A Final Reflection

Although the week is done, the memories, the laughs, and the smiles will still carry on in our hearts. This past week has been an incredible experience for the group and I, one we sure will not forget. It seems like yesterday we had arrived at the Sherman house, bags in hand eager to meet the core members and assistants and now we are all back at Gannon (sad face). We are not sad that it is over, but we are happy that it happened. All the people we met really showed us love, kindness and compassion to a bunch of random college students. They took us into their homes, opened their hearts to us and we opened our hearts to them.

From Hamilton to Toronto to Stratford, we found amazing people every where we went. We got to hangout in many different day programs, meet people with all sorts of backgrounds and stories and find meaning in the simplest things. Who knew the Ring of Fire  by Johnny Cash would still be so popular today (inside joke) or that saying "I farted" over and over could bring so much laughter and joy? My very limited guitar playing skills came in very handy, I picked up a few signs in sign language, and even learned how to knit, my mom was so proud.

L'Arche has taught all of us many different lessons. Some learned patience, some learned to see love in all the people around us, while some learned to enjoy the moments. These are just a few of the many lessons we have learned throughout the trip. But why have me tell you when you can read it from the group members themselves!

Sydney

L’Arche provided me with the opportunity to meet some of the most incredible people. The experiences I had in Ontario will be carried with me when I begin to work as an Occupational Therapy.

Lily

Throughout this trip, I was very blessed to be welcomed into such a loving, caring community. This was really the first time I have ever hung out with people with intellectual disabilities, and it will definitely not be my last. I have just learned so much about the importance of presence and the simplicity of just being authentic and open to each other. An open mindset goes such a long way, and it shines so brightly in all the members of L’Arche. I am so fortunate that I became a part of this community, and it really was something that I was missing in my life. I really valued the conversations (and sometimes lack of conversations) I have with each member of L’Arche. Even silence can mean so much. It really amazes me at how open and genuine each L’Arche member was, and it was so inspiring to see that their disabilities did not limit such a beautiful way of life.

In fact, I feel that their disabilities are a gift rather than something that limits them. They live with their hearts on their sleeves and that is something that I have always been afraid to do. They love freely. They dance freely. They express their emotions freely. Sometimes we live in a world where it seems that only success and achievement define who we are, and we have to hide the “ugly.” We are always trying to prove ourselves or to give more and more of ourselves to the world. It just seems that we will never be enough. And as important as it is to work hard and to achieve our goals, there is something very wonderful in realizing that we ARE enough. It’s okay to just live and appreciate what we are now. We don’t have to let our insecurities and limitations define us because we are so much more than just that. Through my time here, I have made friendships with a movie connoisseur, a bubbly socialite, and a dancing machine.

I have heard laughter, and I have also heard screams. I have seen happiness, anger, and sadness, and every aspect was so important. It’s so human. Instead of hiding away our fears, insecurities, and everything that limits us, we can acknowledge each other and live together. We can laugh and cry together. We can just “be.” And just “being” there with my fellow ABST group and all the L’Arche assistants and members… just appreciating all the different gifts we bring to the world.. just acknowledging and expressing our love.. just meeting each other in the middle.. just supporting each other through different stages of our lives.. that is what I have experienced in their community and it is something that I will never forget. Love is a complex subject but it is not hard. It is through the little things where love is shared.

And although I might get distracted with life’s curveballs, I know that I will always be able to come back to a place of love that is L’Arche. Thank you for showing/sharing with me this love and always remember to stay gold.

Celene

This picture shows many sides of Ross. We brought the coke to dinner because he wanted to be like Mary, his housemate, the night before. He greatly enjoyed treating people to Tim Horton's so he could buy himself another coke. Building the tower showed his silly side as we tried to build it higher. Lauren and I enjoyed sharing dinner with Ross and all the Holton House friends.

Avery

Something I am taking away from this trip is to love by being present. Too often we don’t take time to appreciate the simple things in life, and those are usually the most genuine and beautiful things. I loved everyone on the trip and can’t wait to go back and visit!

Claire

My experience with L’Arche allowed me to foster the most amazing relationships with such a beautiful community. I have never met a more human group of people. L’Arche will always hold a very very very special place in my heart. This trip was truly changing and I am so thankful that I could experience it with such a strong and courageous team. 

Lauren

Every aspect of this trip was truly amazing, I can’t even put it into words. I am so blessed to have been a part of it and I cannot wait to return to L’Arche Hamilton someday soon! 

Angelika

      Before going on this trip I've heard many great things about L'Arche and the amazing experience I will have once I'm there. I didn't really understand what everyone was telling me about L'Arche and didn't fully get how it would be a life changing experience for me. However, once I got there I understood right away what everyone was talking about. It was such an incredible experience that I will never forget. Is an experience I wish everyone would experience at least once in their life because it was such a marvelous experience. Is hard to explain my whole experience with L'Arche that is better for someone to just experience it themselves. Because is hard to explain all the emotions that I felt and the things I saw there. I didn't understand it in the beginning until I actually went there myself. Even though everyone can't experience L'Arche I will share my experience and the gifts and lesson I was taught to others hoping that they want to experience it too someday.  

      When I arrived there I was welcomed with open arms and just felt the love from every single person there. I was able to learn more about myself and build relationship with not only the people at L'Arche but my group members as well. It was a nice way to remind myself that I should make time for myself and the people around me instead of rushing ahead towards my future all the time. I should be present in the moment and just enjoy myself and build stronger relationship with everyone around me. This is a trip I will never forget and I will use all the gifts and lesson that was given to me and use it everyday. Thank you L'Arche and my group members for all you have shown and taught me throughout this trip. Hopefully someday I can go back there or even go to other L'Arche communities to meet new people and make more wonderful relationships. 

. . .

To read everyone's stories moves my heart; to see how many lives were impacted and to the degree in which they were impacted is truly incredible. The imense love, compassion and positive energy that we found on this trip was incomprehensible. I leave with my heart full, smiling, remembering all of the good times and the beautiful memories. 

It is important not to forget what we learned here. It is so easy to get caught in the stream of life as school work will pile up, clubs and organizations will meet up again, all your crazy friends will come back and it can be easy to push aside everything we learned. I challenge not only myself, but my group and to whom ever reads this: everyday, take the time to see the beauty and love around you. Stop what you're doing and just be present. Take that time to see how blessed are are in this world and all of the love and good that is around us. 

Thank you to everyone for following our journey!

Much love, 

Michael Rizzo

Happy Ending and New Beginning

       Even though this amazing trip is coming to an end this has been a wonderful experience for everyone that we will remember forever. To start off our day Claire, Sydney, and Avery made everyone an amazing breakfast. Then afterward Heather, the spiritual coordinator for L'Arche Hamilton, came for closing reflection and had great conversations about our experiences here. We shared about the different core members that gave us a gift or taught us a lesson about life that we will remember and carry with us. We discussed some challenges that we faced in the beginning and how we have learned and grow from them. It was a great closing reflection seeing how much everyone has grown and really enjoyed themselves on this trip. It is one that none of us will forget and it will stay close to our hearts forever. 
        After the closing reflection with Heather we went to the 541 Eatery and Exchange. 541 Eatery and Exchange is a a non-profit café where you can pay-it-forward by turning dollars into buttons. A button equals a dollar and anyone can use up to 5 buttons from the jar each day. Not only does this help feed those who need help paying, but it also nurtures the community there. When entering in the café even though it was small it felt cozy and at home. We had a wonderful lunch there and the service was great. This place was very lively and full of energy that we had a great time. We were just able to sit down and relax and really get to know one another. 
       After lunch we headed to the day program to get some souvenirs for home. Everything that we bought were made by the core members at the day program so these souvenirs have some sentimental value to us all. After our little shopping spree we first went to see Tiffany Falls and it was amazing to see. It was a little rough getting to the falls with some parts of the trail being icy, but we were able to go around it safely and made it the falls. It was such a beautiful site even though it was frozen, however the water was still flowing in the back of the ice block. We really bonded and laughed a lot during this part of the day with us struggling to avoid the huge ice patch and falling down. The majority of us did fall in some areas but we had some laughs about it and it was nice and relaxing. Then after Tiffany Falls we went to Webster's Falls and it was stunning as well. The trail for this was better and the waterfall wasn't all frozen. So, it was great seeing the water flowing down during the winter season. We just walked around the area and took many pictures together throughout our time at both of the falls. It was such a nice and fun activity to do together on our last day. 
      Later this evening we drove back to Sherman House and prepare ourselves to head over to our houses for our last dinner. We laughed, played, joked, and had many great last conversations with the core members and assistants. The connections we made is something we will take with us going forward. We will truly miss everyone here and hopefully someday we can come back and visit again. We made our last night really last and even though we are leaving we are taking a part of each of them with us. Our journey does not have to end here and we all have received a gift here that we will definitely use in the future. Hope the world is ready for us to spread this wonderful gift we each have! See you all soon!! 

Love, 
Angelika 

The Simple Things in Life

Greetings from Canada! 

     Today our group traveled to the town of Stratford and can I just say, Stratford is an incredibly cute and small town. (I may or may not be planning a mini vacation here already.) Also as a fun fact, it is the town that Justin Bieber grew up in and visits frequently. We were able to participate in another Day Program, and this was probably one of the best days I, personally, have had so far. When we entered, only one or two core members were there, but more came to join us as the day went on. Shawn, one of the core members, told us about his background with L'Arche and how he got to where he is now. It was interesting to hear his personal story and the history of that L'Arche community. Today was full of many different activities that ranged from stamping and drawing on a piece of paper to baking banana and chocolate cookies to building a wardrobe for a local L'Arche home. Overall, I really valued the time I got to spend in Stratford.

     Even though we may not have spend the entire day there, the value of my day only continued to grow. We went and joined our houses for dinner, but afterwards we all spent time watching "Mother's Day" and talking. As we sat there, Brian just wanted someone to sit down and knit with him. To give you a little bit of a background, my grandmother taught me how to knit when I was seven. Since then, I have made scarfs, blankets, and I am currently working on baby hats to donate to the local hospital. When Brian asked Mike to sit down and knit with him, I told Mike that I could teach him. After a few lessons, Mike got the hang of it. He took his knitting needles and sat with his legs crossed while facing Brian. As he was knitting, Brian was helping Mike. Just watching the two work together and listening to Brian laugh brought an immediate smile to anyone watching. I have spent some time with Brian, but I have not seen him this happy all week. Entering this trip, I did not think that a skill I have had for years would bring so much happiness to someone; I did not think that I would be teaching others how to knit. This trip has made me realize how much I could not only teach, but also be taught. I have learned quite a bit of Sign Language and plan on continuing this education in the future.

     In my opinion, this has been one of the best days so far. It has taught me that simple things can create happiness in others. I was glad to share my knowledge of knitting, and I even have the blister to prove it. Our trip is coming to an end and I may not know what lies ahead, but I am prepared to take these lessons I have learned home with me to share with others.

See everyone soon!

Sydney 

Ash Wednesday

Today, Ash Wednesday, is all about simplicity and remembering to emphasize prayer, fasting, and alms-giving. We experienced many special moments tonight during our prayer service with Father George and were able to spend the evening with all of the core members. 

Today was a special day for me personally. My family is not Catholic, so I've never experienced an Ash Wednesday celebration. Having the opportunity to do so with such a special group of people was awesome. I sat next to Beverly (pictured above) which made my experience even more special. She's been very reserved the whole time we've been here, but last night and tonight she really opened up and talked to us. She giggled and smiled all night long. While we were singing worship songs, she grabbed my hand and kept squeezing tighter and tighter and held on for what seemed like an eternity. I was so happy that she was finally comfortable and it really made me appreciate the little things in life.

-Lauren

Sol Express in L'Arche Toronto

Hi everybody!

This morning we drove to L'Arche Toronto where we went to Sol Express Music Program. When we arrived, we were greeted by the lovely members and welcomed into their group. We began with many name games and were able to communicate our feelings through a sign language game. After a few games, Mike led a guitar playing session where we all sat around and sketched Mike and how the music made us feel. My partner for the sketching session was Kathleen and let me just say her picture was so much better than mine (Picture 4).

After our drawing session, we ate lunch and I had the privilege to sit with Lola (Picture 3). When we arrived in the morning, Lola sat with her headphones in and we were told that she would just be listening and joining in when she felt comfy. At lunch, Lola realized we had the same type of juice box and she began talking to me. After the most heartfelt conversation, Lola said to me as she laid her head on my shoulder "I really like you". For the rest of the day my heart was full of such great love.

Once lunch ended, we went on to work through a shape art exercise and really got to experience the views of others. The shape exercise led us into a music collaboration with the entire group which allowed us to conclude our day at L'Arche Toronto!

Stay posted for Lauren's post about our evening!!!

Warmest regards,
Claire

Mardi Gras Festivities

Hello all, Lauren here! Happy Mardi Gras!

Today started out by cooking 300 pancakes in one of the L'Arche homes. Let me tell ya, 300 pancakes made a heck of a mess, but it was super fun. Mike played some good music and my friend Ross and I made a great pancake cooking team. Though his pancakes were more rectangular than circular, which he called his "foot-longs", and they were delicious! Once we finished all the cooking, we headed to a local church where all of the L'Arche homes came together to celebrate Mardi Gras. There was lots of food, dancing, singing, and silly photos! Two core members sang rockin' solos, and we even got some rather shy people to bust a move on the dance floor.

After cleaning up from the celebration, it was time for dinner at our respective houses. Celene and I went to the Holton house to visit our friends and we had a delicious meal together! Ross even took us out for a night on the town after diner. We got to experience Hamilton's downtown and their awesome mall. He took us to his favorite place, the library, and he picked out movies and CD's for himself and a few books for his friend back at the house. After our trip to the library, he treated us to Tim Horton's, and he was so excited! Since we took him to Tim Horton's earlier in the week, he said it was "his turn to repay the favor," which was very kind.

Overall, today was a great day! We all enjoyed the celebration and the time with our families in our different L'Arche houses. The opportunities and gifts that this trip has given us are more than I can describe, and I cant wait to see what the rest of the week has in store for us!

Livin' it Up and Letting it Go with the L'Arche Day Program

'Ello Everybody- Lily here! 

Today Claire and Avery made some very delicious scrambled eggs for this morning's breakfast! Delish! After eating such a delicious breakfast, we got ready to join our friend David, a fellow movie connoisseur and nickname master, at his day program. 

And off we went through the cold yet exciting Canadian air! When we made it to the L'Arche office, we got to hang out with all of the awesome and amazing friends that we met through each of our adventures in each of the different L'Arche Houses. It was just so thrilling to see all of them and get to join them in their day activities! We also got to meet many of the wonderful assistants that help out and hear their stories. We finally got to meet Karen, the director for L'Arche Hamilton, and learned about the many wonderful things that go into a L'Arche community. 

Throughout the day, we got to help decorate mason jars for Mardi Gras. There were sparkles and beads and fun. There was just so much creativity bustling in that room. Ashley, the music therapist, also came by today, and we got to sing and dance with our L'Arche friends. Some of our L'Arche friends were just killing it on the dance floor. They were just livin' it up and letting it go! WHOOOO! What a time to be alive! David even gave us a riveting solo of "Ring of Fire." 

Also, we can't forget an excited exclamation of "BINGO" from Marcia, a enthusiastic L'Arche BINGO volunteer, in the middle of the dance session. Beautiful. 

Every wall was also filled with so many paintings and pictures from each L'Arche member. It was so awesome to see such a celebration of all the hard work and creativity of L'Arche. It's just so wonderful that we got to be included and welcomed in such an amazing place. 

Today, we laughed. We created. We danced. We talked. We built friendships. And most of all, we made memories to last a lifetime today. 

 

And if I learned anything today, everybody should get a chance to live it up and let it go like how the L'Arche members showed us today. Don't be afraid to open up and go past your comfort zone because you never know what kinds of new experiences and friendships you'll encounter. And when you open yourself up, you're opening yourself up to friendship. And friendship can change your life in positive, wholesome ways.  

Remember to stay gold!

~Lily 

L'Arche Day 2

Hi there- Avery here! 

Today at L'Arche we split into four groups of two and visited different homes for lunch and dinner. We also got to visit the original Tim Horton's with a group of the core members.

For me, today warmed my heart and I will always remember it. I met an amazing group of people who I automatically felt at home with. Whether we were coloring, jamming to karaoke songs, or just sitting at the dinner table, we were constantly having great conversations and laughing. I am so excited to continue to form relationships throughout the week and make some meaningful memories.

We finished off the night by finishing a big cat puzzle (pictured above!!) and having deep reflections. I am beyond happy to be here and get to know some awesome people. 

First day in Ontario!

Hello all, 

Since arriving safely in Ontario, we have settled into the Sherman House! After jamming out to great music on the drive here, we are happy to be spending time getting to know the core members in the Sherman House. Since traveling went so well, we were left with plenty of downtime today to play games, eat pizza, and watch movies with the members before having a great group discussion. 

With the success of today, we prepare for the rest of the week ahead. 

With warmest regards from the chilly living in Canada,

- Claire 

Pre-Departure Day

Mid-term week has come to a close and now ABST season in finally upon us. So many of us spent our time these past couple weeks cramming in copious amounts of information just to regurgitate onto a 55 min or less exam. Seems kind of pointless when you think about it that way.

Nonetheless, exams are over, classes are out, and we depart for our ABST tomorrow. Once the monster of mid-term week is over, there is this huge sense of relief taken off of us and a new found excitement that fills our body. Everyone is about to embark on this new journey tomorrow and I think there is a lot of excited energy around but also some fear.

Maybe it is fear of the unknown, maybe it is a fear of traveling away from home, or maybe it is a fear of pushing your comfort zone. I don't think this "fear" that some of us feel is bad. It pumps that adrenaline through our body and prepares us for something to happen. Something great.

Personally, I have never been to L'Arche so I have some fears, some nervous energy, but this isn't scaring me, it is making me feel more alive and pumped up to embark on this journey tomorrow with this amazing group of students.

I can't wait to see what is in store for this upcoming week and we will be sure to keep all of you updated!

Much Love, Michael Rizzo

Meet the Team!

Hello everyone! Welcome to the L'Arche Ontario blogpost. We are eager to share our experience with you all as we go through this journey together. We will be posting more updates in the future as well as when we are in L'Arche Ontario. Here is just a small introduction of each of the members in this group: 

Michael Rizzo (Co-leader) 

Major: Physician Assistant 

Academic Year: Junior 

Why you're excited for this trip/What you're looking forward to? Working with a community like L’Arche is something I would like to do once I graduate as a PA so I am excited to go to L’Arche to work and live in a community with these amazing and beautiful people. Being a leader, I can’t wait to see the growth and development of all the students and see the kind of impact that L’Arche can make on them!

Angelika Chiang (Co-leader)

Major: Biology, Pre-Medicine 

Academic Year: Sophomore 

Why you're excited for this trip/What you're looking forward to? I'm excited to have a chance to live in a community that is different from my own. A community that is full of love and joy that focuses on what really matters in life. I believe I will learn a lot from the core members there but also I will learn from my co-leader and group members as well. I can't wait to make lasting relationships on this amazing trip and see how my group members and co-leader grow.  

Sydney Swoger 
Major: Masters of Occupation Therapy

Academic Year: Freshman 

Why you're excited for this trip/What you're looking forward to? I love to travel and going on this ABST helps me see the world while also being able to help those in need. 

Lily Zheng
Major: Pre-Optometry 

Academic Year: Freshman 

Why you're excited for this trip/What you're looking forward to? I am looking forward to becoming a part of the L'Arche community with my wonderful ABST group. I feel that it is very important to be part of a family setting that focuses on building growth and security with individuals with disabilities. I definitely have a lot to learn and experience and hopefully I will be able to do the same in return. 

Avery Hill 
Major: Freshman 

Academic Year: Physician Assistant  

Why you're excited for this trip/What you're looking forward to? I'm looking forward to getting to know some really interesting people and see what it's like to live in their inclusive community. 

Lauren Greenlee 

Major: Occupational Therapy 

Academic Year: Freshman  

Why you're excited for this trip/What you're looking forward to? I’m excited to experience a new place with a great group of people who have a common interest in service and community. I’m looking forward to spending the week learning and connecting with old friends and new friends on a deeper level. I can’t wait!

Matt Schlessman 
Major: Pre-Dental 

Academic Year: Freshman  

Why you're excited for this trip/What you're looking forward to? I am excited to go to L’Arche Ontario because I’ve been wanting to go on an ABST Trip since I applied at Gannon University! I love Canada for its wildlife and nature beauty but I am looking forward to giving back to others and becoming a Global Citizen.

Claire Plunkett 
Major: Occupational Therapy 

Academic Year: Freshman  

Why you're excited for this trip/What you're looking forward to? I am beyond excited to create lasting connections with the L’Arche residents, as well as make memories that will last a lifetime! I can’t wait to see what this trip has in store for us!

Celene Kalivado 
Occupation: Instructor in the Gannon University's Dalhkemper School of Business    

Why you're excited for this trip/What you're looking forward to? 
I am excited to experience l'Arche in a new community. Last break I went to l'Arche Mexico and enjoyed seeing the cultural differences and similarities of a l'Arche community. I also enjoy watching the students grow and learn about something new.