Saturday, July 17, 2010

Our entrance into the CITY!
Stephanie with two of the Brothers from St Damiano Friary.
The pilgrims with the Brothers of St Damiano Friary. They really enjoyed the service, dinner and conversation.
Our home in San Francisco. It was a rush to get here, drop off our bags, then drive to the Friary and find parking! Whew!

Saturday, July 17, 2010
Stephanie’s Prayer/Activity Day
Theme: God and Homebase
6:30 am Wake up (Dani & Katie prepare breakfast)
7:00 am Breakfast (bring your packed bags to breakfast) morning prayer
7:30 am Final cleaning/pack vans
8:00 am Depart for Fort Mason (Fisherman's Wharf Hostel - San Francisco)
12:00 pm Arrive Ft. Mason – noon prayer (lunch on the way?) Explore the Presidio/Golden Gate National Recreation Area, walk Golden Gate Bridge, walk to Lombard Street, get groceries & dessert for dinner at Friary
6:00 pm Mass at St. Damiano Friary (Open House) dinner provided San Damiano Friary
8:00 pm Evening Activity
8:30 pm Evening Gathering (prayer/reflection)
9:00 pm Personal Time
10:00 pm Lights Out
Daily Questions: · Think about your family and friends at home - Who inspires you? Who challenges you? How? · Who do you look up to? Why? · Who are you missing?


We arrived in San Francisco safely! Kellie, Hannah, and Dani are super excited to finally be in the city. Had dinner at St Damiano Friary! Loved it! More to come later....We decided to sleep in a little this morning, then head to SF. It took a little longer than anticipated with the traffic, not knowing our way, etc. We finally arrived at the hostel, drop off our bags, and headed to St Damiano Friary. We made it just in time to make quick introductions, learn our part in the service, begin the service. Afterward, we enjoyed a fabulous spaghetti dinner with the Brothers and their guests. Then it was back to our dorm rooms at the hostel. Since we arrived late in the city, we didn't have time to really explore Golden Gate National Recreation Area, nor the Golden Gate Bridge like we had hoped. We did see the exit side of Lombard Street. Barb didn't like sitting on the hill below the crooked street.

Theme: God and Homebase
Think about your family and friends at home. Who inspires you? Who challenges you? How?

My neighbor Naomi challenges me. She thinks she's better than me.
My mom inspires and challenges me. She was a single mom, raising me and going to college. She challenges me to do what I aspire to be.
My brother and dad challenge me. Challenge me to go outside my comfort zone.
My older sister inspires and challenges me. She is successful, going to medical school, has a job, handles her life; pushes me and challenges me.
My dad and brother tell me to try everything, get my feet wet. My brother succeeded, and tells me to give 10% more, go first class. My mom inspires me by getting up at 4 am, is hardworking.
My cousin Russell, immediate family push me for greater goals.
My friend found her niche in life, overcame personal challenges. My parents inspire me. My dad followed his dream and made it a reality. My last boyfriend challenged me to make relationship work.

Who do you look up to? Why?

Sister Dani, who always pushed through things, always happy.
Haley - very different, with hair, sings, like her a lot.
My mom. despite being pregnant while she was young, she became successful.
My brother. never catches a break;moves past shortcomings; great personality;will miss him when he goes away to college.
My sister's boyfriend, who does what he wants without holding back.
My dad. He followed his dream, passion, took risks, created his company.
My grandpa. Whatever he wants to do he does it.
My friends, parents, grandmother. She was a single parent who raised 5 kids on her own, and taught me how to sew and cook. Looking forward to spending more time with her.


Who are you missing?

Not really missing anyone. I am transitioning, and will be leaving for school. I love my family, but am not really missing them. I am happy to spend time with the group, getting closer to God.
My family. Not really homesick.
My brother. Miss being there this week for him, as he was getting his wisdom teeth out. I am not there to entertain him.
My family and best friend Chloe. I consider her like my sister. Everyone in my family. My mom is always there. My dad, he's funny. My brother, who's really weird.
I miss my dog, my mom, Calvin and Hobbs (geckos). I am sure they've grown. Miss my other animals.
Kind of miss my dad.
My best friend Katie.
Nikoly. I miss people back home - Dad, dogs, friend Josh, Ryan, dogs, Mom.

Highlight of the Day:

skunk in the garden
Getting into the city
The Friary - "cool guys"!
Seeing new sites and walking into the Friary.
CITY! (Kellie)
Being in the car, laughing, listening to Max's tangents, dancing, singing, talking on the walkie talkies, walking after being cramped in the car.
The worship service at the Friary. It was different than usual.Finally able to recite the Lord's Prayer like we usually do! (different than the Prayer Book)
The whole evening at the Friary. Just to sit and converse and find things in common.

Quote of the day:


"No, the guy was looking at me" Max
"Snarf" (Dani's favorite word)
""If you punch someone in the face while you're wearing this ring, you will leave an elephant impression." (Br. JP showed the kids his ring)
"I think we have to stay off that street"


Our Aha moment:


Realized we made it to San Francisco.
The city is bigger than I thought it was.
Saw the skunk
I locked my key in my lockbox.