A tropical breeze kept us refreshed as we visited two schools in the Dominican Republic. This was our last World Harmony Run event of the year and it was truly a spectacular finish to a wonderful year. Team members who had carried the torch in more than 70 countries were able to participate and share the hopes and dreams of all those cities and towns that they had run through this year.

We began they day with a ceremonial lap around the beautiful green baseball field of the Ann Y Ted Kheel Polytechnical School before presenting the torch to Padre Euginio who passed the torch to the students.

Each student had a chance to hold the torch as it made its way into towards the school quadrangle.

Padre Euginio welcomed us and invited us to share a little about the World Harmony Run and where we were from. Representatives from each grade performed some kind of expression of what world harmony means to them.

Some students had research some beautiful poetry others performed plays and we were even treated to a beautiful rendition of a traditional Dominican song.

After much laughter and sharing the world harmony spirit we reluctantly departed our new friends amidst hugs and handshakes, hopefully to visit again soon.

Our next appointment was the Punta Cana International School which is home to students from more than 26 countries.

As we made out way towards the school we were greeted by 26 flags representing the various countries of students who study there.

We presented the torch to one of the students who lead us in followed by all the flags.

Once inside the school quadrangle the flag encircled the school yard and we introduced ourselves. The children took great delight in guessing which country we were from and many found compatriots amongst the team.

The students offered us traditional Christmas songs as well as some modern dance. Everybody had a chance to hold the torch and make a wish for peace.

We gathered together for a big group photo and as things were winding down some of the team picked up the smaller children to give them rides on their shoulders. Next thing you know everybody was doing it. This led to a conga line starting up and everybody was joining in.

We would like to offer our sincere gratitude to the Poly Technic School and the Punta Cana International for welcoming us into your school and into your hearts. We will remember you.

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