January 2019

I come from Cambridge. I lived there with my family. I love art music and singing. I attended the Rowan Centre in Cambridge, where I could express myself and learn skills in art. And I’m a real chatterbox!

I moved to The Ark nearly a year ago. I was nervous at first, to say goodbye to my family, and a bit concerned about how people would react to me. I was the first to move in, with John. Reyseil showed me enough support and love, and Amit taught me what it’s like to be in L’Arche and he made me discover the culture of India as well. It was amazing to see everybody at the welcome party at The Anchor, and it was wonderful that I had my birthday soon after I moved in. I was very excited and I wore a nice dress. I felt shy, but special.

At The Ark, we have a big room to do lots of crafts, painting and drawing... and my piano followed me! It’s a relief to have found the choir at St Mary’s, where I sing every Sunday. And Mum just posted my cookery books to me, which is great!

A lot happened during the summer and we went to Lille for a few days  (for a gathering of L’Arche communities and the Open Day of the Lille community) - and it was amazing! To go to France, hear and speak French a little (oui, je peux parler français un peu), visit the community there. I found people mature there, I liked the fact that they were proud of their community, it showed something about L’Arche - people showed they had time for each other.

I go to Re-Create and Voyager (day programs in Ipswich); again, I was a bit nervous at first, but it was important that I met other people who have other disabilities there too. It makes me pray for them. I understand what it’s like when you are trying to do or be something and something is holding you back. I feel strongly about how some people see people with disabilities

A year later, I feel much better in myself. Thank you L’Arche for what you have done for me.