Changes in September!

Neil who wrote this blog post is write in the middle!

Community Picnic!

Out for a walk!

There has been some coming and going at L'Arche in the last couple of weeks. Two volunteers headed home (Cami, who wrote last month's blog and Teresa) while two arrived (Manuela and Emily). It is always sad to say goodbye, but we get to welcome new friends and have a party to say farewell so these clouds do have silver linings. We wished Cami and Teresa every success in what they are moving on to next and I'm sure they will be in touch and perhaps even come back to see us again in the future. Manuela and Emily have already been a great addition to our volunteer team and they, along with Makiko, make life in the Ember really feel like home for the rest of us as they begin to make the Ember their home.

September marks a return to things like college and work placements for the core members. And this is largely welcomed with enthusiasm...although the return to a 7:30 am start comes as a bit of a shock to the system for almost all concerned! I think Thomas is the only exception as he loves an early start. He manages to enjoy almost every aspect of returning to September routines-getting up early, taxi journeys to and from college, the college lessons themselves, even ham, cheese and...jam sandwiches (Yes, make no mistake, those 3 fillings in 1 sandwich is Thomas's idea of the perfect sandwich!) This is witchout a doubt a good time of year for Thomas.

May has gotten a few household responsibilities added to her list recently and has been doing a great job with them. She now cooks on Wednesday evenings and we were treated to sausages, champ and gravy last Wednesday night which was delicious. She also manages the shopping list so if we are short of chocolate biscuits she's the lady to sort it!

Jillian is enjoying life in the Ember and is returning to things like a monthly singing group and a drumming group after the summer break. So, she will no doubt be singing and dancing even more than normal throughout Septemeber and when Jillian sings you can't help but get involved.

And as far as Larry goes, I discovered there is no better man for putting recycling into the relevant containers at the recycling centre. He was brilliant at sorting everything and laughed while he worked. What a great companion for the tasks that can at times feel like chores.

So the change of pace from summy summers to September routines is complete and life is good in L'Arche Belfast!

-Written by Neil, a support worker-