What downside could there possibly be to a trip to France?
For Anders, the answer was simple: no Coke Zero, which isn’t widely available in France.
But even without his favorite soda, their trip to Trosly, France, was filled with friendship, leadership, and the opportunity to help shape conversations taking place across the international L’Arche Federation.
Anders, core member, and Molly, longtime assistant and House Manager, are members of L’Arche International’s Great Voices Group (GVG). The GVG meets via Zoom every other month and welcomes members with and without disabilities to work with the International Leadership Team. The meeting marked the first time the group had come together in person since its launch in 2024. Together, the group shares informed perspectives on topics important to the Federation.
The gathering offered each participant an opportunity to share insights about a practice from their local community that is unique and serves as an example of inclusive decision-making. Anders and Molly spoke about L’Arche Chicago’s house vacations that take place each summer. They shared how each L’Arche Chicago home coordinates its trip and how every core member plays a role in the planning process.
One of GVG’s biggest tasks was brainstorming ways the Federation can strengthen its inclusive practices, especially as we search for our next L’Arche International Executive Director, a position the International Leadership Team is looking to fill in the near future. GVG members focused on the traits people with and without IDD look for in leaders. Anders shared that he wants leaders who are dedicated to L’Arche’s future and committed to serving the community for several years.
During the GVG meeting, John, the former National Leader of L’Arche in the UK, surprised Anders with a Coke Zero that he drove a few towns over to find. By the end of the trip, Anders had befriended John and nearly a dozen other GVG members from Zimbabwe, Poland, Germany, Canada, the USA, the UK, and France. In true Anders fashion, he collected everyone’s address so he could mail his new friends greeting cards.
When the GVG session was coming to an end, Laura Giddings, L’Arche USA Leader, asked Anders to say a few words thanking everyone for joining and the retreat center for hosting the group, a job he was delighted to do.
Before flying home, Anders and Molly had just enough time to stop in Paris. There, they enjoyed lunch at the Eiffel Tower, where Anders was thrilled to be served Coke Zero. He also visited the Arc de Triomphe and, of course, a French McDonald’s.
The trip offered Anders an opportunity to learn a little more about the French lifestyle. Each morning, he enjoyed a chocolate croissant and chocolate milk, and he spent time watching French films. While visiting the first L’Arche home, Anders also enjoyed the French countryside.
For Anders, this was more than an exciting trip. It was a chance to represent L’Arche Chicago, share his perspective, listen to others, and take part in a global conversation about what matters most in community life. Anders is counting down the days until the next GVG Zoom call in June, when he can see his new friends again!
