In 2009, John and Kathi Getzinger, along with their three children, had the opportunity to move to Indonesia to work at Independent School Riau, formally know as Caltex American School, on the PT Chevron Rumbai Camp. This is where their relationship with Deddi began.  Deddi was the school driver, he loved his job and took great pride in what he did.  The Getzinger family was privileged to spend a lot of time with Deddi.  Deddi’s constant desire to make sure that others needs were taken care of had an incredible impact on their family.  When Deddi passed away in 2013 they began to look for a way to honor his spirit of helping others and further his legacy. 

 

In 2012  the expat community living on the Chevron camp began to develop a strong partnership with Insan Permata Orphanage.  It was through this partnership that the Getzingers began to understand the significance of the need in the community.  According to Lin P. Handayani of the Jakarta Post, “Fifty percent of Indonesia’s population is still poor, hovering around the poverty line, living on less than US $2 per day.”.

 

Around this time, John and Kathi began working with Pak Jonedy, the orphange director to help meet the basic needs of the children living at his oprhanage.  The first task was to secure safe housing for the children. With the help of Chevron expats and many others globally, the Getzingers were able to assist Pak Jonedy in renting the orphanage safe housing. Thanks to the generous contributions of many people, the orphanage currently owns a beautiful piece of land and building that will provide a safe environment for up to 75 children.

 

John and Kathi both have master degrees in education from Central Washington University and have been involved with orphan care since 2006.