Last week, this year’s cohort of international volunteers attended a retreat at L’Arche Atlanta with other international volunteers from across the country. The theme of the retreat, “showing up,” came to life when the volunteers had to wake up bright and early to arrive at O’Hare International Airport by 5:00 a.m.
The retreat highlighted that showing up for others requires first showing up for oneself. Each volunteer was given time to write a letter to themselves. This provided attendees with a chance to reflect on their personal wellness practices, appreciate the unique gifts they bring to community, and contemplate ways to improve self-care. Being an international volunteer can be challenging; for many, this is the longest they have been away from their home and family. One volunteer, Anna, shared that the retreat offered her a chance to pat herself on the back and acknowledge the courage it took to join L’Arche and travel across the world.
One activity the volunteers credited as scary but empowering occurred when each volunteer was put in the “hot seat,” and all the retreat attendees were given an opportunity to ask the individual questions. The volunteers could, of course, choose which questions to answer, but the exercise promoted a sense of vulnerability and authenticity- values crucial to “showing up” in community.
The retreat provided volunteers with an opportunity to meet other volunteers from L’Arche communities across the country and to discover the ways each community is both similar and unique. The volunteers also loved the opportunity to explore Atlanta and visit the Coca-Cola Museum.
Our community is blessed to have seven new international volunteers this year. They’ve quickly become a core part of our community. Everyone couldn’t wait to welcome the volunteers back and hear about their trip during our soup night. Thank you, volunteers, for continuing to “show up”!
