My name is Shohag Bhai. I was born in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. My mother died when I was very young, and I was thrown out of the house when my father remarried. I had nowhere else to go, and I ended up living on the streets.

Shohag’s time on the streets was one he remembers as feeling very lonely and full of shame. After living on the streets, Shohag also spent some time in an orphanage. Some brothers connected to the orphanage contacted L’Arche and Shohag and his good friend Riko. Together, they moved and became a part of the L’Arche community in Mymensingh when it was founded in 2002. After that, life began to change.

Now, I live in a house named ‘Shopno Nir’, which translates to ‘Dream House’ in English. I have many friends who live with me at Shopno Nir, we are like a big family. We support each other when we need help. I do not feel alone anymore.

Shopno Nir is a very big house, so all of the residents work together to make sure it runs smoothly. I like contributing to the community because it feels good to help. I like to sweep the floors, help in the garden, hang clothes up to dry. Some day, I hope that I will be able to keep more chickens in the garden.

I am thankful for all of the opportunities I have here. One of our founding members gave English lessons to the community assistants, and I liked to sit near and listen. I like to learn languages, and I often serve as a translator for our visitors. I can speak English and Bengali, and I also know a little French. I keep busy with taking care of our home; I also enjoy singing and making art. It is important to express yourself and be creative.

The L’Arche community is a sign of unity across differences – this is unique in many regions where L’Arche members of different religions live together and serve as a sign of mutuality and peace.

Praying is also very important to me because it helps me to feel connected. We come together to worship and pray in Shopno Nir. I am a Muslim, and I like participating in Ramadan, a special month in the Islamic calendar. During Ramadan, we pray, and we fast, which means that we do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset.

I like to spend time outside, I particularly enjoy going to the park with my friends and having picnic outings or playing games. I feel good and included when I am with my friends!