I was in Mobile, AL with 11 SLU students over spring break. While there, we learned that all SLU classes would be moved online as the global pandemic shut down cities, states, and nations. It was a beautiful place to receive terrible news.
with SLU students, on a break in Mobile AL
I was helping to lead a group of 11 SLU students on an immersion trip to a L’Arche community. L’Arche is a faith-based home for people with disabilities– physical, mental, and Down Syndrome. We had a great group. These kids are giving up their spring break to learn, grow, and serve. In the South, things move a little slower. We had an easy pace that included time for meals, prayere, games, and interacting with L’Arche members. On Tuesday evening, we got the first email from SLU. The corona virus was upgraded to a global pandemic by the WHO; all classes would now be online; and students needed to move out of their residence halls after spring break.
There were tears, hugs, anxious phone calls to parents, and frantic changes in travel plans.
Amidst all of this there was an overwhelming feeling of grace. The L’Arche community in Mobile continued their day-to-day activities of meals, prayers, and art projects, as they planned ahead for this scary new reality. Our SLU group continued to listen, cook, clean, and learn. Our nightly reflections went deeper and longer as the week went on. Prayer and discussion provided a center of peace amidst the gathering storm of the pandemic.
It was a beautiful place to receive terrible news. My love and admiration for our students only increased over the week. These are bright, generous, caring young adults. They weren’t on vacation, but immersing themselves in a community of persons with disabilities. They set aside their break to learn, pray, and serve. In a time of crisis, our students reached out to support each other, their families, and L’Arche. We were all upset and confused. And, in faith, they moved outward in love. Not hoarding, but giving. Men and women for others, not for themselves. I’m grateful for the beauty of our students; they responded to terrible news with faith, hope, and love.
posted April 29, https://werememberslu.wordpress.com/2020/04/29/immersion-and-grace/