Our first ceremony took place in Raleigh, North Carolina at the Unity Church.

We joined some of the congregation in their daily practise of 30 minutes of prayer and meditation for world peace.

We then went next door to the Exploris Middle School and met the students, many of whom focus a portion of their studies on global issues.

Kevin Lucas, one of the students at Exploris, informed us that his grandfather Gene Roberts, an amputee, ran across the country.

The very youthful faculty ran a lap around the room, much to the delight of the students.

We met up with the rest of the team at Wiley International Magnet School. Assistant Principal Sarah Jane Otis hosted us in the absence of Principal Ms. Erin Kershner, who organized our visit.

The students shared with us their own apsirations for a more harmonious world.

Our final engagement of the day was with Raleigh City Council member Mary-Anne Baldwin. Mary-Anne Baldwin formally welcomed us to the city on behalf of the Mayor.

We enjoyed a delicious meal arranged by our North Carolina coordinators Mary Gail Walker and Sarbaga Falk in cooperation with two very special Mediterranean Deli's: Neomonde Bakery and Deli and The Mediterranean Deli in Chapel Hill.

After our delicious meal we presented the Torch Bearer Award to our good friend Anne McLaurin. Anne serves the community tirelessly in the areas of health and education. In her words, "I am very aware of the importance of education for the health of the community."

Special thanks to the Courtyard by Marriott for a splendid night's accomodation. 

– Salil Wilson

Distance: 91 miles

Team Members:
Salil Wilson (Australia), Atulya Lee Berube (USA), Homagni Baptista (Australia), Karen Metcalf (Australia), Uddyogini Hall (Australia), Shyamala Stott (Scotland), Bansidhar Medeiros (USA), Jitavrata Jacobs (USA), Dhima Grigorevskiy (Ukraine), Vilupti Barrineau (Canada), Anne Liennonen (Finland)

Harmonemail:
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