Looking Back to Look Forward
Written by Meghan Katzenberger, L’Arche Assistant
As the community of L’Arche St. Louis anticipates navigating the challenges of a pandemic during the upcoming holiday season, they find hope in looking back on how they made enjoyable summer memories while navigating these important but difficult restrictions.
The COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench in summer plans across the world. At L’Arche St. Louis, core members and assistants alike were disappointed to have to cancel plans for camp and vacations, parties at the zoo and evenings at Shakespeare in the Park. These activities are usually an integral break from regular routines and a chance to get out of the house and into nature and the community.
With the help of community friends, all three homes of L’Arche St. Louis were able to break out of their house-bound blues by taking turns spending about a week each at a lake house near Potosi, Missouri, swimming, fishing, playing games, doing crafts, enjoying meals together and simply rocking the summer afternoons away on the rocking chairs of the wrap-around deck.
Kicking off the travels, St. James spent five days in early July at the house. The household was delighted to roll up to the large log-cabin style house abutting the lake below. The small chapel in the house, fitted with a picture of Jesus, brought immediate joy to Richard, who is particularly devout in his Catholic faith. Both Richard and Edward accomplished their goal of catching bluegill while fishing on the dock, and Mary Kate enjoyed some of her usual favorite activities, such as beading and reading, but in this special setting. The vacation almost had to be cut short when the power unexpectedly went out in the house, but it thankfully came back on while the members of St. James took a driving tour of the nearby towns.
After Sunrise enjoyed some time at the lake, Joyful house rounded off the vacations with all of the ladies beginning each morning with an elaborate brunch. Each day unfolded with swimming and kayaking, and wrapped up with “The Name Game” (known to some as charades.)
Living in community offers its share of joys and challenges in the best of times. During this pandemic, everyone has had to be even more creative than usual in finding ways to keep spirits and energy up. “Joyful House was looking for a COVID friendly getaway and the lake house was the perfect fit!” says then-house leader Kristina Roselle; “We were able to step away from Joyful House for a few weeks and share time together in a beautiful new space that was comfortable, cozy, and close to nature.”
In looking ahead to the holiday season, L’Arche St. Louis is making plans to maintain traditions, nurture relationships, and celebrate the seasons while protecting the health of the community. They remain hopeful of the joy and ingenuity of their community that cannot be restricted, even as activities and interactions must be adjusted.
