The annual March for Life was set to be bigger than ever this year.  Unfortunately, mother nature had another plan.  Winter Storm Jonas promptly rolled into Washington D.C. on the morning of the big day.  As a result, those of us on the pilgrimage experienced a whirlwind trip that will not soon be forgotten.

Wednesday, January 20

Upon our arrival at St. Cletus Parish, our departure point, we learned about the impending storm and the impact it could have on our trip.  The original plan was to return to Chicago on Saturday night, but with the poor road conditions, we were informed that Sunday morning might be more likely.

To get our minds off of the bad weather, Mount Carmel students, as well as other kids from parishes and schools, began a prayer service.  The service included testimonies from former marchers about their experience and songs full of hope.  After about forty five minutes, we all piled onto the buses, claiming the seats we would have for the next twelve hours.

Moments before falling asleep, a man came on over the speaker informing us that we were going to pray the rosary. All of the students and chaperones were given a new rosary to use for the remainder of the trip.  Upon conclusion, most of the bus fell asleep.

Thursday, January 21

The fleet of buses stopped in Breezewood, Pennsylvania for breakfast.  Our whole Caravan contingent immediately  headed over to Dunkin Donuts.  We packed inside and ordered the breakfast which would be our last meal before we reached our destination.

The next leg of the trip lasted a brief two and a half hours, much shorter than the rest of the journey.  Once again, we prayed the rosary, reminding ourselves why we were on this trip.

We arrived in Tyson’s Corner, Virginia around noon.  Before going to our hotel, we wasted a bit of time at Tyson’s Corner Center, the thirteenth largest mall in America. The Mount Carmel students ate lunch and looked around until we were allowed to check into our hotel.  Once at the hotel, we all retreated to our rooms and quickly showered so we could attend  mass in the hotel ballroom.

Following mass, the students went to George Mason University for a March for Life Rally.  The rally was held in the main gym and consisted of Christian rock bands, motivational speakers, and other forms of entertainment.  Most students brought money and bought a quick bite to eat at the arena.  The rally lasted about three hours, allowing us plenty of time to get into the March for Life mentality.

Afterwards, exhausted, we headed back to the hotel excited for the next day, only to hear that weather news had broken. It had been decided that because of Winter Storm Jonas, we would have to leave Washington early on Friday and miss the actual march.  The whole bus fell silent, thinking about the decision that had been made.  Though disappointed, we all realized that this was the best scenario, since staying longer might trap us for another two or three days.  So, we returned to the hotel to pack our bags for the next day.

Friday, January 22

Everyone woke up early Friday morning to return to George Mason University for another rally.  We celebrated the march, even though we knew we would be returning home.  After the rally was completed, we boarded the buses and departed for the long journey home.

Snow was an issue for the first leg of the trip home, but eventually the weather cleared up. We stopped for dinner in Ohio, and arrived back at St. Cletus at 1:30 a.m.   The whirlwind trip had come to an end.

Even though the trip was cut short, all of the participants made memories they will never forget.