Adeus e boa sorte! This week, one of our incredible international volunteers, Alexia, will be returning to Brazil. She has filled Peace House with so much joy and will be dearly missed. If you’ve attended a fundraising event within the past year, you’ve almost certainly been welcomed at the check-in desk by Alexia’s smiling face.
Before leaving L’Arche Chicago, Alexia took some time to reflect on her experience living in community.
It’s been nearly a year since I arrived in Chicago, and I’ve been part of this community called L’Arche. It’s interesting that a random video of two strangers influenced the course of my life and brought me here, to a country I had never been to, and gave me experiences I never imagined I would have.
The year was 2024, and I was living in London, and I really wanted to volunteer. While researching, I found a Brazilian woman who had been part of L’Arche in Canada. I was immediately fascinated by her description of the community and how it had impacted her life. I decided to research everything I could and started applying. The community that responded first was Chicago, and immediately after my first contact, I decided that I wanted to come here.
Since the first day I arrived and was welcomed with a bouquet of flowers by John, core member, this community has been my home, and all these wonderful people have been my family. I have no words to describe how meaningful it has been to live all these experiences and be part of the lives of the core members, other assistants, and all the wonderful people who accompany us and help us daily.
My greatest happiness is looking back and realizing that I was able to be part of so many changes, challenges, and developments of such special people. My goal has always been to help and contribute to the development of all members. Nothing makes me prouder of them and of myself than when I was able to witness so many physical, behavioral, and even nutritional goals being achieved with everyone’s help.
Being part of this very special community has made me grow as a person, provided me with incredible experiences, and given me friendships that I hope to keep for the rest of my life. Everything here has been an enriching and exciting journey!\
As a parting gift, Jean, a core member, gave Alexia a stuffed animal tiger, small enough to fit in her suitcase. Thank you for everything, Alexia, and safe travels home!
