A journey to the heart of community

My name is Prakhar Srivastava, and my life has been one of exploration and self-discovery. With a long academic foundation and frontline experience in charities, I constantly push myself to uncover new aspects of my potential. This drive has led me to a life-changing opportunity: moving from London to Edinburgh to begin a L'Arche Internship with L’Arche UK.

Excitement marked the start of this journey, but as I settled into David’s house at L’Arche Edinburgh, reality hit hard. Living far from familiar surroundings among strangers is daunting. Though eager to contribute and belong, I feel overwhelmed by the newness of it all. My desire to excel clashes with uncertainty about where to begin in this entirely different environment.

Initially, I struggled to find my footing, unsure of how to be useful. My instinct to shine from day one doesn’t fit here—this isn’t a world driven by relentless competition. It’s something much deeper.

A transformative moment comes during a music and prayer session with the "core members" - people in the Community who have learning disabilities. Singing the Community song—“It’s me, you, us; love builds community”—with Hugh, our facilitator, shifts my perspective. His authenticity and joy transcend the moment, helping me see things differently.

Through reflective retreats, I begin to grasp the essence of L’Arche. It’s not just about assisting individuals with learning disabilities but about creating a space filled with patience, love, acceptance, and mutual growth.

The house I live in is becoming my home, thanks to the warmth of four incredible people with learning disabilities who welcome me into their home, bridge the barriers between us, and encourage me to live more joyfully. Under the mentorship of Mary, my internship facilitator, I learn by example. Her passion for the work inspires me and helps me find purpose in small, meaningful acts of care.

Each day brings challenges—stress, doubts, and moments of self-questioning. But every night, I feel an unmatched sense of fulfilment. Slowly, I’m embracing patience, not as a passive trait but as an active force. This patience, rooted in love and acceptance, becomes a spirituality that strengthens and clarifies my purpose.

Over time, I grow more confident, taking on tasks like fixing technical issues, organising community gatherings, and leading initiatives. Mistakes happen, but each one offers a chance to learn. I’m discovering beauty in imperfections and growth through challenges.

This journey isn’t just about service—it’s about transformation. While I’m far from perfect, I’m learning to cultivate a calmness filled with wisdom and empathy. I now envision a more inclusive society that celebrates differences and moves forward with love and acceptance.

This experience is illuminating a path for me, one where making a difference starts with building genuine connections. While the journey ahead remains long, the light of patience and purpose guides me, one step at a time.