Congratulations to Monika Konieczniak (Yeshua House assistant) on passing her driving test today!

Monika in the driving seat!

Michael Boddy has been in L’Arche for 7 years, he moved into the community on May 13th 2002.  

Michael its a blessing to have you in the community and witness your growth over the last few years.  You have achieved many of your dreams and are an inspiration to others to fight for what you want in life!  Happy Anniversary Michael.

Angus turned 41 on May 26th.  We celebrated at community night with stawberry shortcake – Angus was happy to receive his gift of a Toronto Maple Leafs sweatshirt. Happy Birthday Angus from L’Arche Antigonish!

Angus (gift bag made by Tommy Landry at Horizons)

On Sunday May 24th Johannes Daniel Gutzmann an assistant from Germany was baptised at the St James United church.  It was a gift the community could witness Johannes being welcomed into the church and be part of his journey.  His girlfriend Eva was also here on vacation from Germany to share in the celebration.

Johannes with Eva and Yeshua House

The United Church celebrated his culture by saying the Lords prayer in German. 

Vater unser im Himmel,
geheiligt werde Dein Name.
Dein Reich komme,
Dein Wille geschehe, wie im Himmel so auf Erden.
Unser tägliches Brot gib uns heute.
Und vergib uns unsere Schuld,
wie auch wir vergeben unsern Schuldigern.
Und führe uns nicht in Versuchung,
sondern erlöse uns von dem Bösen.
Amen.

Rev. Peter Smith baptizing Johannes

L'Arche Antigonish participants

On May 17th, 2009,  members of L’Arche Atlantic Region ran, walked, and wheeled in the Bluenose International Marathon in Halifax, NS.  

Many of us went to the big city the night before and stayed together in the newly renovated basement of St. Mary’s Basilica – camping out on borrowed army cots, sharing a pot luck meal and enjoying an evening of singing.

The morning of the race the air was filled with energy and anticipation – the start line was just humming!  We set off to the gunshot and speakers blasting “The Eye of the Tiger”.

...and they're off!

It was a true inspiration to see everyone set off at their own pace as buddies or solo, everyone moving to their own beat.  The crowd cheering us on and forever ringing bells and clapping urging us forward, water stations refueling us as we went.  

Everyone achieved their goals crossing the finish line with jubilant smiles!  There was a cheering crowd at the finish to celebrate with us and share in our joy.  We all received a medal for the race but we got so much more –  accomplishment, friendship, empowerment and most of all a sense of belonging!

Monika and Linda crossing the finish line after a great 10K!

Our thoughts and prayers are with Dorothy and her family during this time as they grieve the passing of Rod MacLellan.

MacLellan, Roderick Ronald, 78, Orchard Terrace, Antigonish, formerly of Big Marsh, Antigonish Co. died suddenly, May 14, 2009 at home.

Born in Big Marsh, he was a son of the late Malcolm Billy and Nora (Clancy) MacLellan. He farmed in Big Marsh in the early years and later worked with the Dept of Transportation in Antigonish for many years. Roddie was a man of deep faith and quiet charity. He supported many foster children around the world. He loved playing cards; was a great hockey fan and loyal Crosby supporter.

Matthew and the staff from Southern Accents went to the movies on Wednesday 13th May to see Hannah Montana. They had a great time watching the movie and developing their friendship beyond the workplace.

Angela, Matthew and Cindy

Carroll, Miriam and Beth had a very good visit with Margie in Sydney.  We had a wonderful salmon dinner together – ‘The very best!’ – Miriam said.  They were having a Mad Hatter’s bake sale and tea for Mother’s Day so there was a lot of excitement.  Everyone was wearing BIG hats that were all decorated with bright colours. 

Carroll, Beth, Margie and Miriam

We went to the common room and sang some songs, shook some shakers and did a bit of dancing!  Someone arrived and played the piano and Miriam sang a song.  Carroll pushed Margie’s wheelchair but he had to stop frequently to give a little wave to those we passed.  Margie was all smiles.

When we arrived Margie was looking at the pictures in her Life Story Book with Kate, a new volunteer.  Kate is a student home for the summer and later we learned that Kate’s aunt Michelle arranged for her to volunteer with Margie.  Michelle works at the nursing home and saw that Margie missed having young people around so she asked Kate to come in.  Kate said Margie brightened up her day. 

Margie continues to change the world one heart at a time.

Angus, Carina, Terry Kelly, Donny and Natalie

Angus, Donny, Carina and Natalie attended a two day conference, Give us a Chance at Summer Street , New Glasgow.  The conference focused on rights, respect and equality – people with Intellectual disabilities have a lot to offer and want to be given the chance to share their talents and skills.  

There were three key speakers at the event.  Terry Kelly gave a presentation on sharing your gifts and being grateful for our many abilities. Diane Heatherington gave a workshop on sexuality and developing healthy relationships with others. Dave Hingsburger’s session looked at Self esteem – A positive approach means more than the giving of reinforcement it means the giving of respect, the giving of recognition and the giving of responsibility.

Give us a Chance was an amazing opportunity to get together with peers, share experiences and be inspired by great speakers .

Donny doing a role play with Dave Hingsburger

http://davehingsburger.blogspot.com/

http://www.breakthrough.ns.ca/team/dhetherington.html

http://www.terry-kelly.com/

Michael in Calgary

Michael went to visit his sister in Calagry, Alberta.  He went with his other sister Melanie and his neice Meghan.  He had a great time and stayed for 5 days.  They visited the big city and went into Banff and around Lake Louise for the day.

“I loved my trip – Big trip!  My sisters were good to me, I ate out, had lots of FUN!  Going again in two years”

Michael, Meghan and Rozlyn at Lake Louise

Michael, Meghan and Melanie at Lake Louise