My full ame is Jeanette Berlianti Downs (Toelle). I was born in Jakarta, December 17th, 1972. I am the oldest in the family, with one brother and two sisters. When I was 2 years old my family moved to Bogor, because then it was closer to my father’s work (United Bible Society – Indonesia).
Most of my education period was in Bogor. I went to TK (kindergarten) and SD (Elementary) Giki Bogor. Then SMP Negeri 1 Bogor (Junior High School) and SMA Negeri 3 Bogor (Senior High School). After that I participated in the UMPTN (general test for entering the public university) and got admitted to University of Indonesia (Faculty of Letters, French Department).
I spent 5 years studying French Literature and History (not to mention the language) and graduated in December 1996.
Pictures of Anne at UI HERE
One month after my graduation, I got a job at the packaging company in Cibinong Bogor. My job was secretarial job, accounting and finance stuff. A lot of work with underpaid salary. After 7 months working there, I decided to quit and looked for another job. I applied to some companies and finally I got another job within a month in Engineering and Construction Oil Company named PT. Kvaerner Indonesia as secretary. I worked there for 4 years and was enjoying my time there very much. I got to meet nice bosses who treated me to Singapore every year and had many friends who supported my work as well. By the time I quited, I was handling three departments at once, and because the bosses and people were nice and very easy to work with, I never felt under-pressured. Just a fun place to work.
I had to quit my job because I had to go to the US with my husband. It was a sad moment for me to leave my job and people I had been working with for many years. Sometimes I have this dream to work in that environment again, nice people, nice pay (well, Indonesian standard) and nice job.
Pictures of Anne at work HERE
I was also active in my church, GPIB Petra Bogor. I participated in so many local and national churches events, attending many workshops and gatherings for the Children and Youth Ministries.
I participated and volunteered as a sunday school teacher from 1992 to 2001. I was elected as secretary and leader to many events and for Sunday School organization. I enjoyed it very much.
I love my Sunday school and was so sad to leave them when I had to move to the US.
Pictures of Anne’s activities HERE
I moved to the States in June 9th, 2001. We have been living in Phoenix AZ, Dayton OH, Grand Rapids/Ada Michigan Huntsville, AL and now in Austin, TX. God gives me the opportunities to live in different places. So, that is wonderful.
My favorite bible version is: “……love never fails…..”
