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!
