Hi there,

 I was sharing a bit of my blog with one of the other assistants yesterday as we were on our time away in the afternoon.  It centered around why we were here at L'Arche and other people's reactions.  This person told me that a similar comment had been made to her. "Why did you go and leave me for that place?"

 Her response was that in only one month the core members in her house had taught her so much about herself. There is always fear in starting something new. There is always fear in separation, in letting go.  L'Arche can be a shock to the system, a crashing reality that challenges how we live, how we have lived.  It brings us out of ourselves, and calls us into relationship with others.  But L'Arche is no ordinary relationship.  We do not call ourselves heroes, but people caled to love and share brokenness.

 Each day is a teaching and a new insight in myself.  I can see how Phil was so attached to his time with L'Arche.  I wish everyone could have this chance.  Until next time.

Jeff