After leaving the wonderful Clinton Hotel which offered us many complimentary rooms to rest our weary bones, we headed off towards the Peachtree State of Georgia. We entered Georgia by running over a long highway bridge over the scenic Russell Lake.

On the bridge we were greeted by the local police to escort us 18 miles to the lovely town of Elberton. We also met Bob Lee, who so selflessly arranged for our run into Elberton, and Ace Fendley, who ran part of the way into town with us. Ace has run into Elberton with us on six previous runs so far. His father, Joe Sr. also greeted us later on our entry into Elberton. Joe is a former mayor of this city and has hosted us so kindly in the past. It was so nice to see him again.

After running through town, we stopped at the Elberton Middle School at the far end of town in a beautifully rural setting. At the school, we were welcomed by hundreds of children, teachers and other staff, as well as the lovely Mayor of Elberton, Iola Stone, who has greeted us many times in the past. The principal of the school, Martha Noble, and other staff members organized a wonderful group of children for our arrival. Bob Lee gave a brilliant introduction and Ace Findley also spoke. Then Danny Bessinger, of the Elbert Parks and Recreation offered us a proclamation for World Harmony Run Day in Elberton. City Councilman Larry Guest also offered a World Harmony Run Day proclamtion for Elberton. After singing for and with the children who were gathered at this newly built middle school, we were so generously treated to a wonderful lunch with them. This also gave us the opportunity to mix with them and talk about our run and their lives as well.

It is so heartwarming and uplifting to see so many children who are concerned with world harmony and friendship and who can participate in such a global event with us. It is the children who will decide the fate of the world and whether or not harmony and peace will prevail. We have to thank Bob Lee, Ace Fendley, Mayor Stone and the Elberton Middle School for allowing this significant event to take place with the children.

I also personally owe a very big debt of gratitude to Gino Sapponarri, DDS. After leaving the school, I had to visit him, the local dentist, to take care of a tooth problem which suddenly appeared after leaving New York last week. It was getting worse and worse so I had no choice but to get it taken care of, even though my own dentist was 900 miles away. Usually I am reticent to visit other dentists after having gone to the same dentist, Dr.Seigel, who also happens to be a good friend, for many decades. But Gino Sapponarri was a wonderful person and a great dentist. He explained everything as he went along diagnosing the problem. After remedying the painful situation, he ended up saying, “N.C.” This means ‘no charge’. Quite unexpected to me, I was really taken aback by the sincerity and generosity of such a selfless soul and great dentist and father. I am sure the work he did would have cost me quite a bit, but his understanding of our goals and efforts of the World Harmony Run inspired him to offer this valuable contribution to the cause. This indeed was personally very helpful to me and quite moving at the same time.

We would also like to thank Heather and WNEG-TV for coming out for hours to follow us into Elberton and cover the story. The city of Elberton, Georgia really outdid itself this time in so many ways. We will carry their goodwill and contributions to World Harmony with us for the next three and a half months as we traverse this great country and meet its concerned citizens such as those in Elberton.

Arpan

Workin' the Webb

I'm sitting in Athens, GA in a great little coffee shop called Jittery Joes. Must confess, I'm not a coffee drinker but many of the runners I'm with enjoy a cup or two now and then. I come for the wireless outlet. It seems that much of my World Harmony Run time is spent dialed in to the super-highway, so I'm very grateful for the growing number of free wireless connections. My job is much easier and faster.

I've been getting great satisfaction from allowing our friends and family to share our amazing experience. I know they are only experiencing a fraction of what we are, but it's enough to create a oneness-bond that would otherwise not be possible to create.

I really enjoy seeing the talents of the team come to the fore in their writing, photography, organizing skills and public speaking. The run has an unparalleled way of drawing the best that people have to offer from within. For instance, the other night the girls team offered a play that was so creative and simply gut busting. I had such a great laugh. Nothing like a little comedy to relieve stress and promote health.

I feel the team growing closer each day, operating more and like a fine tuned instrument. The World Harmony Run is not an easy piece to play. There are many challenging notes within a difficult rhythm. We have yet to give our best performance but with more practice and patience I feel we'll be topping the charts in no time.

Atulya

San Diego

Many thanks to Dr. Anthony W Carpanter for offering his services to my injured leg. I've been really struggling the last few days and he was an absolute savior. I would say he is by far the most competent chiropractor and kinesiologist I have ever seen. I'll always remain grateful to him for his selfless help.

Triangle Wellness and Sports Center

Homagni

Australia

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