Where were you born and raised? Share some information about your family -- parents, siblings, etc. Where do they all live?
I was born and raised in Indonesia. I have 5 siblings. I am the 4th. They all live in Indonesia. Both of my parents run a family business, clove and coffee bean trading. They also own a small grocery in my hometown, Salatiga, Central Java. My parents converted their faith into Christianity a few years before I was born. All of my immediate family members are Christian, but a lot of my relatives (grandparents, uncles, aunts, etc.) are Moslem. Regardless of our religions, we all get along well.
Where did you go to college? What was your major? What did you do after graduation?
I went to a Atma Jaya Catholic University in Indonesia. My major was Industrial Engineering. I worked with a multinational company for four years after I graduated. I quit my job because I wanted to experience different things and travel the world. I joined the Mennonite Central Committee and did my internship at MCC--UN Liaison Office in New York City for one year. This experience changed my life in a good way and since then, I decided to continue working with non-profit organizations hoping to give positive contributions to the community.
Upon my return to Indonesia, I worked with a Mennonite Hospital for one year as their program associate. I was also volunteering with Mennonite World Conference as the Asian young representative for 2 years which allowed me to travel to many different countries and worked with young people in various programs. I also worked with an Indonesian NGO in Padang, West Java for 5 months to rebuild and renovate houses for the survivors of earthquake. It was the best job ever. Although we stayed in a remote area and were the only Christians in the town, we developed deep relationships with the local people. I learned to be flexible and to be more thankful about my life. I also learned a lot about how to manage projects in the field.
Before I came to the U.S. to continue my study, I chaired a new youth movement within Mennonite churches in Indonesia. We had to start everything from zero from creating the committee to convening its first summit which over 400 young people attended and stayed for 4 days. The most challenging efforts were fundraising and building new network among the young people, as well as convincing the older generations and church leaders to support us. It was a good experience and I was so blessed to have such experience.
Where all have you lived since leaving home? How many languages do you speak?
After graduation, I worked in a different city for 4 years in Central Java, Indonesia
1 year in Manhattan New York, for my internship with MCC - United Nations Liaison Office, 5 months in Padang, West Java, Indonesia, and 2 years in Bluffton. (Well, here and there, I visited or had short-term stays in different places. So far I have visited 16 different countries.)
I speak three languages: Javanese, Indonesian, and English. Well, I am learning to speak Malay and Mandarin right now, since my husband is Chinese Malaysian.
How did you first hear about Bluffton? What brought you here?
I heard about Bluffton through my involvement with MCC and Mennonite World Conference. During my visit to India with MWC, one of MWC representative from North America, Bert Lobe, urged me to continue my studies. I always wanted to advance my knowledge and went back to school, but I was not sure if that was something that I had to pursue until I met Bert Lobe.
I sent my resume and cover letter to him, and he passed them to Bluffton University. A few weeks after that I got a response from Bluffton University.
As I learned about the program at Bluffton University, I got interested and wanted to learn more about business and management. I talked to my parents, who really wanted me to get married instead, but with the support from my siblings, we were able to convince my parents to let me continue my studies and they also helped me financially.
What have you enjoyed most about your studies at Bluffton University? Has it been difficult/challenging?
The people (all my professors and staff)! They are very helpful and supportive. They always responded to my emails quickly. I like the class atmosphere too where students are encouraged to speak our views and ideas. I love each discussion we had in the class. The biggest challenge was the language barrier. I wish I could speak better English so I could write my papers faster. I also had to push myself to get involved in the class. I did not feel confident at times to talk in the classes, worrying too much if I made grammar mistakes.
Where have you been living for the last two years? What have you learned from living with an American family in a small town?
I have been living with Ron and Sue Epp, who treat me like their own daughter. I am so blessed to have them in my life. I felt at home. Coming from a city with over 170,000 residents, Bluffton is very tiny. However, it did not take me long to get adjusted. People are very nice and friendly. I would say that Bluffton is the safest place I have ever lived.
You got married recently. Tell me about your husband. Where does he live and work? Where did you meet?
Yes I did, my husband is a Chinese Malaysian who has been living in the U.S. for over 15 years. He lives in Louisville, KY and works with a French company as its Engineering Manager. We met through a friend. It only took him 3 months knowing each other until he proposed to me when we went to New York City last year. We had our civil wedding end of summer last year.
You had two weddings -- a small one here in the States and another much more elaborate one back home. Tell us some details about the Indonesian and Chinese ceremonies. What are the meanings behind them? How many dresses did you wear? What kind of foods did you serve at the various receptions?
Yep, we had one wedding with 6 receptions/ceremonies. The first one was in Louisville, a small one, attended by only 6 people. I cooked all the Indonesian food (8 different dishes, yellow rice, beef rendang curry, fried chicken, beef meatball curry,potato cake, egg dish, etc.)
I am Javanese so I had to follow our wedding traditions, such as wedding showers where the groom and bride were showered with rose petals and warm water by our parents, uncles, and aunts (it is a symbol of blessing and prayer from them as they poured the water on our head) followed by a Javanese reception at my parents' house with around 250 guests. Since my husband, Christopher, is Chinese, we also conducted a Chinese tea ceremony, where we served tea to our parents, uncles, aunts, older siblings, to ask blessings and prayers for our wedding and afterwards, they gave us presents (I really liked this part.) For the Chinese reception we had a whole suckling pig. We also had a western reception in Indonesia, starting with a short ceremony at a chapel. About 300 people attended the western reception.
I know you love to cook. What do you enjoy most about cooking? What are your favorite foods to cook? Have you introduced your American family and friends to some of your favorites?
I love cooking so much. Whenever people ask me to cook, most of the time I would say YES. I could spend 10 hours straight in the kitchen. I love sharing my food with other people too. I cooked pretty often for the church, Ebenezer. I also often invited friends to come over and enjoy my Indonesian meals, such as pork satay with peanut sauce, beef rendang curry, javanese fried rice or noodle, grilled chicken with coconut milk, spring rolls, beef soto (beef soup with coconut milk and 12 spices). I don't enjoy baking as much.
I think my host family and friends enjoy my cooking too. Oh, one more thing, I eat rice dishes a lot...
Ron and Sue had a reception for you after you and Chris returned from the "big" wedding. How much time did you spend cooking for that reception? What all did you serve? You also had several cakes. Is it typical to have cake at Indonesian weddings? If so, what kind?
I spent at least 10 hours per day for 4 straight days. I made beef soto, potato fried cakes, egg dish, shrimp salad, pork satay with coconut milk. I also helped my host mom make potato soup and vegetable soup. One of my friends made three layer wedding cake for me as a gift.
People who live in city in Indonesia usually have wedding cake; it can be anything chocolate cake, black forest, etc. But for Javanese people, we also will make a yellow rice miniature tower surrounded by all different kind of delicious dishes.
Has it been difficult to be so far from your family? How do you stay connected? Do you talk by phone with your parents? Skype?
Yes, especially I miss my mom so much. I am so close to her and my sisters. They are my best friends ever. We talk every day on Whatsapp. I usually use Facetime to talk to my parents and siblings.
You'll graduate with a master of business administration from Bluffton University on May 5. What are your plans after that?
My first plan is to move in with my husband in Louisville, KY. Due to his work commitment, we should stay there at least for another 3 years. I want to find a job. I would love to continue working with non-profit organization. I am also thinking of starting my Indonesian catering business. Still not sure how to do that but, I am looking forward to spending time and working in the kitchen too. Perhaps, opening a booth at a farmer's market in Louisville or working at a local restaurant to learn how they run the business. I love learning new things.
My husband and I are still not sure what we want to live after that. Both of us love to travel and live in different countries. So let us see where we will end up in the next 5 years.
Long term goals? Move back to Indonesia? Start a restaurant?
We would love to work in a different country. We are not sure if we want to go back to Indonesia or Malaysia in the near future. but we are up for any possibility. I would love to start a restaurant, but I guess I need to go back to school, culinary program first, and save money to do that.
But we will not open one until we know what country we want to live permanently. The world is so exciting and beautiful.. we want to explore the world as much as possible.
