In the summer of 2022, I had the honor of moving into Friendship House. From day one, my housemates shared themselves authentically with me. I’m a relatively shy person by nature, but their openness helped me feel comfortable to share myself in return. The day I moved in, the house gave me a houseplant and made my favorite dinner to welcome me home.
In my time at Friendship House, Tim and I shared many relaxing mornings, having a cup of coffee (or two) and getting ourselves prepared for the day ahead. This sacred quiet time helped start the day off on a peaceful note. I learned that we didn’t necessarily need to carry on a conversation to be present with each other. Simply being together and calmly moving about our shared space allowed us to live in the moment just the same.
While these serene mornings are a highlight of my time as a Live-In Assistant, I also love our crowded, rowdy dinners. Way too many cooks in the kitchen, mugs acting as water glasses when we run out, every seat in the house being pulled into the dining room, and a dinner table surrounded by stories and laughter are the things that make up a L’Arche dinner to me. We learn about each other and deepen our connections around the dinner table. So many of my L’Arche friendships were made while sharing a meal together. Our lively dinners bond us into a family and create memories we won’t soon forget.
One dinner in particular, we just finished making our tacos and set the food on the table. As we called everyone to the kitchen to come eat, our sneaky Allie dog jumped up to the table and snagged one of Chris’s tacos. She ran to the living room, everyone shouting and trying to catch her as she slipped through their grasp. Unfortunately for us, but luckily for her, no one caught her before she scarfed it down. At this point, everyone was laughing so much we could hardly be upset. And yes, we made another taco for Chris.
My years being a Live-In Assistant changed my perspective on what it means to truly know someone. When you live with someone for a while, you grow to see them for exactly who they are. You foster deep connections. You grow a support system. Your housemates become your family. Every happy moment is met with joyous celebration. Every sorrowful moment is shouldered together, making the weight easier to bear. As a Live-In Assistant, I built meaningful relationships and am able to experience L’Arche so fully. I am grateful to continue sharing life with my housemates and I look forward to creating more lifelong memories together.