Todd Rothrock (Spokane)

“It was so wonderful to share the delegate experience to the L’Arche International Federation Assembly in Belfast, Ireland with Chad Giesa from Spokane.  We encountered many old friends and had the pleasure of meeting many new friends during our week-long stay in Belfast with 600 other L’Arche souls.  Chad has a special way of reaching out and making people feel welcome in any surrounding.  We also shared the privilege of participating in the installation of our own USA – Stacey Cates Carney from L’Arche Tacoma as the new Vice-International Coordinator for L’Arche International along with Stephan Posner from L’Arche Paris as the International Coordinator.”

Cynthia Beebe (Wavecrest)

Attending the international assembly was a life changing experience for Jazz Sorenson.  Traveling to Ireland was the first time Jazz had been overseas, and he loved every minute of his time with all his new L’Arche friends.  He told me on the last day that he wasn’t ready to go home.  We were both truly blessed by our time in Ireland, and especially by the new friendships we made with many from L’Arche communities around the world.

We want to thank each person that has generously supported Jazz financially to attend the International Assembly.  He has shared his amazing experience with his family and friends since returning home.

Pietro Boffeli (Tacoma)

The experience of the Federation Assembly is one on which I will be reflecting for many years to come! Seeng L’Arche communities from around the world gathered together was a powerful reminder of the impact that our mission has in the world. A highlight of the week was getting to see Kendyl’s gifts, which are so well known to her community members, shine and be celebrated on a global stage! She helped to lead a workshop on Americal Sign Language that was a huge hit! Kendyl also helped to begin one morning of the conference by showing the entire Assembly- almost 600 people- how to sign “Good morning, L’Arche!” in ASL!

Bess Brownlee (Seattle)

Our overseas adventure was brimming with the unfamiliar and the deeply familiar all at once.  Often separated by language or culture, we continually found ourselves strangely and wonderfully at home with our new L’Arche friends from all over the globe.  An abiding sense of belonging was present in all my days both in Paris and Belfast, and I was inspired by the passion and care by which our common vision connects us all.

Here are some of my favorite photos from our journey…