Winlock Ceremony

Winlock community members met us with a bouquet of flowers and a big bold sign welcoming the Harmony Run Team.

The Mayor Cy Meyers was there and Mary Garrison was one of the most enthusiastic welcomers we have ever had. She bought her grand daughter Lily who, when holding the torch, remarked “We do not get a chance to meet many people from different countries, but meeting you we learn something we cannot unlearn, that we are all the same.”

Lily also said she didn’t think she would have the capacity to participate in a relay like this. To which Mike and Mynon (who happened to be riding by on a motorcycle) responded, “They are great peace ambassadors, and this is what gives them strength.”

Reporter David Kellam from the local paper said, “I hope this run will continue many, many more years.”

One of the highlights of the meeting was taking a picture in front of Winlocks prized attraction, the Big Egg!! I asked the lady if it was real to which she replied, “Of course, and you should see the Hen!!”

To close we sang the World Harmony Run song. Bringing the torch to this town gave us a lot of joy. The people were warm and friendly, it reminded me a lot of the village of my Grandmother, which is situated in the mountains, where I used to spend the whole summer.

Napavine

After finishing a painful 12 miles on the route with Sevati and Anja (designated driver) we landed in a parking lot near a grocery store. We were aiming at purchasing two iced coffees. A fellow approached us with long hair and a head scarf. After some short introductions we handed him the torch for a photo explaining we didn’t have many photos for this day and this was a good opportunity.

His name was David Dow and he is part of a group called Fixus which means prepare for flight in Greek. The group helps kids to go on stage and perform music. We talked about happiness and how lucky we are to be able to do things which make us happy.

David was very impressed by the run and said not many people dare today to do the things which they like.

So in that vein I would like to quote the founder Sri Chinmoy , “May each and every individual each day have a new dream of World Harmony.”

We would also like to thank Richard Benm, Assistant manager of Arbys in Tigerd, for so kindly providing the team with salads for Lunch.

Thank you very much to Peppertree Motel for providing our girls team with warm and friendly rooms.

Maria

Longview

Goran and I ran into Longview where we were very graciously received by Dennis Webber a Longview City Council member. Dennis met about two thirds of our team and quite remarkablely had a connection of some sort or another with each of our teams 9 countries. Dennis even ran with the torch a little.

The most comprehensive research award for print media has to go to Marrisa of the local Longview paper who spoke to at least 5 members of the team today in compiling a story for tomorrow. Nice going Marissa.

Salil

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