Reflections

Beth Sheehan

L’Arche, Bognor-Regis

January, 2007

(Beth is a 2006 graduate of Assumption College, where she had a double major in Social Rehabilitation and Philosophy.  She is learning how to handle unexpected challenges gracefully during her year as an AMA.)  She writes:

An Experience of Surrender and Trust  

I had always known that doing a year of volunteer service would be a time of

challenge and growth.  For me, when I left for England to begin working in L’Arche, a Christian community for developmentally disabled adults, I figured that the greatest challenge of the year would be related to the work I was doing.

However, the greatest challenge that came my way was something completely unexpected.  In October, my usually very healthy boyfriend and partner in crime became ill, and by November, it was clear that something was seriously wrong and that he would need to return to the States for testing and treatment.

For Matt, his family, and I, this was something that came completely out of left field.  The decision to fly home to be with Matt during his testing and recovery was clear to me, it took only a day for me to realize.  Although I felt badly for the other          assistants in my house that I was leaving behind, I knew that home with Matt was where I needed to be at the time.  I think it was a time of real growth for all of us, though.  In particular, getting to see his family rally together at such a difficult time helped me get to know them on a completely new level.

Once Matt’s condition became more manageable, I made the decision to return to L’Arche to continue the work I enjoyed      doing.  I was nervous about returning to L’Arche, this time not because I was afraid for Matt, as he was doing better and I knew that he was in the hands of his family and friends.  I wasn’t sure if I would be able to do it alone, if the community would be mad at me for leaving, if I would remember all that I had learnt.

In the days before I left, I received a card from my friend and co-director of the AMA program, Sr. Mary Ann.  She wrote to me, “This will be an experience of surrender and trust for you…Do not be afraid. The Lord is with you and He will do wonders in you.”

L’Arche welcomed me home with open arms.  The first few days were filled with visits, cards, and hugs.  It’s only been about a week since I’ve returned, but so far things are going well.  I have had some struggles, and I’m sure I will continue to – but I feel at peace about my decision to return, and it’s helpful to know that I have such a supportive community around me, and many friends praying for me back home.

Beth and Maureen ham it up for the camera at l'Arche Bognor-Regis

 

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Getting ready for life at l'Arche

 

 

Beth comes up with out-of-the-box solutions during AMA orientation

 

 

Meghan, another AMA, with assistants and core members at l'Arche Bognor-Regis