As we ran through Jefferson City today, we ran into a Soccerfest, welcomed by hundreds of children and John Deshay, one of the organizers who invited us to run in. Most of the kids were playing some serious soccer so they could not join us. John gathered together a group of young soccer players who were in between games.

With great joy and enthusiasm they ran with us to the concession stand where many other people were gathered around as well. It was a rather spontaneous ceremony but worked out quite well as the young soccer players and some of their parents were quite curious and impressed with our event passing through to their event.

Even when people may be initially confused, curious or plain ‘skeered’, after we introduce ourselves and explain how and why we arrived there, their hearts either melt or sympathize with the cause of harmony and friendship. This was no exception as these young soccer stars were overjoyed to carry the torch and pass it on to the next person. This concept of sharing and passing on the responsibilities and joys of carrying the torch for harmony seems to be easily understood, especially by children. As more and more people gathered around, we could see that the interest was growing and others wanted to hold or carry the torch. After the impromptu ceremony, a few more soccer players wanted to join us, relaying the torch back out to the main road.

We are so grateful to our friend Jamini and to John Deshay and the other organizers of this wonderful sporting event, which itself offers much in the way of harmony, teamwork and mutual understanding, as is necessary in all kinds of team sports.

After the soccerfest we had a wonderful lunch provided by The Paniera Bread Company of Jefferson City which kindly donated 10 delicious sandwiches and salads.

Later in the evening we were also offered meals at Patricia’s Mexican Restaurant. It also was quite tasty and nourishing after a long, hilly, and windy day on another busy highway. Thank you, Patricia.

Arpan (NYC)

We were running on Highway 50 towards Kansas today with the strongest headwind ever, so strong that even the torch almost flew away from my hand. At one point I saw someone on a small path next to the road. It was a young boy with a red shirt and his father behind him. He was quite shy, but I asked him if he wanted to run with the torch. He nodded. His father said that he will wait for us one mile up the road. He started running with the torch the same speed as me and I was very surprised because he was no more than 11 or 12 years old. When I asked him how he imagines harmony, he said, “Different people working together for a cause.” It was a very shining mile for us both.

Maria (Bulgaria)

(not pictured above or below)

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