5 years ago this week, I went to the Philadelphia airport to pick up 6 people who would be spending the summer helping to run the Washington Ireland Program’s summer portion of its leadership and development program.  I’d only heard their voices on the phone and seen old, and what seems like ridiculously serious pictures of them (I’m especially referring to you, Anne Parsons!).

Of course, it was a very hot day. Hot, humid and super uncomfortable. I was going to take my own van but luckily my friend Mary suggested I rent a larger 12 passenger van. They might have lots of luggage, she said. So, I get to the airport, rent the van, leave it in the lot and take the shuttle bus to the terminal to pick them up. I get a call that not only have they already arrived but they have their luggage etc. How many planes come in early?

I find 6 tired looking souls with the largest suitcases I’ve ever seen. I’m not exaggerating on any level – I’ve never seen cases this large before. We trudge out to the shuttle bus to the car rental lot (did I mention it was very hot?) and load up. Thank God Mary suggested the large van – it was packed.

We get going and soon run into traffic that had suddenly stopped. I had to slam on the brakes. Maybe it was a little too much on the brakes as when I looked over at Sarah, who had obviously drawn the short straw and had to sit up front with me, she looked as though she was either giving herself last rites or saying some serious Hail Marys. I’m not sure which. Of course as I was glancing over, I noticed a big message on the dashboard that the van could roll over or something. Then I was in a panic but I did what any self-respecting person would do – I told them I was testing the brakes.

I’m glad to say despite such a jolting start, it was smooth sailing after that. So glad that while years have passed, people live in various countries around the world, that we still keep in touch and it is always a great day when I hear from or about them.

In honor of this anniversary, I found Nanci Griffith’s song “Ford Econoline” on my IPod. Apparently I’m not the only crazy van driver!