IofC Indonesia has been the biggest support system in my life. I first came to know IofC through the Action for Life program, where friends from IofC International came to Indonesia and visited campuses to share values of peace. At the time, I was living in Jakarta as a university student actively involved in humanitarian and character-building activities. I was deeply interested in joining this program because of the values it spread, especially the emphasis on self-transformation. 
 
In 2011, I officially participated in an IofC program for the first time through the Youth Camp in Garut, which was held using a homestay method. This was a new chapter in my spiritual journey. Since then, I have been actively involved in various IofC activities in Indonesia. I have participated in IofC programs from before I got married until now, a mother of two children.  

IofC's values have profoundly influenced my thoughts and principles in life. I have experienced a significant personal transformation. From being selfish and stubborn, I have learned to listen to others’ perspectives and understand the stories behind their actions. IofC's values have strengthened me in facing life’s complex challenges. Without IofC, my life might have fallen apart—I might have become an alcoholic, doing drugs, or turned into an angry person self-destructing in countless ways. IofC saved my life from collapsing.

The Quiet Time method and accompaniment in IofC truly brought me back to life, allowing me to slowly return to the right path. This is what has made me commit to staying with IofC. There may be many other support systems out there, and IofC is just one of them, but I have chosen and started my growth journey with IofC, and I want to complete it with IofC, God willing.  

Desy in white hijab attending Asia Pacific Youth Conference, Bandung 2016

The journey to continuously learn and stay committed to IofC has not been without its challenges. I have faced ups and downs and many obstacles to staying connected with IofC. Initially, I felt deep sadness when I had to return to my hometown in Riau, a province in Sumatra. Leaving Jakarta and being far from my IofC learning circle, which I considered family, was incredibly difficult.

At the time, I was terrified. Could I live my life far from IofC? After getting married, I managed to join IofC Indonesia programs such as APYC Bandung 2016 and LMC Bogor 2017. However, when I was pregnant with my second child, life became more complex. I had to pause my participation in various IofC events.

For several years, I lived without a support system, trying my best to strengthen myself using the methods taught by IofC, particularly Quiet Time and writing letters. Thankfully, as time passed, the COVID-19 pandemic brought opportunities for online training. I seized this chance wholeheartedly and was thrilled to reconnect with IofC virtually.

I was able to resume learning and re-establish IofC as my support system. At that time, I began participating in the School of Reconciliation (SR) program, which continues to this day. I even attended the international Akasha conference in Malaysia in 2023 and plan to participate again in 2025.

This year, I completed my fourth book in the SR program:  
1. Learning to Love Yourself
2. On the Family
3. Homecoming
4. Inner Bonding

In 2025, I plan to continue with the book Road Less Traveled. For me, SR is the path of truth that has transformed me into my true self. Without SR, I would not be who I am today.

There were many missed opportunities in both national and international IofC activities that I regret, whatever the obstacles were. However, I am also grateful for the ways God has opened doors for me to reconnect with the IofC learning circle. Praise be to God.  

Through IofC, I, who once hated God, slowly began to trust Him again—with my mind, heart, and real actions. Through IofC, I have been able to sustain my family and remain with my husband and children, even though there have been countless painful challenges that made me cry every night as I faced them.
 
Through IofC, I have overcome many life challenges in work, social life, hobbies, volleyball, and relationships. Through IofC, I have experienced love I had never known before. It has strengthened me and allowed me to share that love with those around me. Praise be to God, and thank you so much, IofC.  
 

Desy Hana
Editor: Ari Budi
Proofread: Peter Heyes