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