Day 6-7, Chicago, March 13-14, 2026

This morning we started our day with mass followed by our final breakfast with Ferris State University before their departure. They were great companions this week so their goodbye was a little bittersweet. After that we helped the sisters with their chores, which for me included cleaning up Ferris’ rooms with Alex, Kathryn, and Tyler. After lunch with the sisters, we got some free time, which we used for a group game of Scattergories (still shaking my head about me and Alex both saying artichoke dip for things that are in a refrigerator). After that we swung by the YMCA to say goodbye to the kids. We didn’t originally have this planned but all of us wanted to see them one more time since we didn’t get to say goodbye to them earlier. Another bittersweet goodbye.

For the evening we went to a Catholic Church called St. Andrew’s where we walked around the blocks inviting people to adoration and confession where they could light a candle and pray for peace. Alli and I were buddies and we encountered a lot of people that said no or just kept walking. After many rejections she said,” Please God just give us one yes.” We then ran into a man that was very friendly and asked us more about our invitation. He said that he was just praying in his apartment to God and that this was something he was going to really consider. We gave him some free books and a candle. His name was Joshua. I suppose both us and Joshua were the answers to each other’s prayers.

After our street walking shift, we did a holy hour in the church, which was accompanied by Sister Kate playing cello and Sister Maggie singing. It was angelic. On our drive back to the convent, I realized how close this group has gotten. It was 30 minutes straight of laughing and sharing God moments from the day, with a little freestyling in between. This was not the same group that arrived here just a couple of days ago. Even as individuals, we have all had strong movements in our hearts that will change the way we live back at Carroll.

The last adventure (Day 7) Friday morning we packed up and had our last mass with the sisters and the bishop. We then hopped on a bus to see the famous St. Patrick’s day tradition where they dye the Chicago river green! There were so many people and the river actually turned a bright green! After navigating some city traffic(with mini hacky sac at the bus stop) We had one last meal with the sisters and played another short game of hacky sac before our emotional and final goodbye. We’re on the last flight home as of now. The Lord has taught us all to trust him this week by frequently giving us perfectly timed arrivals and departures whether it be busses, trains, or planes. His hand has truly been guiding this trip despite the delays, challenges, and incredulities. Thank you for reading about our adventures! Until next time.

Asher signing out.