Let's begin by saying that the whole team loved Athens. There is always something special about a college town. It seems to be a little slice of ahead of its time. Though I spent most of my time in the actual city in a coffee shop, it was really the vibe of the whole place that stood out and called for further exploration on my next visit.

We were quite warmly hosted by Dan and Raya Everett (pictured above with their friend Shake) the night previous. We really were made to feel as part of the family. We shared many intimate and sacred moments. I especially enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with their beloved pets. There were a few dogs, a cat and a very friendly horse. I really felt at home. Thank you so much for your hospitality.

Leaving Athens, we ran all day along the 72. It was one of those very straight forward days with only one appointment to be kept.

We were nicely invited to speak to about 150 children at the Brookhaven Boys and Girls Club by Bobby Dunn—a former Olympian in handball.

The children had made banners and flags of the world. They offered two nice dance performances and were very quick to answer all our little quiz questions. We were quite impressed with their knowledge of geography.

Bobby was very accommodating and seemed to have an excellent rapport with the children. I love to see someone who truly enjoys their job, especially this type of position. It offers so much to the children's lives. I feel the attention and extra education they receive at these Boys and Girls Clubs will contribute greatly to them becoming much better citizens of the world. Great JOB!

Atulya

San Diego

Why are people so kind?

As I was dragging myself up hill and down dale during a run a few days ago I was musing about what it is that makes people so kind.

You see, on this relay run through all 48-mainland states you have the very rare opportunity to meet and interact with perfect strangers. There is almost always an immediate connection between two strangers because it seems each has deep inside them an innate yearning for world harmony.

Everyday each member of our running team comes back with wonderful stories of people they have met along the road and moments they have shared. So while we say that the message of the run is that “world harmony begins within the heart of each individual” we also experience it in a very practical sense.

Yesterday we had the very good fortune to stay with Dan and Raya Everett in Athens, Georgia. Dan had run with us a few times in the past and this year just happened to ask our Georgia coordinator, Prakhara Harter, where we were planning on staying in Athens. She replied we were still looking for a place. Dan then very generously invited us to stay with him and Raya.

So late last night we made our way to their place, a beautiful house designed by Raya on a 2 acre block. Here we were, 11 perfect strangers, invading their home late at night. We were met by smiling, welcoming faces as well as some delicious pesto pasta, home-grown salad and tasty soup.

Eleven tired and road weary runners were fed a sumptuous meal, treated to lively and interesting conversation, showered with kindness and hospitality but most importantly an opportunity to meet and make new friends.

So as we ran our miles the following day we carried with us their kindness and generosity of spirit that we can then share with others we meet along the way.

I always feel on these relays that the torch actually carries all the goodwill, kindness, hopes and dreams for a better world of everyone who has touched it along the way. It is like a bank of hope where each person who touches the torch makes a deposit of kindness that is then passed from one person to the next.

So why are people so kind? I guess that’s just the way we are.

Salil Wilson

Australia

Special Thank You

We would like to send out a special thank you to:

Walmart for providing the team with a few cases of gatorade and water. The store in Lawrenceville, GA had not even officially opened, yet they were so kind and generous to offer us these fine refreshments.

Moes Southwest Grill. The manager David Lewis, set us up with a fine mexican feast. We really enjoyed our meal and felt fueled for the next day's run. We wish to offer a special prayer for the health of David's father, who is battling cancer.

People really are so kind.

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