This beautifully lush and peaceful farming area of Ohio is home to the largest population of Amish citizens in America. They’re preference for the simple and traditional ways of life is charmingly evident in the many horse and buggies rolling down these country roads.

Vladimir felt right at home in Amish country while using his own favorite mode of basic transportation; his very quick running legs. He did catch-up to a horse and buggie on one of the uphills, but was soon left in the dust on the way down.

This morning my team and I ran to the Farmer’s Market in Wooster, carrying our message of Harmony among the people. The stores in the center of the town were very simple and full of character. The products that the venders sold were very fresh and natural, fruit, vegetables, honey, jam and homemade sweets.

The atmosphere was very friendly and peaceful, after looking around at all the tables and goods, we bought some fruit and vegetables and talked with some very nice people about our Run. We encountered two reporters that interviewed us. Paul from the Daily Record in Wooster and Leslie from the Wooster Weekly News were both very understanding and inquisitive.

We are always very happy when the media gives us the opportunity to spread our message through the television and newspapers, permitting us to spread our message to those who are near and far. We left the market running with the Torch amongst the fruits and vegetables and the curious and enthusiastic customers. Then we started again our normal day of running across the fields and nature in Ohio.

We encountered along the way some sweet Amish people who were riding their horses and buggies going about their daily business. In their faith and belief system they do not want to utilize some of the modern conveniences dealing with unnatural energy such as electricity or gasoline. They offered us a uniquely different view of harmony with nature and gave us a sense of going back in time. Their way of life is admirable especially in these days when this simple life is not easily accepted.

Francesco from Italy

Steve joins the team for a steamy afternoon run that was mercifully completed with a swim in a nearby lake.

In New Philadelphia we met up with our two friends who ran with us in Perrysburg, Ohio the other day. Shristi and Sarah drove for many hours to join us once again to run with the Torch. They could not get enough of the energy and inspiration they had experienced a few days earlier. With them was Steve Borga. Steve recently joined the Peace Corps and will be flying to Africa to do some work there. He wanted to get a chance to carry the Torch as well. He ran about nine miles with the Torch, accompanying some of our team members on the way. The women did ten miles each, much longer than their normal runs. Their enthusiastic attitude and transcendent spirit gave us all a lift on this hot and humid day. Luckily we ran past beautiful Tappan Lake and took advantage of the cool water. We ended a hot day of running with a quick dip in the lake which is something we wish we could have at the end of every run.

Sarah and Shristi drove several hours just so they could run with the flame again. They’re enthusiasm beamed out to everyone they passed.

Making our way back to the hotel for the night, we had a great Italian meal cooked by our real ‘paesano’ Francesco, and his sidekick, Julian. Shristi and Sarah stayed for the meal during which they decided to stay overnight to get the chance to run again in the morning. This was truly a demonstration of the harmonious oneness that these runners felt as they ventured far from home and kept getting lifting by the energy of the Torch and all those who joined us along the way. They revived the women’s team for a few days also which is always inspiring to us and others we meet.

Rise

Let us fly on the wings of Love

Way up high into the blue

When we rise far above

We make bright everything we do

Like a white pure dove

We shall be right back home with You.

Let us rise, let us rise

Let us rise high above.

Let us rise, let us rise

On the wings of our Love.

Song by Bangshidhar

(Composed in Ohio, the birthplace of modern Aviation)

We are grateful to the folks at the Best Western Country Inn of Uhrichsville for offering such clean and spacious rooms. They reclining lounge chair made a big difference for me as it made typing these reports a bit easier after a long day on the road.

Arpan and Team Harmony in Ohio

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