Getting Down to the Nitty Gritty!

At the heart of the L’Arche community lies the beauty of shared life—an intentional, sometimes messy, but always celebrated process of growing together. Recently, core member Amber D., and assistant, Amber A., sat down to reflect on their journey this past year. What materialized wasn’t just a description of their daily routines but a reminder of how two people can impact each other through patience, kindness, adventure, and even a tasty bowl of homemade grits.
A Favorite Memory– Their Spontaneous Outing to the City.
One day, the two Ambers spontaneously decided to get piercings together. “It was completely out of the blue, which made it even more exciting,” Amber A. recalled. “I loved how we just went for it without overthinking. Our piercer was amazing and made us feel so comfortable. It’s a moment we’ll always look back on and smile.”
A Time of Frustration- Hormonal Hurdles.
When Amber A. was pregnant, there were slight hormonal changes that neither of the Ambers were prepared for. This led to disagreements and moments where they weren’t on the same page. However, “What really stands out is how we handled those moments”, they shared. They always made the commitment to return the following day with a better attitude and a spirit of forgiveness,  which ultimately made their relationship stronger.
A Notable Daily Routine- Getting Down to the Nitty Gritty.
In every household, routines can feel repetitive and tiring. For Amber A.,  that routine is making grits for Amber D. each morning. “I’m more of an oatmeal girl,” Amber A. admits with a laugh, “but over time, I’ve gotten pretty good at making grits.” According to Amber D.,  she is officially the “best gritmaker in the house.” So, what started as a tiring chore has evolved into a daily expression of care and a skill Amber A. takes pride in— “I like the title of best grit maker in the house”.
A Shared Interest-  Finding Joy in the Water.
When they aren’t navigating household routines or venturing out, you can find the two Ambers in the pool. Swimming has become a common interest and a special time for them. Beyond the fun of spending quality time in the water, it serves as an aid in Amber D. ‘s movement and coordination. “It’s been such a pleasure watching her swim style progress since the very first time we went. Seeing that growth has made the experience even more meaningful for both of us.”
An Area of Growth- Through the Eyes of the Other.  
On Amber D.’s Growth:  “I have seen a steady improvement on her temper and tone. There is a genuine effort made every day. Even during the most challenging times, Amber D. pauses, takes a deep breath, and tries to let go of the frustration.” On Amber A.’s Growth: “ She has become even more patient since becoming a mother. This growth has been meaningful to witness and has deepened our relationship.”
A Quality You Admire- Secrets to Success.
One of the many strengths in the Ambers’ relationship is the admiration and respect they have for each other. Amber A.— “You’re never afraid to speak up for yourself, and you always find a way to get me to go on an adventure.” Amber D. — “You’re always down for anything and bring a sense of spontaneity and excitement to every moment.”
At L’Arche, the goal is ‘mutual relationship,’ and the two Ambers are living proof of what that looks like. By navigating the ‘good, the bad, and the ugly’ with vulnerability and a shared commitment, they have both emerged as stronger versions of themselves. From the spontaneous adventures to the daily ‘nitty-gritty,’ their bond is a perfect portrayal of authenticity, love, and mutual respect.