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  • 台灣國旗
  • 越南國旗
  • 泰國國旗
  • 印尼國旗
  • 菲律賓國旗

  Bond of Hearts Across the Ocean: A Bridge of Relationships in Love -- Hearing Unseen Needs, Embracing Families Abroad

  Greetings to friends in Taiwan, Indonesia, and wherever you are. May peace always be with us! I am Timothy Fu. In the consultation room, I am a doctor in a white coat helping to alleviate patients' pain. However, in the eyes of my Indonesian brothers and sisters living in Taiwan, I might be more like a brother or an uncle—a place to share grievances and longing for family in their mother tongue.From an overseas student who came to Taiwan alone at 18 without knowing a word of Mandarin, to becoming a specialist and founding GICA, this journey is a tapestry of small but real life stories. This is a narrative about "Loving, Listening, and Accompanying," marking GICA's journey in building a bridge of hearts between Taiwan and Indonesia.Tears in a Foreign LandI remember coming to Taiwan as a teenager to "seek my fortune" amidst many challenges. "Language" was the first high wall to climb, causing daily difficulties in ordering food, reading street signs, or even simple communication. Economic hardship followed; I worked as a newspaper delivery boy, waiter, dishwasher, and even washed goat milk bottles to pay for school. The loneliness and helplessness from miscommunication were constant. Because of this, I deeply understand the pain of "having complaints but being unable to express them".Years later, I achieved my dream of becoming a specialist. In my clinic, Indonesian migrant workers and caregivers began to appear, often sitting silently with tired, anxious faces. I realized that physical pain often cannot be cured by medicine alone. It stems from extreme fatigue, longing for children back home, and the frustration of being misunderstood by employers due to language barriers.There are nearly 320,000 Indonesian friends in Taiwan. They are the unsung heroes supporting Taiwan's social stability, yet their spiritual needs are often "invisible". Their helplessness made me realize I must do more than just provide therapy; I must act for my fellow countrymen.The Birth of GICAChanging society requires collective action. Since 2015, I began sharing the dilemmas of migrant workers with church colleagues and concerned locals. Initially, we simply went to parks and hospitals to listen to their stories. We found most conflicts arose from "misunderstanding" rather than bad intentions. Employers might not understand a Muslim's need for prayer, while workers might not know how to ask for a ten-minute break in Mandarin.GICA was officially founded in 2016 to address these roots. In April 2026, we celebrated GICA's 10th anniversary. Seeing Taiwanese employers and Indonesian workers smiling and hugging regardless of nationality made me feel that GICA has truly become a "second home".Strategies: Accompanying, Empowering, and RelatingGICA's strategy centers on "Making Human Life Dignified and Hopeful":1.Translators and Faithful Listeners: We run 15 language and culture classes to break communication walls for both workers and employers. When language is no longer a barrier, "foreign workers" become "family who helps".2.A Supportive Family Network: We provide legal and psychological support. Our dedicated volunteers, like Yoyon and Esti, help with hospital visits and late-night emergencies.3.Creating Space for Relief: Humans are not made just to work. We organize activities like hiking and BBQs at Dakeng Trail to help them find joy and a sense of youth.GICA is like a warm big family where everyone can bloom with happiness in Taiwan.Boundless LoveGICA exists because of the solidarity of volunteers, teachers, and the Taichung City Government. This bridge of hearts has been built over ten years through sweat and tears. In the future, GICA will continue to ensure every Indonesian in Taiwan feels valued and loved. We hope for a society where there is no "us" and "them," but only one family. Thank you, Taiwan!

  2026-05-13 09:00
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  • 菲律賓國旗

  U.S. Cyclospora Outbreak Expands as FDA Traces Source to Mexican Lettuce

  A large Cyclospora outbreak in the United States has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce imported from Mexico. Health authorities have identified the product as the likely source of infection, prompting suppliers to halt sales and remove affected products from the market.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that many infected people had eaten at Taco Bell locations supplied with shredded iceberg lettuce from the same distributor. The FDA has ordered businesses to stop using the products, while the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said cases in multiple states are strongly connected to the contaminated lettuce.California-based Taylor Farms said it voluntarily recalled iceberg lettuce imported from central Mexico after receiving updated information from the FDA. Food distributor Sysco also confirmed it had stopped selling and distributing the products.The recalled lettuce was processed at Taylor Farms' facility in Guanajuato, Mexico, and supplied to hospitals, baseball stadiums and major fast-food chains. Reuters reported that Taylor Farms also notified key customers, including Yum Brands, to stop using the shredded lettuce.The outbreak began in early May, with most cases reported in Michigan, followed by Ohio and New York. Michigan has recorded more than 5,000 cases, making it one of the country's largest Cyclospora outbreaks in recent years.Taylor Farms' Guanajuato facility was also linked to a 2013 Cyclospora outbreak that infected more than 600 people across 25 U.S. states.According to the CDC, Cyclospora mainly causes gastrointestinal illness, including prolonged diarrhea. Most healthy people recover without treatment, though medication is available when necessary.

  2026-07-20 09:00
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  • 菲律賓國旗

  Wildfires Continue to Spread Across the U.S., with 68 Major Fires Burning in 15 States

  Wildfires continue to rage across the United States, with several new fires breaking out overnight in the Pacific Northwest. There are now 68 major wildfires burning across 15 states, prompting authorities to deploy extensive ground and aerial firefighting resources. Smoke from the fires has also spread across much of the eastern United States, affecting millions of residents.According to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), 24 new wildfires were reported in a single day. More than 17,000 firefighters and emergency personnel, supported by 140 helicopters and four military C-130 airtankers, are working nationwide to contain the blazes.Smoke from the wildfires has drifted from the Great Lakes region to Washington, D.C., and other eastern cities, significantly reducing air quality. Authorities have issued air quality alerts in several areas, urging residents to limit outdoor activities, while vulnerable groups are advised to remain indoors to reduce exposure to harmful particles.Climate experts say the growing frequency and intensity of wildfires are closely linked to global warming. University of Pennsylvania climatologist Michael Mann said amplified and persistent jet stream patterns allow hot and dry conditions to linger, increasing the likelihood and severity of wildfires. His research indicates that human-driven climate change has tripled the occurrence of these extreme weather events since the 1950s.Jonathan Overpeck, Dean of the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan, said rising temperatures cause the atmosphere to draw more moisture from soil and vegetation, creating drier landscapes that are more vulnerable to wildfire.

  2026-07-20 09:00