Video of the first month in USA

We had a great breakfast with Don and Terri in the morning before leaving for the YMCA ceremony in Spokane. Before breakfast though, Salil, Francesco and myself had to get up at 5:00 to be at an interview with the NBC affiliate here in Spokane. George Maupin, the weatherman at KHQ-TV, took us outside to segue from the weather to running through Spokane. He asked Francesco and me some very important questions about the Harmony Run as we tried to include as much information as one could in a minute’s time. I am sure some early risers saw the program because later in the morning we got many honks from people driving to work. We are always grateful for this kind of media coverage.

Not enough can be said about the kindness and generosity of Don and Terri Thompson who so generously opened their home to us for the night and the morning. They even cooked us a wonderful and sumptuous breakfast even though we had barely enough time to digest the incredible dinner from the night before.

They also joined us in our ceremony at the local YMCA at Riverfront Park.

It was thrilling to run over a beautiful section of the Spokane River where the rapids and falls were flowing powerfully over giant rocks by the Riverfront Park where over 50 children were assembled in a little amphitheater there.

Steve, the director, had the children greet us before leaving on a day trip to go swimming.

The children were very excited as we ran into the park over the bridge with the flaming Torch.

It is touching to see the expressions on the faces of children when they first see the Torch being carried to them.

We were so happy to see all our friends present who have been with us through the state of Washington, including my brother and his family, Pipasa, and Rupasi who just joined us for the day as well.

Leaving town was a bit sad though as we had to bid our friends and family farewell as we keep the torch moving onward to New York. We will arrive there on August 13, but still we feel we are carrying all the good wishes and harmony from all the people who have supported us and greeted us.

Even today on the road we had a number of people stop or even turn around to stop and greet us, hold the Torch and offer their wishes for harmony and goodwill in the world. One family, Stacey and her two children Dante and Dalton, were traveling from northern Montana and stopped to hold the Torch and take photos with us. They even brought out their young kitten, Phoebe, to be part of the celebration. It is moments like this as well as all the large, planned events that stay with us and keep us going with a heart of hope and joy as we carry the flaming torch of Harmony throughout this vast land.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the Motel 6,

the Super 8 and

the La Quinta Inn for providing accommodations for the team. We are all well rested after a wonderful night’s stay.

Arpan and Team Harmony

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