By Febie Gonzales, Columban Lay Missionary in Taiwan
“Compassion is a language of God” -Pope Francis.
When I asked, “Why did you choose to come to Taiwan?” Adi, an Indonesian caregiver, replied, “To earn money for my family, to provide for their needs and well-being, to send my children to school, and to have a decent life back in my home country.”
I’ve known and worked with Adi since 2018 at the Ai Jia Development Center. She is married and has three children who live in Indonesia. She has been in Taiwan for a full ten years without a single trip home or even a local holiday, missing all the significant family events back home. After her first three years in Taiwan, she changed employers. When her second contract ended, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. I witnessed her deep longing to return home. However, due to financial concerns and the health risks of traveling at that time, she chose to stay.
Adi looks after Mèimei, a student with physical and mental challenges who attends the center. Mèimei’s physical movements are limited—she uses a wheelchair and has difficulty speaking. Adi’s work is much like caring for a baby; she even shares a room with Mèimei at night. In addition to caregiving, she is also responsible for household chores such as cleaning, shopping, and cooking. Fortunately, she is allowed to leave her employer’s house each day to bring Mèimei to school.
Adi’s employer trusts and values her greatly, giving her the salary she deserves along with extra pay for her days off. However, Adi hasn’t been able to take any time off, as there is no one else to care for Mèimei, who is completely dependent on her and constantly longs for her nurturing presence. I have witnessed how Adi shows genuine, tender love and care for Mèimei—loving her as if she were her own child. I’ve seen her patience and gentleness in supporting one of our students—an invaluable and truly heroic service.
Adi is a resilient woman. Amid life’s challenges, I have never heard her complain. She continues to persevere and works with deep devotion. A humble and compassionate caregiver, she selflessly strives to provide a better life for her family and for Mèimei.
Adi’s passion and dedication have inspired me to invest more love and value into my own ministry at the center. During times when I feel tired, challenged, or unmotivated, I always think of Adi as a model of faithful service—a dependable and committed worker. I am truly grateful to have met her. She has shown me the true life of a migrant worker—a caregiver who wholeheartedly offers exceptional care to those she serves.
May Allah bless and guide her always, reward all her good deeds, and fulfill the desires of her heart.
