Today we have run a cumulative total of about 2100 miles since leaving New York City 24 days ago. When somebody asks us how we can carry on every day, mile after mile, the easy answer is a simple recipe: wake up early and visit a school full of screaming kids, talk to them about something vitally important and elicit more screaming.

Luckily we seem to stop at just such a school on most days.

Today we were at Hillcrest Elementary in Troy, TN. The principle, Mr. Stevens, invited us to a morning eye-opener with his 600 students.

The school secretary, Mrs. Debbie, ran into the gymnasium carrying the Harmony Torch, which of course sent the kids into a frenzy, eliminating any runners’ need for caffeine.

The students were well prepared.

They had spent a lot of time making artwork depicting their visions of world harmony. From the youngest to the oldest they had some simple yet profound way to depict the world they want to live in.

The ceremony was closed by the teachers, who ran a ceremonial lap around the gym with the torch. This, of course, sent the kids into another frenzy, eliminating any teachers’ hope of holding class any time soon.

Our team carried the torch out of the school to move the flame down the road. It is always hard to leave such a place, but we are runners on a mission. There are always people somewhere down the road waiting, without knowing, for a chance to share their hopes and dreams.

Entering Kentucky, our team of four was struck by the beauty of the countryside with its verdant fields and forests. We were blessed by a thunderstorm upon our arrival. The sky had been darkening for a while, and the sound of approaching rain and thunder became urgent. We, Francesco and Jeromy, were waiting in the van for Julian to finish his run when the sky really opened up.

"I'd like to phone a friend, Regis."

The familiar sound of hail on the roof of the van caused us some concern for Julian’s safety so we turned the van around to collect our soaked friend. As we approached, the van door was flung open so Julian could jump inside, but all we saw was a smiling runner wondering why we had turned around. “How do you feel about carrying a chunk of metal in a lightning storm, Julian?” “I feel like God is protecting me!” Enough said. The rain fell off quickly and left the world around so much the better for it. Refreshed. Alive.

Shortly afterward, Nature’s hospitality was complimented by Kentucky’s small town hospitality. The rest of our team had met up with Wickliffe, KY mayor Sylvio Mayolo. He ran with the team from a hill overlooking the confluence of two massive rivers, the Ohio and the Mississippi, where the town had erected a massive cross representing their faith. They arrived at the town hall, where the mayor, 3 members of the town council and the town secretary, Kay Green received us with a hearty spread of refreshments, which we cleaned up, no problem.

They represented their town of 900 by reminding us all that small, out-of-the-way places have a significant role to play in creating the world anew each day. Their generosity and good will are a tangible example of the kind of simple actions that create harmony in the world.

Without the support of local businesses along our route, the World Harmony Run could not happen. We would like to sincerely and personally thank two establishments for their participation in this event.

El Acapulco Mexican Restaurant in Cape Girardeau, Illinois fed the hungry team copiously. The service was excellent, as was the food. The manager, Al Muñoz, and his staff were very kind toward the team.

Our weary bodies were sheltered for the night by sweetness and concern of Anil Patel at the Days Inn in Cairo, Illinois. He made us feel really at home by introducing us to his family, including his 2-year old daughter. The meeting of his family with the Harmony Run family highlighted our mutual hope of a oneness-world family.

Julian, Francesco, Jeromy and the rest of the World Harmony Runners

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