“Each person has a right to hope. Hope gives us a reason to live. With hope we can believe in tomorrow. But we know that in all societies, some people are not allowed to hope, not allowed to believe that tomorrow will be better than today. And that is a tragedy we all share. ”- Unknown author via L'Arche International
First stop... Paris! L'Arche communities across Europe generously opened their doors to host those of us flying from overseas for a few days of home-stays before the Assembly in Northern Ireland. We encouraged to see and join our Parisian friends as they "lived L'Arche". We shared meals, strolled through the city, celebrated, and broke (fresh, deliciously flakey) bread together. We fumbled through our language divides with big smiles on our faces, comforted by the understanding that we are truly "all in this boat together" united and deepened by our shared love of L'Arche. |
Just when we were about to apply for French citizenship, it was time to leave for Belfast! Walking into the main hall on the Queens University campus was nothing short of an explosion of color and culture. A glorious cacophony of languages swirled through the air as friends old and new embraced each other under bright waves of fluttering banners and streamers. The music swelled and 600 voices sang, laughed, clapped and cheered the commencement of our time together. I looked at Kendyl and saw my own wonder reflected in her eyes. Look at what we are a part of, look and this incredible family!
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"L'Arche is an embarrassment of riches," a new friend said to me over dinner. I sat back and nodded my head... that was the perfect description. Our coffers overflow with kind, compassionate, visionary, and gentle people here in L'Arche. People who lovingly cross mainstream boundaries to demonstrate that a more human society is possible. |
Our overseas adventure was brimming with the unfamiliar and the deeply familiar all at once. Often separated by language or culture, we continually found ourselves strangely and wonderfully at home with our new L'Arche friends from all over the globe. Kendyl endlessly made people feel welcome by signing enthusiastically, and patiently teaching them how to speak with and include her. While Pietro and I were there partially as an sign language interpretive supports for her, I found myself marveling as she navigated communication with friends from across the world without much need for our help. Her pure and enthusiastic love was clearly understood.
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