Before bounding down the highway, Jeremy takes a moment to reflect on the purpose of it all.

On the road to Oklahoma we made some friends along the way. We met a couple whose daughter was also involved in a torch running event for the Special Olympics so they were interested in what we were doing.

Eddie befriends a little green turtle who would not have made it to the other side of the road without him.

Then Edi, our Romanian runner, found a cute little turtle on the road. Edi was very happy that he saved the little creature’s life and it gave him so much joy that he ran his 12 miles as easily as drinking water.

Principle Ashley Appelhans gets a rousing cheer as she carries the flame into the School Gymnasium.

Later we ran into the Chanute Elementary School where we met about 200 children and the Principal Ashley Appelhans. The kids were quiet at first but when the teachers and Principal ran around the gym with the torch the kids became quite enthusiastic. They began to stomp on the bleachers and holler like anything.

Then when they had a chance to run around the gym it was like an explosion, the flood gates were open and there was no turning back. It’s exciting to be caught in a current of running kids.

Karashrota teaches the children a visualization technique for creating more harmony in their lives.

When the kids settled down from the running we all shared our stories and hopes for world oneness and harmony. Bangshidhar asked them to try to think one good thought, or do at least one good deed every day, not half-heartedly, but with enthusiasm. He said that if all 200 of them did that everyday for a year, that would be at least 73,000 good things done for the world in one year.

It truly makes a difference. Jeromy then talked about how the kids he met in Africa and in Central America during the World Harmony Run also share the same dream of universal friendship.

Ulugbek opens a whole new world for the kids as he describes life in his homeland of Uzbekanstan.

To tie up the ceremony, Arpan whipped out his trusty harmonica and we all sang the World Harmony Run song written by the founder of the Run, Sri Chinmoy .

Jeremy, our fearless accommodations procurer, gets a hero’s sendoff on his last day with the Run.

After the ceremony we were back on the road to finish our miles. Julian chugged through 8 miles like the little train who could. He’s doing great out here, building strength, losing weight, and laughing it up. I did my miles slow and steady still adjusting to the increased running mileage. The open road was refreshing and soothing, an elixir for the body and spirit.

A small token of our appreciation for all those nights spend in warm and cozy hotel beds. ( The addition of pools, jacuzzis and complimentary breakfasts definitely take it over the top.)

The other boys’ team headed to the Tulsa International Airport. We had to say goodbye to our super excellent team member Jeromy Cheatham from Austin, Texas. He is one of our hotel organizers, a fast runner (sub 3 hour marathoner), a proficient speaker and writer, good humored, humble, an all around perfect companion for traveling on the road, World Harmony Run style.

A field of dreams yields a bumper crop of hope.

Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts. We will all miss you!

The sweet aroma of Honeysuckle proved irresistible to we who run as well as to those who fly.

To top the day off, Francesco and Arpan had the luxury of enjoying discounted cakes and coffee at Camille’s sidewalk café thanks to owner Dick Wrobbel and friendly waitress Elizabeth. After a long day on the road these simple pleasures are relished.

We settled into four terrific at the Days Inn of Tulsa for our accommodations thanks to their kindness and generosity.

In Harmony,

Erik and Team Harmony

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