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Day 4: ASH WEDNESDAY


     The day started early for about half the group. A group of intrepid students braved the early morning bitter chill for a brisk walk to St. Peter's Cathedral for morning mass. After a scintillating wake-up service, they trudged wearily back for an eclectic breakfast to start the day.
     The morning's project consisted of the organization of the Little Free Library's book stock. This project lasted several hours in the morning and stimulated the students interest in books by an overexposure to large quantities. After shifting the vast piles of various books, the students felt sufficiently hungry enough to go back to the St. Joseph house and dive into an lunch of assorted and widely varied foods.
     Following this invigorating episode, the group as a whole felt it necessary to take a little repose. Sadly, at this time Caroline felt in necessary to retire to her home due to some personal health issues. After drying their tears, the rest of the party regrouped to prepare for Fr. Shane who was kind enough to come for an Ash Wednesday service.
     After this time of being shriven, the students and their fearless leader Dave, took some "wellness time" were the cleanliness of the kitchen and of several students were restored.
     Towards the end of the afternoon, the faithful remnant of the Our West Bayfront ABST braved a trip in the van driven by newly certified driver; Maddie Rowley. Fortunately, they all arrived at their destination (five blocks away) safely and securely. After surviving a minor dinner price tag scare and rechecking  Maddie's ability to multiply properly, the emotionally exhausted group sat down at a table. Their relief was short lived however, when the student leaders received the shocking news that they had been asked to deliver a short presentation on the nature of the trip. While the anticipation of this sudden opportunity may have ruined the remainder their dinner, they preformed admirably under pressure and even received a light round of polite applause from an appreciative audience.
     Dave, the groups spontaneous faculty leader treated everyone to DQ to cap off the dinner. The group then went on a quick tour of the Walnut Creek access and had the first half of their evening reflection.
    Once having retired to the St. Joseph House, the group began to wind down by completing an evening reflection part two.

     While this may seem like to end of the day, this spunky group had one more spontaneous activity to accomplish. The mission: to welcome Caroline back the following day. The means: a quick run to Walmart and an intense creative session where the house was transformed into a ready party for Caroline's return.
     That is where it stands. We will check back in tomorrow for an update on our further adventures.

-Timothy Caulfield























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