Welcome back to the blog!
My name is Ethan; I am a junior and majoring in Environmental Science and I will be recounting the second day of our L’Arche Ontario experience! As someone who had previously attended an ABST to Guatemala in 2024, I had ideas for what to expect during this trip. However, one thing I learned about this program so far is that each trip is unique. I couldn’t be more excited to learn more about the community we found ourselves a part of !
My first morning in L’Arche, Hamilton started with a breakfast in the Holton house. We got to spend some time hanging out and meeting some of the core members before the day officially began. The hike came next, with the group piling in the van and (after some failed attempts at parking) walking to see the various waterfalls that lined the path. It was a hike full of fun conversations, beautiful snowy vistas, and slippery ice paths that swept us off our feet. And the final waterfall was a greater reward than we ever could have asked for!
After the hike, we stopped in downtown Hamilton, where we got to see the heart of the city for the first time. We spent our free time in the art museum, absorbing all the fascinating works and enjoying each other’s company. By the time we returned, it was time for dinner. I was paired with Sonya, and the two of us visited the Charbeneau house, while the rest of the group dispersed to various other houses. The friendly staff served us a great meal of pork chops and a chocolate cake for dessert. It was a delicious dinner after an exhausting day!
While at dinner, we got to meet the residents, including Mike, who gave us a tour of the house. There were a few other core members present that weren’t very interested in conversation, but Mike was more than happy to make friends with us and tell us all about his life and interests. He was a man blooming with creativity, living through his love of art, movies, and his found family. He showed us his exemplary artwork, and we got to learn all about his past. He had been with L’Arche for approximately 43 years, which demonstrated the extreme dedication of the organization and their commitment to high quality care. Mike was a radiating presence. There wasn’t a moment when I didn’t see a smile on his face, apart from when we had to leave. We had fun talks about his favorite sports teams, his love of James Bond, and his various travels over the years. He was truly a joy to be around, and I am very excited to get to know him more over the course of the week.
Our nightly reflection was very productive as we all spoke of our respective experiences. Some group members talked about how lively their dinners were, while others said the tone was more solemn. Everyone could agree, however, that the day felt moving in one way or another. We all have the understanding that this isn’t just a typical spring break. We are here to get glimpses into the sides of humanity that are often shrouded from our view. So, we prepare for the next day with the same excitement and dedication as before, ready to open our minds to all the novelties tomorrow will throw at us.
Stay tuned in for some more fun from the 2026 ABST Canada L’Arche Trip Crew!
