Rotsy grew up navigating two distinct worlds, never fully feeling at home in either. Born in Madagascar, she relocated as a young child to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where her mother pursued a degree at the University of New Mexico. After her mother’s graduation, Rotsy returned to Madagascar to complete her high school education. When it was time for Rotsy to continue her studies, she chose to return to the United States, enrolling at Central New Mexico Community College.
As part of her new chapter, Rotsy moved into Luther House, a decision that became transformative. She had been introduced to Luther House during her childhood, attending its Wednesday night dinners. “I thought that’s all it was, weekly dinners,” Rotsy recalled. However, upon moving in shortly after the pandemic, she discovered a much deeper connection to the community.
Initially, Rotsy’s transition was challenging. Isolated from family and friends, she found herself in a cycle of attending classes and returning home. “I missed home (Madagascar), and I’m still a shy person. My only social interaction was class. It wasn’t good,” she admitted.
Rotsy began participating in Luther House’s weekly dinner-church services and soon realized it offered far more than she had imagined. “It goes beyond here,” she explained. “It’s the connections you make, the relationships. It’s not just a Wednesday night meal. I loved the Poetry as Theology program we did. We learned so much about each other and ourselves. It had that sense of warmth, like home.”
Through these experiences, Rotsy gradually overcame her shyness. “I had to,” she said, reflecting on how sharing her living space with others pushed her out of her comfort zone. “People were in my home. But I’m glad. It helped me to be open. It feels like community, like family. It opened my eyes. I’m more likely to try new communities now and put myself out there.”
Rotsy’s journey demonstrates the profound impact that a supportive community can have, transforming isolation into a sense of belonging and personal growth.
Credit to: Luther House Campus Ministry, Albuquerque, NM. Luther House is one of 176 ministries affiliated with LuMin, the network of ELCA Campus Ministries.
