L'Arche Avalon

 Giving Birth to the Significance of Vulnerability

I introduce this reflection with an admission that sometimes I feel like I wander in what seems like a wilderness, unsure of where I’m going or what I’m looking for. From the wilderness perspective I’m writing this reflection with three key words I’ve noted in anticipation to gain greater appreciation for the unique community of L’Arche Avalon. The words I began with were ability, disability, and vulnerability. I also thought of these words in relation to L’Arche Canada’s monthly theme for April, “Open to and Living in Mutual Relationships.” It seemed to me I needed to embrace these three key words in order to appreciate the deep connection that is possible through being a member of a L’Arche Community such as L’Arche Avalon.

Next, I decided to go to my imagination and that of others. I considered some writings from two of my favourite poets, David Whyte and Jan Richardson, and specifically focused on one of the three words I have identified; “vulnerability.”

In regard to David Whyte, I discovered his poem “Second Sight.” I was especially inspired by his words in the last verse: “seeing you, as you always wanted to be seen,” which made me think of how this represents to me someone trying to be vulnerable by practicing being authentic. David also captured in this quote a deep meaning of vulnerability as, “privilege that must be surrendered.” Again, I’m reminded of someone who desires to be authentic and genuine. My experience of our Core Members especially, is that they are authentic and genuine. It seems to me that this enables other members to learn and grow towards being more authentic and genuine from participating with the Core Members.

In regard to Jan Richardson, I discovered this quote from her book, Sparrow - “Grief is the least linear thing I know….Grief moves by turns and spirals…finding spaces of sanctuary amid the turnings.” Here I see the twists and turns of grief or loss as times of vulnerability, when there seems to be the most intense loneliness, pain and sorrow. Again, we learn from one another to be hopeful in times of trouble, which are the “turnings,” mentioned by Jan Richardson.

It’s like these associations of key words and the L’Arche monthly theme paved the way for a deeper understanding and appreciation for our meaningful and unique community. Out of this reflection there came a poem I’ve entitled, Seeking Sanctuary, Finding Hope from which I quote a verse: “The crooked road has twists and turns; Harbors angst and often burns. Also nurtures courage and compassion; Generates new energy, enhanced passion.”

I can’t explain, nor should I, how these sacred writings of poets inspire my understanding and appreciation for the word “vulnerability.” Only to say they lead me to join together dots in order to gain greater appreciation for the uncertainty and fragility of vulnerability, and a meaningful sign of deep connection with ones you love and love itself. Some of us may find this path of vulnerability leads to a L’Arche Community.

Peter

Can you hear the singing and laughter (and fiddle music??!) on the last Saturday of the month?

That's the L'Arche Avalon Music Circle, and boy do we have fun!  

We are now meeting in the Music Education room inside the wonderful School of Education building at Memorial University and it's making us smile.  It's up on the third floor, with accessible doors, washrooms and elevator access and there are lots of signs to guide you upstairs.  The best part about the space is the unlimited musical instruments that we get to use (in addition to our own fine L'Arche Avalon collection!). One of the most special moments is our music parade, when we follow Rosemary Lawton (yes, the award-winning Rosemary!) with her fiddle down the hallway, singing and jigging as we go.  Muggs and Gail are often there too and it's great fun!  We've also learned some new songs and we have grown in numbers---AND we have snacks and juice at 3pm when we finish singing!  What's not to love about coming out and joining us on Sat. April 29th, May 27th and June 24th??!  We always start at 2pm sharp, so come along and you'll see (and hear!) the fun we're having together.

Happy singing, everyone--and see you on Saturday, April 29th at 2 pm!

Jan

The Annual L’Arche Avalon Auction

The L'Arche Avalon auction seems to have become a community winter project.  It is great community building, working together and seeing how much support there is and how many friends we have in the community at large. The total money raised was $13,500. That is an excellent return for all the commitment and hard work of committee members and for the generosity of family members, friends and a whole lot of people who love a good auction.

Lorraine

Dear Friends,

Spring is finally here. The temperature today is forecast to go up to 12 degrees and we can, with some confidence, put away winter boots. It is a time for cleaning up, cleaning out, and starting new projects.

As we move forward, I want to encourage you to take a greater part in our L’Arche Avalon activities: our walks together, our Gatherings, our music Circles, our Craft Mornings, and our Annual Community Weekend which will be the May 26th – 28th weekend this year. Watch for details on our Facebook page.

I have found that the more often we get together with others, the closer we become as a community. You are my friends and I look forward to spending time sharing stories and food with you and getting to know you better.

We are moving forward with building plans for the two L’Arche homes and our annual auction was a great success. It raised more that $13,000 thanks to you: donors, workers, and buyers.

Small but mighty. Together we can go forward with confidence.

Sincere regards,

Sheilah

Annual General Meeting

Where: The Lantern

When: June 11, 3pm - 5pm

In order to vote at the meeting, nominate someone for the Board, or sit on the Board yourself, you must be a member in good standing. Register to become a member or renew your membership by April 30, 2023 to be considered a member at the AGM.

Getting Ready for Spring

Each year in early March I begin to look for the first signs of spring. To see signs of spring, tangible, visible, signs of spring here in Newfoundland on the Avalon that early, you must be an optimist. This year I was not disappointed. Sure enough, on March 8th, there, next to the foundation on the front of my house I saw the first crocus, two of them even, the purple visible, although not yet opened. I was thrilled! Now I have many, purple, yellow, mauve, all brilliantly beaming with their faces to the sun.

Sometimes our day-to-day situations do not allow for optimism, and it is difficult to see the sunny side of life. We have all been there, and we worry about what may be coming our way, or what will we do if….? Circumstances have made me face the reality that I cannot always have an answer to the “what ifs?” It has helped me to make the best decisions for the things over which I have some control, and do the best I can to prepare for the future. It has been, and still is, the little things, like looking for the first signs of spring [even when it seems hopeless to look], that encourage me and keep me going. Maybe it will be the little things that have brought joy in the past, the unexpected smile of someone you love, or the signs that nature brings, that can keep you going for another five minutes, when even an hour seems too long.

One more sign of spring which surprised me today – I saw bees hovering over my crocuses! I did not expect to see that! It does not take much to make me happy, and I was excited as I shared this with my grandson. Now for next year think about planting some spring flowering bulbs in the fall near to your foundation, and maybe you will have the joy of those early blooms, and even have some bees enjoying their first taste of honey after the cold days of winter.

Jane

We have so much fun together!