Edi heading south on the 601.

Bangshidhar joined by Jim Duncan and the Salisbury Running Club

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After a nice night’s sleep at the Scottish Inn in Mocksville, all the teams left quite early to make it to the China Grove Middle School near Salisbury.

We love to meet new people along the way.

The Salisbury Rowan Runners met us at the historic bell tower in Salisbury along with Mayor Pro-Tem. Paul Woodson. He graciously welcomed us to this beautiful community near the distinguished Catawba College.

There's the smile we like to see. Fight the good fight Salil!

From there we had about seven runners join us on the way to China Grove.

The Salisbury Rowan Runners with Mayor Pro-Tem. Paul Woodson.

Jim Duncan joined us again as he has done many years in the past accompanied by his wife who so kindly drove the car to return home after a long run. David Freeze, the president of the Salisbury Running Club also ran with us along with about six others. This was the first group of runners who accompanied us on our route since the start eight days ago. We are very grateful to them for joining in and sharing the efforts for harmony and friendship in their community.

China Grove.

As we ran to the China Grove Middle School, we were greeted by about 100 children and staff along with Principal Don Bos. The kids were quite excited as we introduced ourselves and our countries of origin. Many of the children were able to guess most of the countries with few hints, a credit to their geography teacher.

Principal Don Bos carried the torch.

The children were fired up when Principal Don Bos carried the torch along with the teachers around the front lawn. Soon the children had their turn and before you could say ‘Go’ they were off and running. It is difficult to make kids run slowly, so we did our best to keep up and direct them around the yard.

All the smiles we get to see!

After the short run we all sang the World Harmony Run song and then had to head out on the road again.

Thank you to the Quality Suites in Pineville, NC for accommodating the runners in style. The hotel was beautiful, and the suites were bountiful.

The following is a short poem for all those who come out to share with us a moment of harmony and friendship and for all the goodwill offered by those who happen to see us and understand.

Running into town,

Never a frown,

But to spread the joy,

To man and woman,

Girl and boy.

We share the harmony

Of everyone’s heart

And see all that is beautiful

Right from the start.

Even as we pass

And strangers rush on by,

We offer gratitude and peace

For the earth and the sky

That we all share in this life.

Even through the pain and the strife,

And our struggles and our joys,

We think harmony will prevail,

And Love will be everyone’s choice.

Gratefully,

Arpan

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