The Sacred Stories Listening Tour’s 37-foot RV made its way to L’Arche Greater Washington, D.C.!
Special thank you to Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Arlington for letting us park the RV in their lot over a weekend, no less! 🧡
Earlier this month, the Everable film crew visited our community as part of Sacred Stories: a five-year project grounded in a nationwide listening tour exploring what people with and without disabilities hold sacred.
It was fun to welcome old and new friends, share our stories, and show some of our favorite places around town. Francene was so ready to share one of her favorite Amtrak train-viewing stops with the B-roll crew that she wore her conductor hat to work!
“To be invited to reflect on the sacred value of my time and relationships in L’Arche over the last 24 years reminded me how grateful I am to be a part of L’Arche,” shared Melissa Javier-Barry.
Melissa has not only been part of GWDC for decades, she’s also lived in L’Arche in the Philippines and New Zealand. Hearing her share about the ways L’Arche has impacted her daily life, family rituals, and identity was really striking. “Talking with the film crew about their experience traveling around the country and visiting so many L’Arche communities made me wish I could join the tour!” she added.
When Laurie arrived for her interview, she asked, “Is Michael here?”
“Yes.”
“Good. I’m going to tell him EVERYTHING about God.”
And after applying her signature red lipstick, she did just that.
We’re really excited for the ways Sacred Stories will highlight the leadership and voices of people with disabilities across the country. Stay tuned for updates as this project unfolds in the next few months and years.
Watch the recap video of the Listening Tour stop and enjoy some behind-the-scenes photos below from the ever-wonderful Yang Suarez.
Melissa posing with the drawing Eileen gifted her after her mom died.
Laurie preparing to tell Michael McDonald everything she knows about God.
Eileen took the B-Roll crew thrifting and showed them the art of the penny walk.
Ricky singing his song and signing the traveling tablecloth that moves between L’Arche communities.
Fritz shared a prayer and blessing for those we’ve lost and who are still with us, like his mom pictured here.
Capturing Eric the greeter in his natural element.
Cruz sharing what he holds sacred.
Joseph volunteered to be the first interviewee–brave man!
Debora shared her love of dresses.
Johnny was pleased that Paulo (who focused on audio recordings for the film crew) spoke Spanish.
We had to show the out-of-towners Gravelly Point 😉
