to join Ibu Anie in Indonesia to help Wadah further its important work. “Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it.” At the event, children were grouped according to their Proverbs 3:27 school levels. Grades 1 to 4 were in one group, Grades 5 to After lunch, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin spoke to a group of 7 in another. Learning activities focused on basic English, seniors at Pomona who are all Gender and Women’s Last November 25, 2012, members of the Iglesia ni Cristo arts and music. Studies majors in the Gender and Women’s Studies senior or INC (Church of Christ) in Jakarta took the opportunity of seminar. In this intimate gathering of a dozen students, the holiday to spend time with the children of Arsari While the younger children were taught children's English Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin had the chance to delve deeply Kampung Beting Community, an urban community songs, the English alphabet, and basic crafts, the into their stories, articulating their thoughts on feminism, supported by the Wadah Titian Harapan Foundation. adolescents were encouraged to use their creativity with empowerment, equality, and the importance of role plays and team-building exercises. community in building a movement for change. Students INC members are largely Filipino professionals working in asked the Wadah members to teach them how to build a Jakarta. Most of the volunteers for this event were Prizes were given to those who were active and who feminist movement that has broad reaching positive elementary and high school teachers from various excelled. e ects. Ibu Anie explained that working through the heart, international schools in Jakarta. inspired by passion and dedication, anything is possible. Before the volunteers left, they distributed milk and Aligned with one of the church’s global activities, “Aid to cookies to the participants. Without a doubt, the Wadah spirit has touched the Humanity”, the group, led by Al Torno and Michael Alcid, Pomona College community. Ever since their visit in adopted a theme that embodied the spirit of the Wadah Arsari Kampung Beting coordinator Ricardo Hutahaean November, students and faculty alike have been talking Foundation -- Sharing. together with Wadah Foundation representative Arya about the amazing work of Wadah and the inspiring Subamia thanked the group for inspiring and motivating stories of Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin. We all feel blessed to Armed with the credentials and experience to teach the children. have had the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by children and teens, the volunteers were especially eager the Wadah family. Indeed, many in the Pomona not only to ful ll a spiritual duty to serve and share but In return, they conveyed their thanks to Ricardo and to the community feel that they have already joined the Wadah also to indulge in their personal passion, teaching. foundation and promised to continue Sharing on a regular family as well. Conversations on campus now focus on basis in other Wadah communities. how to organize another event for our Wadah friends, so INC members pose with Kp Beting Children that we can keep the Wadah spirit alive at Pomona. On November 27, 2012, we at Pomona College had the great honor and privilege to host the Wadah family on our campus. Wadah founder and patron Anie Djojohadikusumo spearheaded the events with much gusto and enthusiasm, and our campus is still abuzz with the excitement and inspiration that Wadah brought to us last year.
“Hold up both of your hands and spread the love,” said CNN Hero Robin Lim, as the classroom was lled with the Wadah spirit and positive energy. Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin began the visit with a special lecture in one of Pomona’s most popular courses, Medical Anthropology. There, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin were joined by the esteemed Djojohadikusumo family members, Pak Hashim Djojohadikusumo and their daughters Sara and Indra. The focus of the discussion in this class was on Wadah’s work to empower men, women and children in the arena of health and healing, bringing body and soul in line with the message of justice and equality that Wadah embodies. Ibu Anie spoke about the amazing work that Wadah has been doing throughout Asia to promote health and human rights, and inspired students to work towards social change in this arena. Robin Lim presented her work as a midwife and introduced students in the course to the importance of healing with love. The messages put forth by Ibu Robin and Ibu Anie in this course were of paramount importance because most of the students in the class aspire to go into medicine or the eld of health in some way. Inspired by the approach Wadah encompasses, the students now understand healing as an endeavor of
April 2013 | News | 27
love. This message has stayed with them to this day and will remain in their hearts forever.
The next stop for the Wadah family was the Pomona Women’s Union. The Women’s Union has been a sacred space and an important symbol for the Pomona campus for many decades. It is a space for honest and open conversation, and a place to discuss women’s empowerment and issues pertaining to inequality. Being joined by the Wadah family was such a treat for the members of the Women’s Union, who included Acting President Cecilia Conrad, Acting Dean Betsy Crighton and a wide array of faculty and students among them that day. At the Women’s Union, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin spoke once again from the heart. They talked about what brought them to the work that they do, and discussed the founding of the Wadah and Bumi Sehat Foundations. Ibu Robin told the stories of the women with whom she works with day in and day out, whose lives have been changed by the women at Bumi Sehat. These mothers have been given a new chance, and an opportunity to birth and heal in a safe space thanks to the nancial support of Wadah, and the emotional support of Bumi Sehat. Ibu Anie then presented
her story and discussed how she had come to found Wadah. She then spoke of the inspiring work of the Wadah foundation in promoting women’s rights and human (From the left) INC members December Paras, Al Torno, Lilibeth Saludez, Donar Cung, Gina Alcid, AJ Alcid and Glyn Taganile rights throughout Asia. Members of the Women’s Union were left feeling inspired to join the Wadah family in the ght for women’s rights globally. At least three students volunteered to join Ibu Anie in Indonesia to help Wadah further its important work. “Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it.” At the event, children were grouped according to their Proverbs 3:27 school levels. Grades 1 to 4 were in one group, Grades 5 to After lunch, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin spoke to a group of 7 in another. Learning activities focused on basic English, seniors at Pomona who are all Gender and Women’s Last November 25, 2012, members of the Iglesia ni Cristo arts and music. Studies majors in the Gender and Women’s Studies senior or INC (Church of Christ) in Jakarta took the opportunity of seminar. In this intimate gathering of a dozen students, the holiday to spend time with the children of Arsari While the younger children were taught children's English Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin had the chance to delve deeply Kampung Beting Community, an urban community songs, the English alphabet, and basic crafts, the into their stories, articulating their thoughts on feminism, supported by the Wadah Titian Harapan Foundation. adolescents were encouraged to use their creativity with empowerment, equality, and the importance of role plays and team-building exercises. community in building a movement for change. Students INC members are largely Filipino professionals working in asked the Wadah members to teach them how to build a Jakarta. Most of the volunteers for this event were Prizes were given to those who were active and who feminist movement that has broad reaching positive elementary and high school teachers from various excelled. e ects. Ibu Anie explained that working through the heart, international schools in Jakarta. inspired by passion and dedication, anything is possible. Before the volunteers left, they distributed milk and Aligned with one of the church’s global activities, “Aid to cookies to the participants. Without a doubt, the Wadah spirit has touched the Humanity”, the group, led by Al Torno and Michael Alcid, Pomona College community. Ever since their visit in adopted a theme that embodied the spirit of the Wadah Arsari Kampung Beting coordinator Ricardo Hutahaean November, students and faculty alike have been talking Foundation -- Sharing. together with Wadah Foundation representative Arya about the amazing work of Wadah and the inspiring Subamia thanked the group for inspiring and motivating stories of Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin. We all feel blessed to Armed with the credentials and experience to teach the children. have had the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by children and teens, the volunteers were especially eager the Wadah family. Indeed, many in the Pomona not only to ful ll a spiritual duty to serve and share but In return, they conveyed their thanks to Ricardo and to the community feel that they have already joined the Wadah also to indulge in their personal passion, teaching. foundation and promised to continue Sharing on a regular family as well. Conversations on campus now focus on basis in other Wadah communities. how to organize another event for our Wadah friends, so that we can keep the Wadah spirit alive at Pomona. On November 27, 2012, we at Pomona College had the great honor and privilege to host the Wadah family on our campus. Wadah founder and patron Anie Djojohadikusumo spearheaded the events with much gusto and enthusiasm, and our campus is still abuzz with the excitement and inspiration that Wadah brought to us last year.
“Hold up both of your hands and spread the love,” said CNN Hero Robin Lim, as the classroom was lled with the Wadah spirit and positive energy. Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin began the visit with a special lecture in one of Pomona’s most popular courses, Medical Anthropology. There, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin were joined by the esteemed Djojohadikusumo family members, Pak Hashim Djojohadikusumo and their daughters Sara and Indra. The focus of the discussion in this class was on Wadah’s work to empower men, women and children in the arena of health and healing, bringing body and soul in line with the message of justice and equality that Wadah embodies. Ibu Anie spoke about the amazing work that Wadah has been doing throughout Asia to promote health and human rights, and inspired students to work towards social change in this arena. Robin Lim presented her work as a midwife and introduced students in the course to the importance of healing with love. The messages put forth by Ibu Robin and Ibu Anie in this course were of paramount importance because most of the students in the class aspire to go into medicine or the eld of health in some way. Inspired by the approach Wadah encompasses, the students now understand healing as an endeavor of
28 | April 2013 | News
love. This message has stayed with them to this day and will remain in their hearts forever. Project GRACE:
The next stop for the Wadah family was the Pomona Women’s Union. The Women’s Union has been a sacred GReet And space and an important symbol for the Pomona campus for many decades. It is a space for honest and open conversation, and a place to discuss women’s empowerment and issues pertaining to inequality. Being joined by the Wadah family was such a treat for the members of the Women’s Union, who included Acting Last Dec 3, 2012, Yayasan Wadah Titian Harapan Aside from the lovely venue and the craft materials, the President Cecilia Conrad, Acting Dean Betsy Crighton and (Wadah) and InterContinental Jakarta MidPlaza – ICJMP hotel provided shuttle buses to transport the children and a wide array of faculty and students among them that day. (Intercontinental Hotel) jointly launched Project GRACE. their guardians, delectable meals, as well as use of the At the Women’s Union, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin spoke once hotel's pool facilities. again from the heart. They talked about what brought Project GRACE, from a contraction of GReet And CElebrate, them to the work that they do, and discussed the founding is a joint endeavor of the hotel and Wadah to put smiles on Project GRACE also put in place a way for hotel guests and of the Wadah and Bumi Sehat Foundations. Ibu Robin told the faces of the children being supported by the Wadah visitors to take part in the project: guests were given a the stories of the women with whom she works with day in Foundation on the occasion of Christmas. choice to donate Rp. 25,000, Rp. 50,000 or Rp. 150,000: and day out, whose lives have been changed by the amounts corresponding to christmas decor they then women at Bumi Sehat. These mothers have been given a Gingerbread decorating signaled the start of the program. hung on christmas trees located at the hotel lobby and the new chance, and an opportunity to birth and heal in a safe Looking on were hotel General Manager Hendrik Eising, Deli. Donation boxes were also available in said locations. space thanks to the nancial support of Wadah, and the Wadah Chairperson Retnaning Tyas, Wadah and emotional support of Bumi Sehat. Ibu Anie then presented Intercontinental Jakarta Midplaza sta . Thirty-three (33) The event achieved more than its goals as it just did not children representing Arsari communities Kampung put smiles on the faces of the children but also gladdened Beting, Pinggir Kali Bekasi and Jatibening were all present. The children went home with the ginger bread accompanied by their coordinators and tutors. they decorated and goody bags handed out by Intercontinental Hotel sta . her story and discussed how she had come to found Wadah. She then spoke of the inspiring work of the Wadah ICJMP Chef Gary Palm greets Fadlian Hilmannulloh from ARSARI Sukabaca “Be the Grace in the life of the least, the lost and the last”. foundation in promoting women’s rights and human rights throughout Asia. Members of the Women’s Union were left feeling inspired to join the Wadah family in the ght for women’s rights globally. At least three students volunteered to join Ibu Anie in Indonesia to help Wadah further its important work.
After lunch, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin spoke to a group of seniors at Pomona who are all Gender and Women’s Studies majors in the Gender and Women’s Studies senior seminar. In this intimate gathering of a dozen students, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin had the chance to delve deeply into their stories, articulating their thoughts on feminism, empowerment, equality, and the importance of community in building a movement for change. Students asked the Wadah members to teach them how to build a feminist movement that has broad reaching positive e ects. Ibu Anie explained that working through the heart, inspired by passion and dedication, anything is possible.
Without a doubt, the Wadah spirit has touched the Pomona College community. Ever since their visit in November, students and faculty alike have been talking about the amazing work of Wadah and the inspiring stories of Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin. We all feel blessed to have had the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by the Wadah family. Indeed, many in the Pomona community feel that they have already joined the Wadah family as well. Conversations on campus now focus on how to organize another event for our Wadah friends, so that we can keep the Wadah spirit alive at Pomona.
ICJMP General Manager Hendrik Eising with ARSARI children ICJMP Managers and sta welcome ARSARI children On November 27, 2012, we at Pomona College had the great honor and privilege to host the Wadah family on our campus. Wadah founder and patron Anie Djojohadikusumo spearheaded the events with much gusto and enthusiasm, and our campus is still abuzz with the excitement and inspiration that Wadah brought to us last year.
“Hold up both of your hands and spread the love,” said CNN Hero Robin Lim, as the classroom was lled with the Wadah spirit and positive energy. Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin began the visit with a special lecture in one of Pomona’s most popular courses, Medical Anthropology. There, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin were joined by the esteemed Djojohadikusumo family members, Pak Hashim Djojohadikusumo and their daughters Sara and Indra. The focus of the discussion in this class was on Wadah’s work to empower men, women and children in the arena of health and healing, bringing body and soul in line with the message of justice and equality that Wadah embodies. Ibu Anie spoke about the amazing work that Wadah has been doing throughout Asia to promote health and human rights, and inspired students to work towards social change in this arena. Robin Lim presented her work as a midwife and introduced students in the course to the importance of healing with love. The messages put forth by Ibu Robin and Ibu Anie in this course were of paramount importance because most of the students in the class aspire to go into medicine or the eld of health in some way. Inspired by the approach Wadah encompasses, the students now understand healing as an endeavor of
April 2013 | News | 29
love. This message has stayed with them to this day and will remain in their hearts forever.
The next stop for the Wadah family was the Pomona Women’s Union. The Women’s Union has been a sacred CElebrate space and an important symbol for the Pomona campus for many decades. It is a space for honest and open conversation, and a place to discuss women’s everyone! empowerment and issues pertaining to inequality. Being joined by the Wadah family was such a treat for the members of the Women’s Union, who included Acting Last Dec 3, 2012, Yayasan Wadah Titian Harapan Aside from the lovely venue and the craft materials, the President Cecilia Conrad, Acting Dean Betsy Crighton and (Wadah) and InterContinental Jakarta MidPlaza – ICJMP hotel provided shuttle buses to transport the children and a wide array of faculty and students among them that day. (Intercontinental Hotel) jointly launched Project GRACE. their guardians, delectable meals, as well as use of the At the Women’s Union, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin spoke once hotel's pool facilities. again from the heart. They talked about what brought Project GRACE, from a contraction of GReet And CElebrate, them to the work that they do, and discussed the founding is a joint endeavor of the hotel and Wadah to put smiles on Project GRACE also put in place a way for hotel guests and of the Wadah and Bumi Sehat Foundations. Ibu Robin told the faces of the children being supported by the Wadah visitors to take part in the project: guests were given a the stories of the women with whom she works with day in Foundation on the occasion of Christmas. choice to donate Rp. 25,000, Rp. 50,000 or Rp. 150,000: and day out, whose lives have been changed by the amounts corresponding to christmas decor they then women at Bumi Sehat. These mothers have been given a Gingerbread decorating signaled the start of the program. hung on christmas trees located at the hotel lobby and the new chance, and an opportunity to birth and heal in a safe Looking on were hotel General Manager Hendrik Eising, Deli. Donation boxes were also available in said locations. space thanks to the nancial support of Wadah, and the Wadah Chairperson Retnaning Tyas, Wadah and emotional support of Bumi Sehat. Ibu Anie then presented Intercontinental Jakarta Midplaza sta . Thirty-three (33) The event achieved more than its goals as it just did not children representing Arsari communities Kampung put smiles on the faces of the children but also gladdened Beting, Pinggir Kali Bekasi and Jatibening were all present. The children went home with the ginger bread accompanied by their coordinators and tutors. they decorated and goody bags handed out by Intercontinental Hotel sta . her story and discussed how she had come to found Wadah. She then spoke of the inspiring work of the Wadah “Be the Grace in the life of the least, the lost and the last”. foundation in promoting women’s rights and human rights throughout Asia. Members of the Women’s Union were left feeling inspired to join the Wadah family in the ght for women’s rights globally. At least three students volunteered to join Ibu Anie in Indonesia to help Wadah further its important work.
After lunch, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin spoke to a group of seniors at Pomona who are all Gender and Women’s Studies majors in the Gender and Women’s Studies senior seminar. In this intimate gathering of a dozen students, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin had the chance to delve deeply into their stories, articulating their thoughts on feminism, empowerment, equality, and the importance of community in building a movement for change. Students asked the Wadah members to teach them how to build a feminist movement that has broad reaching positive e ects. Ibu Anie explained that working through the heart, inspired by passion and dedication, anything is possible.
Without a doubt, the Wadah spirit has touched the Pomona College community. Ever since their visit in November, students and faculty alike have been talking about the amazing work of Wadah and the inspiring stories of Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin. We all feel blessed to have had the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by the Wadah family. Indeed, many in the Pomona community feel that they have already joined the Wadah family as well. Conversations on campus now focus on how to organize another event for our Wadah friends, so that we can keep the Wadah spirit alive at Pomona.
ICJMP and WADAH sta with ARSARI children On November 27, 2012, we at Pomona College had the great honor and privilege to host the Wadah family on our campus. Wadah founder and patron Anie Djojohadikusumo spearheaded the events with much gusto and enthusiasm, and our campus is still abuzz with the excitement and inspiration that Wadah brought to us last year.
“Hold up both of your hands and spread the love,” said CNN Hero Robin Lim, as the classroom was lled with the Wadah spirit and positive energy. Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin began the visit with a special lecture in one of Pomona’s most popular courses, Medical Anthropology. There, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin were joined by the esteemed Djojohadikusumo family members, Pak Hashim Djojohadikusumo and their daughters Sara and Indra. The focus of the discussion in this class was on Wadah’s work to empower men, women and children in the arena of health and healing, bringing body and soul in line with the message of justice and equality that Wadah embodies. Ibu Anie spoke about the amazing work that Wadah has been doing throughout Asia to promote health and human rights, and inspired students to work towards social change in this arena. Robin Lim presented her work as a midwife and introduced students in the course to the importance of healing with love. The messages put forth by Ibu Robin and Ibu Anie in this course were of paramount importance because most of the students in the class aspire to go into medicine or the eld of health in some way. Inspired by the approach Wadah encompasses, the students now understand healing as an endeavor of
30 | April 2013 | News Briefs
love. This message has stayed with them to this day and will remain in their hearts forever.
The next stop for the Wadah family was the Pomona Ibu Anie, Anuradha Koirala, CNN Hero nominee Razia Jan, Women’s Union. The Women’s Union has been a sacred Al Torno, Efren Pena orida space and an important symbol for the Pomona campus for many decades. It is a space for honest and open conversation, and a place to discuss women’s empowerment and issues pertaining to inequality. Being joined by the Wadah family was such a treat for the KB Manalaysay, Indra Djojohadikusumo, Ibu Anie, Anuradha Koirala, members of the Women’s Union, who included Acting Efren Pena orida, Robin Lim, Al Torno President Cecilia Conrad, Acting Dean Betsy Crighton and a wide array of faculty and students among them that day. At the Women’s Union, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin spoke once again from the heart. They talked about what brought them to the work that they do, and discussed the founding 2010 and 2012 CNN Heroes of the Year Anuradha Koirala and Pushpa Basnet of the Wadah and Bumi Sehat Foundations. Ibu Robin told the stories of the women with whom she works with day in and day out, whose lives have been changed by the Wadah at CNN Hero All-Star Tribute women at Bumi Sehat. These mothers have been given a new chance, and an opportunity to birth and heal in a safe Three former CNN Heroes of the Year Efren Pena orida, Anuradha space thanks to the nancial support of Wadah, and the Koirala and Robin Lim accompanied Ibu Anie, daughter Indra and emotional support of Bumi Sehat. Ibu Anie then presented Alfredo Torno III at the CNN Hero Awards night on Dec 2, 2012 at the Shrine Theater in Los Angeles, California. At the awards ceremony, Wadah was introduced to 2012 CNN Hero of the Year Pushpa Basnet from Nepal and CNN Hero nalist Razia Jan of CNN Hero nominee Catalina Escobar and Mr. Escobar, Afghanistan. Robin Lim and Wil Hammerle her story and discussed how she had come to found Wadah. She then spoke of the inspiring work of the Wadah foundation in promoting women’s rights and human rights throughout Asia. Members of the Women’s Union were left feeling inspired to join the Wadah family in the ght for women’s rights globally. At least three students volunteered to join Ibu Anie in Indonesia to help Wadah further its important work.
After lunch, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin spoke to a group of seniors at Pomona who are all Gender and Women’s Studies majors in the Gender and Women’s Studies senior seminar. In this intimate gathering of a dozen students, Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin had the chance to delve deeply into their stories, articulating their thoughts on feminism, empowerment, equality, and the importance of community in building a movement for change. Students asked the Wadah members to teach them how to build a feminist movement that has broad reaching positive e ects. Ibu Anie explained that working through the heart, inspired by passion and dedication, anything is possible. Wadah donates a Truck to Roslin Foundation Without a doubt, the Wadah spirit has touched the Pomona College community. Ever since their visit in Roslin Foundation's Capt. Budi Soehardi, a 2009 CNN Hero November, students and faculty alike have been talking nominee and a speaker at the recent WGG 2012 in Bali, received a about the amazing work of Wadah and the inspiring truck from Wadah, in ful llment of a promise made by Ibu Anie after the visit of Wadah and Yayasan Djojohadikusumo founders stories of Ibu Anie and Ibu Robin. We all feel blessed to and o cers to the Roslin Orphanage in July 2012. have had the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by the Wadah family. Indeed, many in the Pomona Capt. Budi, a Singapore Airlines pilot, and his wife Peggy founded community feel that they have already joined the Wadah Roslin Orphanage in 1999 to provide shelter and a home to family as well. Conversations on campus now focus on children abandoned and orphaned during the war in East Timor. how to organize another event for our Wadah friends, so that we can keep the Wadah spirit alive at Pomona. The truck arrived at Roslin Orphanage in November 2012. April 2013 | News Briefs | 31 Wadah Meets Scripps College
On December 2, 2012, upon the invitation of Ibu Anie, Scripps College President Prof. Lori Bettison-Varga together with Kimberley Valentine, Executive Director, Gifts Planning and Principal Gifts and Gayle Kelley, Special Advisor to the President joined the group of three CNN Heroes of the Year Efren Pena orida, Anuradha Koirala and Robin Lim for brunch at the Langham Hotel in Pasadena. The meeting marked the beginning of a possible collaboration between Wadah and Scripps College. Ms. Gayle Kelley is expected to come to Indonesia in April 2013 to further explore the collaboration.
Brunch at the Langham Hotel, Pasadena
(Seated from Left) Ibu Anie, Robin Lim, Efren Pena orida, Anuradha Koirala Kimberly Valentine, Pres. Lori Bettison-Varga, Efren Pena orida, (Standing from Left) Wil Hammerle, Al Torno, Gayle Kelley, Pres. Varga, Anuradha Koirala, Gayle Kelley K. Valentine, Lorie, Bishwo
Wadah Visits Barefoot College
Wadah Chairperson Retnaning Tyas and Wadah International Movement Secretary-General Alfredo Torno ew to Rajasthan, India, to visit the Barefoot College, a highly-regarded NGO that for more than 40 years, has been providing basic services and solutions to problems in rural communities in India and other underdeveloped countries with the aim of making them Barefoot College trainee spins thread as Ibu Tyas looks on self-su cient and sustainable.
The visit served as an introduction to Mr. Bunker Roy and to the amazing innovations in girls' and women's education that landed him in Time Magazine's 100 Most In uential People, having trained more than 3 million people for jobs in the modern world.
Wadah’s visit was most timely as Mr. Roy had just received approval to expand to Indonesia. Mr. Roy and his team are expected to visit Wadah in Jakarta when they conduct the selection of participants to their programs this coming September. Ibu Tyas, Bunker Roy, Al Torno
Barefoot College’s “solar engineers” Solar Panel Training Program at Barefoot College Campus Making a Difference Through Life-changing Gifts
US$ 2 - Rp. 20.000 Pays the fees for the release of a child’s Birth Certi cate Penebusan Akte kelahiran seorang anak
US$ 6 - Rp. 60.000 Counters the e ect of malnutrition in a child by providing a month’s supply of milk to augment a child’s diet Mengurangi malnutrisi pada anak melalui pemberian susu setiap bulan
US$ 50 - Rp. 500.000 Provides a start-up capital for a micro-entrepreneur Menyediakan modal untuk memulai usaha mikro
US$ 100 - Rp. 1.000.000 Procures one month’s supply of medicines for a community clinic Menyediakan obat-obatan bulanan untuk klinik masyarakat
US$ 450 - Rp. 4.500.000 Purchases a personal computer for a community library Membeli sebuah komputer untuk perpustakaan masyarakat
Please send your donations to :
Yayasan Wadah Titian Harapan Bank Mandiri, Jakarta Midplaza Branch Mid Plaza II, Jl. Jend Sudirman Kav. 10-11 Jakarta 10220, Indonesia
IDR Account 122-000-4936590 (Indonesian Rupiah) USD Account 122-000-4952753 (US Dollar) Swift Code BMRIIDJA Photograph by J. Nicholas Linsmayer for Wadah Newsletter Wadah for Nicholas Linsmayer J. by Photograph