Why I joined BWA and the BWA Committee
Sarah Watson - Chairwoman
The first Tuesday I arrived in Jakarta in April 2018, I put my brave face on and took myself off to the BWA drop in coffee morning, hoping firstly that I had the right place, and that I would meet some lovely people, and get that sense of belonging. I had no school age children in Jakarta, so the expat groups were my lifeline. It so happened it was a very quiet morning, as it was the AWA summer bazaar. However I was greeted by two lovely ladies, Helen, and Louise, who made me
feel very welcome, so much so they invited me to go along to the Bazaar with them. From then on I became a regular at their coffee mornings, and quiz nights. Later that same year Heather, the chairwoman asked if I would like to help in the organization of the PINK Golf. I said yes, and through this got to know other BWA ladies. In 2019, I again helped with the organization of PINK golf, and started joining in Canasta, where again I met more people. Shona, the chairwoman, asked if I would like to be her Vice Chair. I agreed, which again opened doors to meeting more members in the BWA community and social welfare team, and learning about the charity work that is done by BWA, as well as being involved as a
committee member at the Bazaars. In 2020, Shona asked if I would stand as chairwoman, and I agreed. I have been chairwoman for the past 18 months, which to be honest has been challenging with the pandemic, and living off shore, however, I know looking back it will be one of the most rewarding experiences I will have had in my 20+ years of living overseas.
I have met and worked with the most talented, professional and selfless women. In good times, and times of adversity, they have supported each other, and the BWA. Friendships have been made, and the BWA house has become a safe and friendly home away from home particularly at this time.
I have learnt wonderful lifetime skills, eg, navigating and working in Google Drive, organizing and hosting a major event, working with different BWA stakeholders from charities to members to sponsors, organizing and running an AGM, even editing a magazine.
Along with this I have learnt to play Canasta, dabbled in watercolor painting, and Batik printing, tried to keep supple with yoga, and finish a book in time for book club.
BWA is so much more than a women's coffee group. Every woman comes from a unique and varied background with skills and talents that she brings and volunteers for the better of the community. I know that without the friendships I have made here, life in Jakarta would not be nearly as interesting and colorful. My life is certainly richer because of my involvement in BWA and the friends I have made.
Sarah Watson - Chairwoman
The first Tuesday I arrived in Jakarta in April 2018, I put my brave face on and took myself off to the BWA drop in coffee morning, hoping firstly that I had the right place, and that I would meet some lovely people, and get that sense of belonging. I had no school age children in Jakarta, so the expat groups were my lifeline. It so happened it was a very quiet morning, as it was the AWA summer bazaar. However I was greeted by two lovely ladies, Helen, and Louise, who made me
feel very welcome, so much so they invited me to go along to the Bazaar with them. From then on I became a regular at their coffee mornings, and quiz nights. Later that same year Heather, the chairwoman asked if I would like to help in the organization of the PINK Golf. I said yes, and through this got to know other BWA ladies. In 2019, I again helped with the organization of PINK golf, and started joining in Canasta, where again I met more people. Shona, the chairwoman, asked if I would like to be her Vice Chair. I agreed, which again opened doors to meeting more members in the BWA community and social welfare team, and learning about the charity work that is done by BWA, as well as being involved as a
committee member at the Bazaars. In 2020, Shona asked if I would stand as chairwoman, and I agreed. I have been chairwoman for the past 18 months, which to be honest has been challenging with the pandemic, and living off shore, however, I know looking back it will be one of the most rewarding experiences I will have had in my 20+ years of living overseas.
I have met and worked with the most talented, professional and selfless women. In good times, and times of adversity, they have supported each other, and the BWA. Friendships have been made, and the BWA house has become a safe and friendly home away from home particularly at this time.
I have learnt wonderful lifetime skills, eg, navigating and working in Google Drive, organizing and hosting a major event, working with different BWA stakeholders from charities to members to sponsors, organizing and running an AGM, even editing a magazine.
Along with this I have learnt to play Canasta, dabbled in watercolor painting, and Batik printing, tried to keep supple with yoga, and finish a book in time for book club.
BWA is so much more than a women's coffee group. Every woman comes from a unique and varied background with skills and talents that she brings and volunteers for the better of the community. I know that without the friendships I have made here, life in Jakarta would not be nearly as interesting and colorful. My life is certainly richer because of my involvement in BWA and the friends I have made.
Why I joined BWA and the BWA Committee
Sarah Campbell - Social Welfare
Wherever I have lived in the world, I have always tried to volunteer in some capacity. It is a wonderful way of getting to know new people and having new experiences and, of course, helping others. When I moved to Indonesia, joining the Social Welfare team at BWA was a natural fit for me - and when other ladies left, I was happy to step up to be Social Welfare Coordinator on the BWA Main Committee. Over the last 2 years I have been lucky enough to meet so many wonderful people and see the fantastic work that they do in their communities to help others - I will never forget their smiles, which have truly enriched my experience of living in Indonesia.
Sarah Campbell - Social Welfare
Wherever I have lived in the world, I have always tried to volunteer in some capacity. It is a wonderful way of getting to know new people and having new experiences and, of course, helping others. When I moved to Indonesia, joining the Social Welfare team at BWA was a natural fit for me - and when other ladies left, I was happy to step up to be Social Welfare Coordinator on the BWA Main Committee. Over the last 2 years I have been lucky enough to meet so many wonderful people and see the fantastic work that they do in their communities to help others - I will never forget their smiles, which have truly enriched my experience of living in Indonesia.
Why I joined BWA and the BWA Committee
Marcie Randell - Communications
Having lived in various countries, landing in a foreign country is always a daunting experience. While the majority of my experiences have been positive, I learned a while ago in order to be happy, it is best to find a sense of belonging from the start. I was initially drawn to the BWA because of the activities they offered. I have not only found a way to fill my time, but have made many friendships. I became involved in the committee on the communications side when someone unexpectedly left Jakarta. I have a background in IT, so I fit into this role. It has been a very rewarding experience and I have learned a few things along the way. I choose to give my time to this great organization that has helped many woman over the years. Also, I really like the fact that the BWA supports many local charities in Jakarta. Overall, I feel the BWA has been a life line for me since arriving in Jakarta.
Marcie Randell - Communications
Having lived in various countries, landing in a foreign country is always a daunting experience. While the majority of my experiences have been positive, I learned a while ago in order to be happy, it is best to find a sense of belonging from the start. I was initially drawn to the BWA because of the activities they offered. I have not only found a way to fill my time, but have made many friendships. I became involved in the committee on the communications side when someone unexpectedly left Jakarta. I have a background in IT, so I fit into this role. It has been a very rewarding experience and I have learned a few things along the way. I choose to give my time to this great organization that has helped many woman over the years. Also, I really like the fact that the BWA supports many local charities in Jakarta. Overall, I feel the BWA has been a life line for me since arriving in Jakarta.