Today our team of three (Francesco, Italy; Vladimir, Moldova; and Jeromy, USA) ran to Kalamazoo. We had an easy go of it as we only had to make it to town in time for a ceremony at the Boys and Girls Club of Kalamazoo, which seemed like it could be pretty inspiring. As we made our way north we came across a lively man named Carl. Carl lives in Three Rivers and had heard on his police scanner that a torch was coming his way. Not knowing what it was all about he had to come find out. After hearing about our adventure he was very excited that we had come through Three Rivers but felt sorry that the town had not come out to greet us. He quickly pulled out his cell phone to call the City Commissioner to try to get his people out. Don’t worry Carl. You represented your town well. It always puts a spring in our step when anyone stops to show such a sincere interest in the Harmony Run.

Maria Suszynsky, the summer day care Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Kalamazoo, offered her enthusiastic spirit to two different gatherings on this joy filled day.

After arriving at the Boys and Girls Club we learned that the three of us were going to be the only runners present for the presentation as the others all had logistical problems keeping them from attending. We were not too keen on trying to do he song and all the rest by ourselves, but we had to buck up and go. After meeting the staff at the center, our fears were put to rest. Maria, the director of the club, had all her kids present and attentive. They clearly had a lot of respect for this kind and gentle woman. She may be small on the outside, but her obvious concern and compassion are a force to be reckoned with. She really seemed to feel what the Harmony Run is about as she basically summed it up in a few sentences when addressing the kids. The children picked up on it too; they passed the torch around their circle making secret wishes for Harmony in their lives and their world, and most of them took this opportunity quite seriously. We were all very impressed. Finally they were all led around their track by Luis, one of the lively staff people at the club. Thank you to Maria and all the staff there who take such good care of the children and try to guide them with concern and gentleness.

~Vladimir, Francesco, Jeromy and the rest of the Team.

In the meantime, as one team had to make lunch, my team was running our morning miles further west. We also had a small but sweet ceremony in a town called Three Rivers. Mayor Tom Lowry greeted us at his bookstore in the center of town. Also joining him were about five employees and a few local townspeople. One man had met some of our runners on the road earlier in the morning and then ran into us at Lowry’s Books again. He really was inspired by this double encounter and we also felt a very special moment when someone ‘accidentally’ encounters us twice in a day.

Mayor Hannah McKinney appreciated the runners for spreading hope and a positive vision during these troubled times around the world.

Mayor Lowry was very welcoming and enthusiastic as were his workers. We are so happy to stop by this small town each time we are running towards Kalamazoo. We did reach Kalamazoo a little later in the day. We were warmly welcomed by Mayor Hannah McKinney and others. Maria from the Boys and Girls Club came to join us once more, bringing about 10 children this time. They made some banners that were quite creative and expressed what their ideas of harmony are. Jose and Maria from Parks and Recreation also came to express and share views of harmony and friendship in many ways. Bronson Park, across from City Hall, was a very nice place to stage a ceremony. There were flowers and gardens and sculpted bushes that truly made the park a peaceful and restful place. We are grateful to all those who came there to offer their goodwill and wishes to us.

The beautiful house of Mamud and Cindy Fadel

Cindy and her parents just loved hearing all the stories from the road.

Mamud, our host, once served as Mohamed Ali’s sparing partner. He still retains the impressive size and strength of a great boxer.

The entire crew gracious hosts and grateful guests.

In the evening we went to the beautiful home of the Fadels in a suburb of Kalamazoo. Cindy and her husband Mahmoud, were very kind in offering us a delicious meal. Their son Hassan also helped as well as Souad, and her children Nour, Sindos and Mohamad. Cindy’s parents were also there, Bob and Iris Gilbert. We also met some of their friends, Hayden, Ramy and Julie. Everyone was so kind and generous to us. Mamud offered the use of his four wheel all terrain vehicle which was a big hit with the runners. We watched our video of the first month on this Run as well. We felt like family as we enjoyed the company of such wonderful and supportive people in this rural and peaceful setting.

Juilan explores and alternative mode of transport.

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