St. Joseph’s School greeted us with a very enthusiastic welcome, carrying us through for an extended visit. After we had finished our presentation, we enjoyed a programme the children had put together during which they sang a special song about oneness. It brought tears to our eyes! Some of the children held up letters which spelt out the word “harmony” and described what harmony means to them. Here it is:

More children read their poetry about harmony and then there was a most beautiful song about God protecting the runners on their journey. We asked them to go inside their hearts to make a wish for world harmony, which they did in the most unreserved and earnest way. This school visit was a poignant reminder for us that harmony, generosity of the heart, a willingness to get along with others, and the simple awareness of oneness and brotherhood amongst humanity, lives so easily in the hearts of the youngest citizens of our world.

Next we went to Mayfair School. After our presentation there was a relay run in which the World Harmony Run torch was passed from child to child. They ran around the field bringing smiles to all! As we were preparing to leave, some kids asked for our autographs (!) We bashfully signed, hoping that looking back on these pieces of paper will someday remind those kids of the importance of harmony in our lives, and bring back memories of the fun we had today. Thanks Mayfair School – we really enjoyed coming to visit!

Signing the big world map

As we ran from hastings to Taupo, the snow, for this time of the year, lay unusually low on the mountainside. The younger members of our team got to try out their snowball-making skills, and to see how quickly they could karate-chop sheets of ice into smithereens!

We continued running as the sun bowed down to the incoming dusk, the sky’s crystal clear sub-alpine purity was transformed into a curtain of cool, grey drizzle. Our time in this desolate landscape brought to mind epic adventures where pioneers braved perilious journeys…

As we ran on along the remote undulating road, we chanced upon an elderly woman and her family standing on the roadside. With glowing smiles, they took photos of us and offered us cups of tea. Politely we declined, as we had many more miles to run. “We believe in world harmony as well”, the lady said as she lovingly handed us some literature from her local church. How touching it was to meet briefly with this family living out there in an old wooden house in the forest, with chickens wandering about the lawn. We continue to find friends everywhere we go.

We arrived at our accommodation – the Tauhara Retreat and Conference Centre of Taupo - in good time. This tranquil retreat centre has once again most generously provided us with a much appreciated place to recharge our bodies, minds, and spirits, on our World Harmony Run journey through the North Island. Thank you!

See art work and poems from schools visited today