Family Dinner
A Night to Remember
It was a night to remember, a landmark for IFC/Hohidiai. It was an evening with 300 of our closest friends and supporters. We all gathered to share the update and story of IFC/Hohidiai. The décor was Indonesian; the tables were set and decorated with Batik cloth, the traditional cloth of Indonesia. The platform had a wide display of baskets, paintings and ‘cakalele’ sword and shield from North Maluku. The dinner was an assortment of very delicious Indonesian chicken, beef and fish; everyone enjoyed the meal.
IFC has grown since the first years of working in the refugee camps near Manado, Indonesia. The last 12 years have been filled with challenges and advances. The work of IFC/Hohidiai is now focused on providing medical treatment to the poorest-of-the-poor and helping the unwanted children of Halmahera.
Highlights of the Evening
School: Emily Miner and Joanne Klaver gave a report of their recent trip to the base in Indonesia and the time they spent working in the Hohidiai school. Then a DVD was shown with the children of the school singing the song, I Can, about changing their world. It is the heart and hope for each of the children in the care of IFC/Hohidiai — that they will be educated and able to have a positive future. The school has four grades: preschool, kindergarten, first and second grade. The school has been operating for two years and is taught in English the first half of the day and in Indonesian the second half.
The Keynote Speaker: Esther Scarborough gave an inspiring message on the progress and future of IFC/Hohidiai. She highlighted the challenge in serving those who come to the IFC/Hohidiai Medical base with HIV/AIDS. Options are very limited for those with HIV/AIDS, and after diagnosis, the treatment must begin as soon as possible. 
Esther stated the challenge is in educating people about the cause and consequences of their behavior. The Hohidiai medical teams have been invited to speak in the area public schools about HIV/AIDS. The importance of the growth of the Hohidiai school was also highlighted by Esther. She explained that the school was meeting in temporary facilities and that land has been purchased for a new school. The school land is closer to the main city in the region and will be more accessible to students from the city. The school will give these children an education that is not available in anywhere else in the region. It is an accredited school with high academic standards.
The Future of IFC/Hohidiai is bright. There will be challenges and mountains to climb, but it is a joy because we can see many lives are being changed and some lives are being saved. The evening was a total success, and it was an honor to stand before our friends and supporters to tell them of the excellent work. We have, together, seen amazing doors open and are hopeful new doors will open in the months and years ahead.