Am Furan

L’Arche Cape BretonWhycocomagh, NS B0E 3M0 phone: (902) 756-3162 fax: (902) 756-3381

e-mail: larchecb@larchecapebreton.org website: www.larchecapebreton.org

L’Arche is an International Federation of faith-based communities creating homes and day programs with people who havedevelopmental disabilities. Today there are over 100 communities throughout the world.

Our Mission Statement: L’Arche Cape Breton is an ecumenical,Christian community. At the heart of our community are peoplewith developmental disabilities and those who wish to share life with them. We are inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of

community, based on a life of simplicity, sustained by the work of our hands, and nourished by the mystery of God’s presence inall religions, races, and creeds. At the heart of our unity must be the poorest, the weakest, and those who suffer; those for whom

God’s preference is shown and with whom God identifies.

L’Arche Cape Breton’s Newsletter May 2012

As I gather my thoughts in preparation to write anarticle about gratitude, I notice my emotional state:content, calm and relatively peaceful. I’m struckby the irony as I realize that is exactly what I’mfeeling. You see I’m in love – and I’m not alone.This latest being of our adoration is Katherine RuthPower. Kate was born on April 10th to Jenn Powerand Silas Donham, older siblings, Maggie, Josh andJacob and fifty L’Arche Cape Breton members.

The day that we learned this baby was on the waywas the same day that our dear friend Cathy Bradypassed away. I’m so grateful that Cathy, who wassuch a mother hen, had the news before she leftand that she had the opportunity to be the first tovolunteer for babysitting duties. I can see her now,tweaking Kate’s nose and calling her “mysweetheart”.

I am so blessed to be part of a community, thateven on the darkest of days; gratitude can help meremember that along with the darkness of everyending comes the dawn of new beginnings.Gratitude helps us to smooth out the rough edgesof our grief and to welcome a more gentletransition into a new state of living together.L’Arche has been referred to as “The School of theHeart” We often talk about the mystery of L’Arche.We discuss, how time and again we are asked toguide people in relationship, to help them turnconfusion to clarity, a meal into a feast , a houseinto a home, a stranger into a friend, how towelcome people and how in the end, to learn theart of saying goodbye.

Living with a sense of gratitude helps us to unlockthe fullness of life...it turns what we have intoenough and more! Here, in Cape Breton, livingwith a sense of gratitude helps to make sense ofour past while creating a vision for tomorrow.When I hold Kate in my arms, drawing in the sweet,new born smells, I can’t help but marvel at this littlemiracle. Grateful. That’s it...I’m so very gratefulfor her safe arrival, the pucker of her little mouth,her wee fingers and her remindful presence ofthose who have gone before her. Grateful for thelessons of women like Cathy Brady, Marion, Janet,Bomber and so many others, lessons that I will passon to Kate, “ Our Sweetheart”!

Blessings,Mary MacDougall,Interim Community Leader

The dawn of new beginningsWelcoming Katherine Ruth Power

Page 2 L’Arche Cape Breton’s Newsletter May 2012

Our worth is not measured by whatwe have but by what we give-by Morag Graham

Having recently completed my term onthe The Ark Community InitiativesSociety board, I did so with muchgratitude for the privilege of being partof such an extraordinary community.I have been involved with L’ArcheCape Breton for many years, havingserved on that Board as well, and my

admiration and respect just keeps ongrowing.

My feelings for the assistants andstaff as they so capably carry out theirmission are indeed ones of thankfulnessand gratitude. I have always beenamazed and grateful for the caringmanner and obvious love they have forthe core members. These assistants

and staff have truly been blessed andsingled out as they fulfill their callingsin the L’Arche Community.

They have that unique gift of makingone realize his/her true worth and treatall with such dignity and compassion.I have watched them time and timeagain focusing not on the disability buton the ability. How fortunate for us allto have them at L’Arche Cape Breton.

The core members have neverceased to amaze and surprise me.Some I know better than others butall have something to teach us and theycan certainly bring us to the real worldrather quickly. It is the less complex,the unexpected, but truly honestmoment that may be earth-shatteringfor us. How quickly we canexperience humility and gratitude aswe enter into their lives. We are taughttime and time again that our worth isnot measured by what we have but bywhat we give.

For all who continue to serve on theBoards, I am grateful for your goodworks. You are indeed generous withyour time and talents.

Once again, thank you for theprivilege of serving with you. I expressmy gratitude and that of many othersfor the wonderful, caring and capablestaff and assistants in our midst andmay God bless you in all your works.

Morag Graham (centre, back row) pictured with her children and grandchildren

-by Elikem Kwami

Coming to L’Arche has been a greatexperience for me. From the momentI arrived I felt deeply welcomed andaccepted. The pictures on the walls, thepaintings, the sculptures, and writingsaid a thousand stories of hope, joy,peace and love. What stood out for mein my 1 year as a volunteer is howmuch simple things can touch andchange our lives. A hug, a smile, atouch, a compliment, a prayer, athought, saying “thank you”, etc...

Noticing simple pleasures of life andacknowledging what we receive arefundamental in our daily lives.

Chatting with Eddy over a cup ofcoffee, Judy, being witty and ludicrousabout a picture of Charley Pride,Tammy observing but know when toget your attention. This is therelationship we share each day. Thankyou for your friendship. I have had agreat deal of laughter and memorablemoment which I hold in my heart andwould take with me where ever I go.

Simple things can change a life

For this month of May take the time tosay “thank you” to someone; for if

Elikem and Susan are looking lovelyat the L’Arche Cape BretonValentine Day party last February

(con’d page 5)

Page 3 L’Arche Cape Breton’s Newsletter May 2012

Grateful for the gift of L’arche-by Theresa MacDonald

As I begin to write this article aboutgratitude and the connection that it hasto giving I think about my relationshipwith the L’Arche community and allthat it has given me. Several years agoI was very fortunate to become partof a committee that allowed me tobecome more familiar about thiswonderful organization and all that ithas to offer. To have become moreaware of the many gifts that all peoplehave to offer, regardless of theirabilities, physical and other I am trulygrateful.

Gratitude means thankfulness, countingyour blessings, noticing simplepleasures and acknowledgingeverything that you receive.

I have come to realize that the mostimportant things in life are not thingsbut rather that they are wonderfulrelations and the shared feelings thatcome from these relationships.Spending time at the L’Archecommunity and attending events insupport of them has allowed me to bemore open to the possibilities life trulyhas to offer.

These friendships have taught me tofocus on not what my life lacks but the

Theresa, who manages the Baddeck branch of East Coast Credit Union,is pictured with L’Arche Members Chris Matheson and Joan MacDonald

abundance that is already present. Likewatching Joan do the hoola-hoop andwhen I ask how do you do that, shejust motions with her hips and smiles.Listening to Sandra tell her story abouther new life at L’Arche and the lifethat she left behind reminded me thatour lives are truly a miracle and we needto be reminded on a continuous basishow much we have been given. WhenI watch the video “I Am” or think aboutthe performances at the annualChristmas pageant, Spring Fest etc. Ithink what a gift all of this is and howblessed I am to be part of it.

Joy comes to us in all forms, shape andsizes but particularly for me it shinesthrough when I am able to share in thegiving of friendships. I have made somewonderful friendships with the L’Archecommunity and have learned somevaluable lessons on what truly matters.Giving thanks makes people happier andmore resilient and it strengthensrelationships. Giving thanks toappreciate life more fully is to usegratitude to help one put things in theirown perspective.

This is the gift L’Arche has given meand for this I am truly grateful!

Our news...The International Federation ofL’Arche Communities will gather inAtlanta Georgia for the GeneralAssembly beginning on June 1st. Thedelegates, 500 from communitiesaround the world, will walk togetherthe routes marched by Martin LutherKing Jr. and his followers, during theheight of the American Civil RightsMovement. Hosted by local familiesduring the first weekend, delegateswill have an opportunity to sample theflavour and experience the culture ofAtlanta first hand.

L’Arche Cape Breton Board Chair,Stanley Beaton and InterimCommunity Leader, MaryMacDougall are excited to representour Community at this Assembly.They will be hosting advancecommunity consultation sessionsconcerning the business aspects ofthe meeting. There will be a numberof voting sessions during which theAssembly will decide on a newInternational Leader, ViceInternational Leader, President of theStewardship Board and Members-at-Large of the Stewardship Board.One of the high lights of the gatheringwill be the review and acceptance ofa new mandate that will lead us into2017.

Another exciting development is thatour friends from L’Arche Asansol,India, with whom there has been along-standing relationship, will beattending the Assembly. Financialsupport, to make this trip possible,was provided through the fundraisingefforts of The Ark Society. Balaram,Community Leader and Mrs. Paul,Board Chair, will be spending tendays visiting at L’Arche Cape Bretonfollowing the Atlanta meeting. We arevery excited to introduce them bothto the culture and hospitality of CapeBreton. (con’d page 7)

Page 4 L’Arche Cape Breton’s Newsletter May 2012

H: “Gordon, what would you like people to knowabout you?”G: “How they like me.”

H: “If you were introducing yourself to someone,what would you tell them?”G: “I like you.”

H: “Gordon, how would you like people to treat youwhen they first meet you?”G: “People should treat me by getting to know eachother. You should learn how to like me – you arenice to me.”

H: “Where are you from?”G: “I’m from Sydney”

H: “What are your parent’s names?”G: “My family likes me. Steven and Norma are myparents. I have two sisters, Karen and Alice. I haveuncles and aunts named, Rick, Alison, Afford, Geraldand James.”

H: “Where do you live?”G: “I live at L’Arche.”

H: “How long have you lived there?”G: “Since January 8th 2011, which was last year.”

H: “What did you do before you came to L’Arche?”G: “I worked in Sydney. Folding letters and inserting.I liked that.”

H: “Where do you work at L’Arche? What kind ofwork do you do there?”

G: “The Ark store, Caper Club, the Old Hen Café.I shred and type. I type down Psalms from VoicesUnited for the United Church in Whycocomagh.”

H: “What are your hobbies? What do you like todo in your spare time?”G: “I like to shred. I shred them into smaller piecesand give them to Silas. He puts them into papiermache. I like movies – on DVD.”

H: “Do you like living at Corinthian House?”G: “Yes”

H: “What do you like about living there?”G: “I have good friends”

H: “Is there anything you do not like?”G: “No”(This is not entirely true, because I know thatGordon dislikes food cooked together and, as you willread in a moment, when people leave.)

H: “How do you feel about it when people leave?”G: “I feel sad.”

H: “Do you have any hopes or dreams? Anythingyou would like to do in the future?”G: “Go on community vacation to NFLD. Stay in ahotel. I’d like to go to NSCC. I’m not sure whatI’d do there. I like culinary arts, cooking school.”

H: “What kinds of things do you like to talk about alot?”

Spotlight on....Gordon Mills

Mischa and Gordon out for a walk on a spring day.

-by Haley Zavo

I’ve taken my computer downstairs to chat with Gordon while heworks. Gordon and I know each other from our day to day lifetogether in community as well as my family’s weekly visit to hishouse for supper. As soon as he sees me, Gordon’s first questionis always “Where’s Mischa?” – His affection for our little boyalways astounds me. Often, Gordon will comment on Mischa’ssoft hair or his rosy cheeks “Mischa’s cheeks are hot and rosy,he’s been out in the sun too long, he needs sunscreen!” (Thisof course, is a quote from one of Gordon’s favourites – Winniethe Pooh). Today, Gordon sits by the window at the Ark storeand shreds paper. He has agreed that I could ask him some questionsso that you could get to know him a little better.And so I begin.

(con’d page 6)

Page 5 L’Arche Cape Breton’s Newsletter May 2012

the only thing we say is “thank you” it would suffice. Giving thanks strengthens relationships, makes us resilient andimproves our health. If you ever have a to-do list in your life time, then L’Arche is certainly a place to visit a place to visit

Simple things can change a life...(con’d from 2)

-Mukthar Limpao

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by any othername would smell as sweet.” Introductions have never beeneasy for me. I have an interesting but difficult name. “Myname is Mukthar.” “Muk-tar.” It is very common for meto have to repeat this, until I learned that it’s imperative tospell it out. “M-U-K-T-H-A-R.” That just kills the excitementabout introductions. Much like getting a gift; half the funis in the anticipation of the gift – the wrapping paper. Welook forward to what’s inside the box or the bag, even ifit’s a mug or a pair of socks. Handing me a mug or a pairof socks, while appreciated, seems less pleasurable withoutthe gift-wrapping or the presentation. My name just doesthat – breaks a good introduction. One gloomy spring Saturday,I had the pleasure of a friend’s visit. As I opened the door,David Hatcher exclaimed, “Oh, it’sAngi!” He sounded so surprised tosee me, but very much happy andexcited to give me a warm hug andhis usual kiss attack. Then, hewalked straight to check the fridge,grabbed a can of pop, and sprintedoff to the living room. He satcomfortably on the couch andscreamed, “Matlock, you fool!” Thatmoment turned a murky afternoon toa bright and pleasant day.Apparently, on the way to my house,Laura was telling David that they aregoing to my place, “Mukthar’splace,” to spend some time with me.He didn’t really seem so enthusedabout the idea until he saw me, Angi.

When it comes to David, my namehas evolved a lot particularly startingfrom just dear to Angi. Nevertheless,whatever name he calls me, there’s

Deeply grateful for therelationships that are nuturedin community

Last February the folks at Waycobah House posed for a photo at the annualValentine’s Day Party. In the photo are (back, left to right) Trevor, Tanya, Laura,Nadine, David, Mukthar, Rodney, (front row) Gary and Lindsay.

always the feeling of belonging when he calls out for me.Likewise, Maggie Rose Sutherland, with a little help “Muk-”, will say, “Muk-, Mus-ser” and she’ll clap her handstogether and smile her biggest smile. She always associatesme with my previous house, “you at Waycobah?” and we’llstart to have a conversation about David Hatcher andpacking his bag, eventually hanging out would feel morecomfortable thereafter.

As the line from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet goes,a name is just a superficial convention and that what mattersis what something or someone is. Whatever David orMaggie calls me, it’s the story behind every name they callme that draws me home. With my new role in thecommunity, it’s not my name or title as Homes Coordinatorthat makes Judy pull me to a corner for a quick talk orSandra to sit next to me at coffee time, or Trevor to gofor a long walk at Yuck Road, or David Gunn to ask formy phone number, but it’s who I am, who they are andwhat our relationship is. This is something I am deeplygrateful for about being at L’Arche.

Page 6 L’Arche Cape Breton’s Newsletter May 2012

L’Arche Cape Breton thanks their faithful friends forcontinued commitment and support

Spotlight on....Gordon Mills (con’d from page 4)

G: “Telling stories about mice, fairies, pigs and bears.”

When you meet Gordon, you would realize that this statement is incredibly true. He has become well knownthroughout the community as the resident expert on all things concerning popular movies (including their dates,actors and miscellaneous trivia), world geography (especially his favourite countries, their time zones and thelanguages spoken within), dates and anniversaries.

Gordon brings energy, wisdom and attentiveness to detail to our community life. His finely and meticulouslyshredded paper adorns switch plates and pictures frames throughout the community. He has a keen sense ofhumour and an ability to remind everyone of previous moments of laughter that helps us keep our living ‘light’.

I am thankful for Gordon’s presence in our community and the welcome and tenderness that he shows for our family. Acouple of months ago, Mischa visited Corinthian House for a few hours. Gordon stayed up in his room most of the time, andwhen one of the assistants popped their head in with Mischa in their arms, they asked if Gordon would ‘like a snuggle’. ‘YesI would’ he replied, and so Gordon moved over on his bed and snuggled with Mischa. And Gordon showed Mischa what itmeans to open yourself to others and the true gift of just being together.

To honor and to thank their large group of dedicatedvolunteers the community of L’Arche Cape Breton hosteda volunteer appreciation supper at The Angels’ Loft,Orangedale on Wednesday, May 2nd. A delicious supperwas prepared by L’Arche staff and Mary MacDougall,Interim Community Leader of L’Arche Cape Breton,welcomed the volunteers and their guests to the annualevent.

Mary said that it is a privilege to be able to honor thevolunteers at this yearly event, and she thanked them fortheir commitment and dedication to L’Arche Cape Breton.Making the evening especially poignant was the retirementof long-time volunteers, Sid and Gail Matheson. Mary, along

with L’Arche member Bernadette Dunphy thanked Sid andGail for their support and commitment over the years andpresented them with a framed piece of original artworkpainted by L’Arche Cape Breton’s Dennis Murphy.

The L’Arche Cape Breton volunteers are Sid and GailMatheson, Doug and Kenena MacFadyen, Art and BerylRobertson, Fran MacLeod, Julie Crawford, Edie and LeoMacDougall, Gloria MacFadyen, Willie Ross, Betty JaneCameron, Carie MacMillan, Ken Lywood, Val MacEachernand Norm MacDougall.

Pictured in the photos above are: (left) L’Arche member Bernadette Dunphy and volunteer Gail Matheson(centre) volunteer Father Ray Huntley and L’Arche member Ed Johnson (right) volunteer Beryl Robertsonand L’Arche member Heather MacInnis. L’Arche Cape Breton is fortunate to have enjoyed the friendship ofmany faithful volunteers over the past 29 years!

Page 7 L’Arche Cape Breton’s Newsletter May 2012

Our news...(con’d from page 3)

L’Arche Atlantic is entering into a new Mandate phase. David Shumaker is part of a committee led by Joe Egan, ViceNational Coordinator, that will help communities work together in establishing a new guideline for our life together. JohnO’Donnell, who has held the position of Regional Coordinator for several Mandates, has decided not to reoffer and aprocess to fill the Coordinator position will be held in conjunction with the writing of a mandate.

Great excitement with the announcement that the Ark Board recently hired Gray Gillies as Community Growth Coordinator.Gray will be helping to guide core members in successfully reaching their goals as well doing some community work on theL’Arche Canada Membership document. In addition she will continue to be part-time house assistant.

-by Jenn Kang

“I’m the newest member of L’Arche,” Sandra proudlyannounces when she meets new people. I had the honourand privilege of being there to welcome Sandra when shemoved into Corinthian House last November. We weren’tsure what to expect when she first arrived. “I didn’t knowwhat to expect either!” Sandra reminds me. “I was veryscared. I cried and Darlene cried! I like it here now,” Sandrasays, “but I get homesick sometimes.”

Getting to know Sandra has been an adventure full ofsurprises. She’s 61, but more active at times than theyounger men she’s moved in with. Sandra needed newwinter gloves within days because she’d ripped her daintywhite ones hauling wood! It’s Sandra, not the guys in theirtwenties, who you’ll find playing video games on theweekend and instead of quiet evenings in; her idea of agrand time is hitting the 10pm square dance in West Mabou.

Neither is she keen to slow down or retire, having just begunworking while here at L’Arche. Sandra is very proud of hermany jobs in the community and even hopes to work in townsomeday. She has no shortage of plans and dreams. “I hopeto plant a tree by the chapel someday, in memory of mymum,” she tells us. “I’d like to finish high school. I’d like to

travel. I’d like to visit England and France. I’dlike to go on a retreat. Not a silent retreat,though, I couldn’t make it!”

It turns out Sandra is a pain to take groceryshopping, but a pleasure to cook for. “I don’teat vegetables,” she told us early on. Althoughwe had to be sneaky at first, eating bycandlelight to hide the green tinge of broccoli-infused mashed potato, Sandra has becomemore adventurous with eating. She now enjoysvegetables, eggs, even Thai curry, and veryoften the food we share will be “The best mealI ever had!”

When I asked Sandra to describe herself shesaid, “Well, I’m easy-going, I got a good sense of humour. Ilike Mr. Bean. I love The Rankins. Jonathan(MacEachern) is my good friend. I don’t like hard rock.Head banging. I like country western music. I do like rockand roll. I’m a big fan of Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, andJohnny Cash.”

Sandra cares a lot about her family. “I have a sister namedDarlene,” she says. “She brought me here when my mumdied. Mum, she was named Mary. I had a brother namedArthur. My father was named Arthur, too. Arthur Sr. I got alot of cousins...” and she named a good many, includingRon James. She loves telling her sister and cousins abouther news, and she’s been surprising even them. They wereastonished to hear that she now goes to church regularly,that she’ll eat almost everything, that she planned to sing asolo in the Christmas pageant, that she played in a hockeygame, and that she was chosen Queen of our WinterCarnival.

Sandra reminds me of Ecclesiastes 3, or if you prefer,The Byrds. She knows there are a time to laugh and atime to cry. A time to sing and a time to dance. A time tochat and, well, a time to try to remember to talk a littleless often. A time to work hard and a time to rest, and shedoes all of these with an earnestness and gusto that charmthe people she meets and that I truly appreciate andadmire.

Spotlight on....Sandra Dominey

Sandra, (second from left) is pictured with the folks of Cornithian House atthe Valentine’s Day Dance (left to right) Jonathan, Jenn, David, Gray,Rebecca, Rose, Brian and Gordon

I want to help L’Arche Cape BretonPLEASE SEND ME INFORMATION ON HOW TO:

[ ] Become a L’Arche Cape Breton Assistant [ ] Become a volunteer at L’Arche Cape Breton

Name:____________________________________________________________________________________

Address:_________________________________________________________

Postal Code:_______________________ Phone No: __________________

PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOUR ADDRESS HAS CHANGED

I would like to make a contribution. I am sending a cheque for:[ ] $25 [ ] $50 [ ] $100 [ ] other

VISA__________________________________________Expiry_____________

PLEASE MAIL TO: L’ARCHE CAPE BRETON, WHYCOCOMAGH, NS B0E 3M0

To donate online to L’Arche Cape Breton please go towww.larche.ca/en/donate/donate-en.php

Page 8 L’Arche Cape Breton’s Newsletter May 2012

Whycocomagh, Nova Scotia

756-2338 Whycocomagh

We thank our newsletter sponsors, Vi’s Restaurant and Whycocomagh Co-op.We appreciate their continued support.

Spring Fest 2012Saturday, May 26th, 7pm

Membertou Trade & ConventionCentre, Sydney and on Sunday,

June 3rd at 5pm at theJudique Community Centre.

There will be music and theatreby L’Arche Cape Breton

members, and a Live Auction atboth events. In Sydney, tickets

are $15, and a variety ofdelicious dessert will be served.In Judique tickets are $25, andyou will be treated to a lovely

3-course meal.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Second WindCommunity Band Concert

Sunday, June 10th at 2pm atCape Breton University

Playhouse.Tickets available from Second

Wind band members, at The ArkStore and at the door. Adm: $10

Vi’s Restaurant* Home Cooked Meals* Homemade Desserts

Whycocomagh Co-op& Liquor Agency Store

Groceries * Meat Produce * Bakery * Liquor

Monday to Friday:6am to 8pm

Sat: 7am to 8pm,Sun: 8am to 8pm

Tel: 902-756-2000 Fax 902-756-3469

9402 Highway 105 TCH

Whycocomagh, Nova Scotia

Serving customers

7 days a week

On Sunday, May 6th, L’Arche Cape Breton held the first annual 10 K Run and 5 K Wallk. Over 30 runners and walkers gathered at the Middle RiverCommunity Hall in support of the L’Arche day programs. Thank you to Ark board member, Linda MacRae, for organizing the event.

Serving customers 7 days a week