Finding Belonging in Kansas: A L’Arche Journey
When I first found out I’d be heading to Kansas, I’ll admit, it wasn’t a destination I’d ever
dreamed of visiting. But I was genuinely excited. Excited to meet new people from different
L’Arche communities, to explore an unfamiliar place, and to see what this retreat would hold.
After landing at the airport, I waited for Tom and a few folks from L’Arche Chicago. The L’Arche
Chicago crew had a delayed flight, so Tom and I headed to the retreat center on our own. Our
Uber driver struck up a conversation because he was curious about L’Arche. He had a theology
background and was intrigued by how we bring people from different religious traditions
together. Mostly, I let Tom do the talking, but when the driver asked specifically about the
diversity of beliefs, I found myself speaking up.
I told him that L’Arche is about community, unity, and creating spaces of belonging for
everyone. That we’re not in the business of excluding people, but welcoming them. I don’t
remember exactly how I said it, but it felt natural and heartfelt. I was proud at that moment,
proud of using my voice, of how much I’ve grown, and how much I’ve come to understand and
represent what L’Arche is all about.
At the retreat center, I was warmly welcomed. Father Kevin, the sweetest person, even gave me
his jacket at the end of the retreat. Sharon gave me a big hug right away. It felt like arriving home,
even though I didn’t know anyone and was the only one there from L’Arche Atlanta. It was a
little nerve-wracking at first, watching others show up with familiar faces, but that feeling didn’t
last long. Everyone was so open and kind that I quickly felt part of the group.
I had some meaningful conversations right away. Sharon and Gio from L’Arche St. Louis shared
what it’s like to open a second home. Sharon said the second one is sometimes the hardest and
that, after that, things tend to smooth out. It gave me perspective. I also showed them a picture
from Instagram of Corbin in his kilt, holding his bagpipes, which Gio loved. Gio said he’d always
wanted to learn to play the bagpipes. It made me smile to see someone get so excited about
one of our core members.
One of the most surprising and enlightening parts of the retreat was realizing how different each
L’Arche community operates. For example, someone from L’Arche D.C. was shocked that I
handle Communications and Marketing. In their community, that work is usually shared among
house leaders. It reminded me how much we all have to learn from each other.
There were peaceful moments, too. Walking around the retreat grounds, being in nature,
reflecting. And then, there were deeply human moments, comforting someone in a quiet room
as they cried, or holding space for those grieving the loss of a core member in the D.C.
community. These shared emotions brought us even closer together.
Some of my favorite memories came from simple things, such as walking to get food one day,
and then seeing that, the next day, a bunch of others decided to come with me. It was such a
small thing, but it meant a lot. It showed how quickly we had bonded. That sense of connection
continued into the evenings. We formed a Facebook group and went out for karaoke together.
We supported each other and laughed together. It was special.
The creative activities were fun, but they were also powerful tools for reflection. It’s hard to sum
up everything that happened over those few days, but there was so much growth, connection,
and learning packed into a short time.
What I know for sure is that I left feeling grateful for the opportunity to go, for the people I met,
and for the chance to experience something that reminded me just how special L’Arche is.
There’s something truly unique about this community. The way we show up for each other,
quickly, deeply, and without hesitation, isn’t something I’ve found at many jobs or in many
places.
I’m so glad I went. Thank you for the opportunity.
dreamed of visiting. But I was genuinely excited. Excited to meet new people from different
L’Arche communities, to explore an unfamiliar place, and to see what this retreat would hold.
After landing at the airport, I waited for Tom and a few folks from L’Arche Chicago. The L’Arche
Chicago crew had a delayed flight, so Tom and I headed to the retreat center on our own. Our
Uber driver struck up a conversation because he was curious about L’Arche. He had a theology
background and was intrigued by how we bring people from different religious traditions
together. Mostly, I let Tom do the talking, but when the driver asked specifically about the
diversity of beliefs, I found myself speaking up.
I told him that L’Arche is about community, unity, and creating spaces of belonging for
everyone. That we’re not in the business of excluding people, but welcoming them. I don’t
remember exactly how I said it, but it felt natural and heartfelt. I was proud at that moment,
proud of using my voice, of how much I’ve grown, and how much I’ve come to understand and
represent what L’Arche is all about.
At the retreat center, I was warmly welcomed. Father Kevin, the sweetest person, even gave me
his jacket at the end of the retreat. Sharon gave me a big hug right away. It felt like arriving home,
even though I didn’t know anyone and was the only one there from L’Arche Atlanta. It was a
little nerve-wracking at first, watching others show up with familiar faces, but that feeling didn’t
last long. Everyone was so open and kind that I quickly felt part of the group.
I had some meaningful conversations right away. Sharon and Gio from L’Arche St. Louis shared
what it’s like to open a second home. Sharon said the second one is sometimes the hardest and
that, after that, things tend to smooth out. It gave me perspective. I also showed them a picture
from Instagram of Corbin in his kilt, holding his bagpipes, which Gio loved. Gio said he’d always
wanted to learn to play the bagpipes. It made me smile to see someone get so excited about
one of our core members.
One of the most surprising and enlightening parts of the retreat was realizing how different each
L’Arche community operates. For example, someone from L’Arche D.C. was shocked that I
handle Communications and Marketing. In their community, that work is usually shared among
house leaders. It reminded me how much we all have to learn from each other.
There were peaceful moments, too. Walking around the retreat grounds, being in nature,
reflecting. And then, there were deeply human moments, comforting someone in a quiet room
as they cried, or holding space for those grieving the loss of a core member in the D.C.
community. These shared emotions brought us even closer together.
Some of my favorite memories came from simple things, such as walking to get food one day,
and then seeing that, the next day, a bunch of others decided to come with me. It was such a
small thing, but it meant a lot. It showed how quickly we had bonded. That sense of connection
continued into the evenings. We formed a Facebook group and went out for karaoke together.
We supported each other and laughed together. It was special.
The creative activities were fun, but they were also powerful tools for reflection. It’s hard to sum
up everything that happened over those few days, but there was so much growth, connection,
and learning packed into a short time.
What I know for sure is that I left feeling grateful for the opportunity to go, for the people I met,
and for the chance to experience something that reminded me just how special L’Arche is.
There’s something truly unique about this community. The way we show up for each other,
quickly, deeply, and without hesitation, isn’t something I’ve found at many jobs or in many
places.
I’m so glad I went. Thank you for the opportunity.
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