Traveling south on Highway 169 in northern Oklahoma, not only did we have to fight against the persistent and powerful headwinds once again, but the highway itself at times was not very pedestrian friendly, with very little shoulders to run on at times and fast moving truck traffic. Knowing that there were many people waiting for us in Tulsa, I would imagine all the joy and enthusiasm we would share with them in a matter of hours if we were as persistent as the wind and as patient as the trees.

Our first stop was at the Eisenhower International Elementary School in Tulsa. We felt very welcome by the teachers, the Principal Stacey Strow and staff, but especially by the students who were gathered in the gym to greet us. As we explained what we were doing there with a flaming torch and how we arrived there, the young, inquisitive and enthusiastic faces began to light up. This school is also a multi-lingual ‘immersion’ school with Spanish and French being studied quite seriously. When our international group of runners introduced themselves and their countries of origin, the children were delighted to learn a few new words in other foreign languages as well. We would have liked to spend more time with these wonderful children but we had to get to another school within 30 minutes so we unfortunately had to leave earlier than we would have liked to.

One unfortunate thing about running just about everywhere we go is that we can never stay in one place for too long. So we quickly moved on to our visit to the Undercroft Montessori School a few miles from Eisenhower School. Again, about 150 children and staff and some parents greeted us in the gym. The school was very creatively decorated with artwork and murals obviously created by the children. After we offered them our presentation about the World Harmony Run, some of the children offered us songs and handmade flowers. In return, we sang our World Harmony Run song for them and with them as they learned the first line quite easily and enthusiastically.

When the program was over, some of the older children ran a mile around the block with our women runners. They held our torch as well as beautiful and colorful paper torches that they made themselves. It really warms our hearts when we see how much work and creative energy can go into sharing the concept of world harmony and understanding by such young children. Obviously, in this particular school, the teachers stress a very creative and multi-cultural program for the children. We are very grateful to the principal Leanne Huxall and the teachers, especially Lori Karmazin, who helped to organize this fantastic program.

Again, it was difficult to have to move on so quickly but as Robert Frost wrote, “I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep…”

At 6:00 p.m. we met Chase, a runner from Tulsa who ran with us along the beautiful Arkansas River path for four miles. After two miles or so we were joined by Steve and Linda Wohlgemuth who had joined us many times in the past as we ran through Tulsa. Four years ago they invited us to their home for a wonderful dinner. This time we were able to offer them dinner with us, treated by Laura and Mark Wadley who also brought along their beautiful four year old son, Ethan. It was a very delicious meal from the India Palace in Tulsa that the Wadley’s offered to all of us. We are very grateful to them for everything they have done for us in Tulsa.

With our final destination for the day being the Super 8 Motel of Sapulpa, we were again quite fortunate to have the lovely Pat Pickering, General Manager, offer us rooms to stay for the night. Susan Crone, who was working at the front desk at the time, was also very kind and gracious to us all. She spent lots of time making copies of documents we needed and accepting faxes as well. Diana gave us a friendly farewell the next morning as we left for Oklahoma City.

One of the faxes was a wonderful letter by a kind elected official, welcoming us into his wonderful State of Oklahoma. The opening statement is as follows:

“It is my honor and privilege to welcome the World Harmony Runners to Oklahoma. This state has long celebrated the people of all nationalities, faiths, and traditions and we are happy to greet you and support this remarkable testament of unity and good will.”

It is a great honor and privilege to be so warmly welcomed to Oklahoma by such a great public servant and brave soul.

Gratefully,

Arpan and Team Harmony

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