Anja enjoys the roadside flowers.

The serenity of a misty Alabama morning soothes the soul.

`The early bird catches the worm!`

Getting up really early and heading west from Pensacola (Florida) to Mobile (Alabama) to be on time for the first ceremony was one of our tasks for today.

How can you not smile back? :-)

As we arrived at the Dunbar Magnet School for Creative and Performing Arts in Mobile, none of us expected so much enthusiasm, open hearts and such a warm and overwhelming welcome. About 100 children and teachers were lined up outside the school to lead us inside. Entering the gym, about 400 more kids and staff were waiting for us and enthusiastically welcoming us. This school turned out to be one of the most joyful events we had on the run. They asked us interesting questions and some were excited to run with us a bit when we come back next year.

After our presentation and song, the Principal, Mrs. Boone, asked the students if they had learned something new today. Most of the children responded with a resounding, ‘YES’ after learning a bit about other countries and languages that we offered them through our international team. She also told them to imagine running one, two and up to 10 miles, every day… for four months for a cause like this! She definitely seemed to understand our message and our efforts to share this message with such receptive people as were here at the Dunbar school. Leaving this school to get back on the road was not easy since we got so much joy and happiness from all of them.

I'm smiling on the inside. Really!

One more beautiful message was sent with us on our long journey before we finally left. Beverly Alexander, one of the teachers present at the ceremony, said goodbye to us at the door, telling us how important what we are doing is and wanting to hug us all, with tears in her eyes.

Whole wheat grain fresh from the field.

Not a spoken but an unspoken beautiful message she gave us to take back on the road. Her smiling face and tears of joy while holding the torch we will carry with us and hand it on to the next person! To the next hundreds of persons!!!!

We are also very grateful to Stacey from the Inn on the Hill in Hattiesburg and all those who were responsible for offering accommodations for us for the night. It was a very comfortable inn with a fantastic swimming pool and other conveniences, such as a laundry room and conference rooms.

Nature's hospitality.

They even gave us complimentary breakfast at their restaurant. Such hospitality and generosity are certainly appreciated and very valuable in spreading the spirit of harmony and goodwill to others.

Anja and Team Harmony

The pine trees are so refreshing.

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