Tito and Keira in Personal transformation workshop at Kalyca Yogyakarta, 7 August 2026.Photo:Petrus.
My name is Keira O’Connor. This summer I am an intern with Friends Peace Teams at Peace Place Pati, Indonesia. I am a rising senior at Haverford College studying anthropology. My passion is doing community based social justice work.
When I first found out about this internship I was so excited. It sounded like a wonderful opportunity to travel across the world, closely learn about another culture, and dedicate more of myself to social justice. Going into this internship, I knew it would be a personal and professional challenge. Being far away from my family and friends in a completely different culture, doing deep work will (and already has) push me closer to the person I want to be.
During the months of preparation I was anxious (but still very excited). I had met Petrus, Nanik, Tito, Wiwit, and Dhea over zoom, but I was scared to travel so far to live and learn from practically strangers. However, from the moment I arrived, Peace Place has been welcoming. The love and kindness shared here is deeper than anything I’ve experienced before.
Four days after I arrived I started the Interfaith Youth Justice and Peace Training. I wasn’t sure what to expect, I knew that it was about using personal experiences to create social changes. I wasn’t expecting the training to be so deeply personal, but I’m glad it is. I spent a lot of time getting in touch with my core self, which I often find myself running away from. I already enjoy journaling, so to have it incorporated throughout the training allowed me to regularly check in with myself. Through the activities I’ve been able to recenter myself in the valuable traits I carry.
Everyone has been supportive, invested in becoming better versions of themselves to create nonviolence. Some of the activities called for companionship, the practice of supporting others through their emotional experiences. I enjoyed practicing it, but I realized that I need to become more in tune with others’ emotions in order to fully support them. I noticed that I tend to feel uncomfortable with others emotions because I’m not sure how to respond. I found that practicing mindfulness allows me to pause and tune into their body language. Mindfulness has been a gift throughout this journey. It has allowed me to pause and be grateful. I often move through activities quickly at school and get overwhelmed by stress. Choosing to acknowledge the gifts of life eases my mind.
I feel that I am getting closer to my core self. I tend to get nervous about showing my core self, fearing that I will end up hurt or that I won’t be accepted as I am. I have been my whole self at Peace Place and accepted as I am. In the short time that I have been here, I have already seen changes within myself. I am more honest, patient, and kind to myself. I am eager to continue to get in touch with myself and learn more about what creating peace in communities looks like
A visit to Jambean Kidul Village, a rice production hub in Pati. Keira shakes hands with Fariza—aged around two and accompanied by her father, Suparman—on July 25, 2026. Photo: Petrus
Keira with Tomadaci Club Winong Village for The Power of Goodness at Peace Place, 22 July 2026. Photo:Petrus
Ngatini, Keira (center) Dhea (Right). “River of Life” session. Indonesia Interfaith Youth Training, June 26 – July 3, 2026, at Peace Place, Pati. Photo: Arif.