As we observe the time of Advent, a time of waiting in anticipation for Christmas, L'Arche Manchester observes an advent period of its own as we wait in anticipation to welcome our first core members into the house. We're really looking forward to getting started. This is probably the wrong phrase to use after what I've just said, but we can't wait to crack on!

We have been keeping ourselves very busy in the meantime. On Wednesday 5th December, we had our prayer evening at Chorlton Central Church: a lovely evening, a little less raucous than last year's improvised nativity play fiasco. A slightly more cerebral Advent preparation! Here are the pictures we collated depicting our hopes and aspirations for the future:

Also, a few weeks ago, a couple of us had a fantastic opportunity to visit the founding L'Arche community in Trosly, France. Here are some photos from that:

Heather and Richard share a joke with L'Arche founder Jean Vanier.

Tracy, Eleanor and Jean Vanier.

Welcome to the mothership.

Jean and Richard.

A great time was had by all with plenty of new memories made. It was also a fantastic opportunity to become more familiar with what's going on in other communities across the globe, and to also share our experiences with Jean, in the place where L'Arche began back in 1964.