The runners make it to the crossroads.

One of my teammates said to me yesterday, “We speak so much about running and not enough about harmony. What are we running for if not harmony?”

Urdagati finishes her final mile on her last day on the Run at Graceland.

That we run for harmony and not to prove something or to show that we can run far is understood by everyone on the team. But we spend so much time with the mechanics of moving the team down the road, getting from A to B and being on time to meetings, that the lion’s share of any day is just this.

Urdagati celebrates her birthday.

There is a special sweetness in the migration, though. While carrying the torch the runner is carrying fire, light. We feel this light represents something at the heart of what the World Harmony Run is about: that harmony begins in the heart of the individual and spreads, much like fire. As we meet people along the way, through organized ceremonies or spontaneous encounters, people offer their wishes, prayers and dreams for harmony in the world and that light is carried down the road to the next town, the next state.

It is for these encounters with people who have a living dream of harmony and people who, for reasons they are not aware of, feel drawn to participate that we run. It is a real blessing that each and every day so far has been inked and stamped by the smiles of such people. Otherwise all would be forgotten. The miles, the wind and rain, the rocky roads all blur together into a vague happening, a record of details. But the light in people’s eyes and the many wonderful ways they offer us energy to keep going reappear in stories at night and unimagined blossomings in the future.

Mayor Espy introduces the team to Reverend Mason.

Today we have had the special honor of being accepted at the Haven Methodist Church in Clarksdale, Mississippi. We were invited by Mayor Henry Espy to share a moment with the fine people there, and it was special indeed. Reverend Mason introduced us to his congregation and fully embraced our team. Indeed, the entire congregation welcomed us by singing our theme song with us and by offering their public and silent prayers while passing the torch among them.

The choir sings our World Harmony Run song.

The choir sang “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…” as the torch made it’s way around the crowd. It was truly a special moment, for I feel that this sort of gathering reveals the heart of the South.

Arpan shares our story.

I was deeply moved by the way they smiled at us. A smile is something so simple really, but a soulful one can bring all of a person’s best qualities forward.

We all are extremely grateful for the opportunity to spend time with the people at Haven.

After arriving in Memphis (a much talked about day due the presence of blues fans in the team) we were generously hosted by the Hampton Inn and Suites Shady Grove. Our heartfelt thanks to General Manager Jerry Roach and Director of Sales Renee Cook for putting a bed under 12 tired bodies in such a nice hotel. Our every need was accommodated and comfort was never in doubt.

We were treated to dinner tonight by Cozymel’s Mexican Restaurant. Lance, the manager, seemed all enthusiasm when I made a fairly weak request for meals. He did not hesitate in the least to feed the full team (and we were truly full when we left). The food was incredible, and the service from our waitress Anita and others, was quick and friendly.

Jeromy and Team Harmony

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