Runtex

is the name of the running shop in Austin where most of the running related activities originate from. It is a large, well equipped runner’s store with all the latest shoes and running apparel as well as information and support for runners of all levels. Paul Carroza, the owner who started the shop about 14 years ago, was out on a morning run with about 15 other runners as we waited for them in the parking lot with the World Harmony Torch.

Once everyone was in and gathered around after a warm and sunny morning run, we talked with them about the World Harmony Run and our activities in their home town of Austin. We were happy that some of them showed interest in our 51 mile relay run which we will run tomorrow around the city. Paul, the owner and an accomplished runner himself, showed us around the shop including his spacious office and an Olympic Torch which he had carried in 2002 for the winter Olympics. Because of Paul and his wife’s efforts, the running community and its activities have grown tremendously in the past two decades.

We then rushed off to an organization called Caritas in the downtown area by 11:00 this morning to help with the lunch served to the homeless and needy in the city. It was a thrill to spend one and a half hours serving food to over 340 people today in a well equipped kitchen run by Caritas, whose mission it is to assist people with their basic needs in times of financial crisis, envisioning a community of hope, respect and self-reliance. Tib Scallon, who has been working in the kitchen for 17 years, and Velda , the head chef, offered us instructions on how to serve the meals. The food line never seemed to end as many needy locals came in to dine in this very well organized and clean cafeteria which averages over 400 meals a day. There are now over 55 regular volunteers for the Caritas kitchen and outreach program here in Austin including Tim, Carissa and others we were privileged to work with today.

Carol Thomas, the Director of Development for Caritas, and her assistant Sarah Michel, as well as Jessica Aranda with communications for Caritas, came to greet us and to meet the News 8 T.V. crew that came to cover the story which was aired on the local evening news a number of times. We are very grateful to all these wonderful people who are serving their community and spreading harmony through offering basic services and fulfilling basic needs of the local community.

After a delicious lunch at a natural foods restaurant called Mr. Natural, we made our way to the offices of ‘ Safe Place ’, an organization dealing with domestic violence and abuse.

Meeting with over 20 employees including Julie Spann, the Executive Director, we had a very moving experience as everyone introduced themselves while holding the Torch. They offered a few words about spreading harmony in the community through their work which is so necessary here.

We all watched our short video of some of the international highlights of the World Harmony Run and then we saw the video of the important work they are doing to help those in need of family services and temporary housing. Their motto is, “Envision a future without violence.”

It is very encouraging to see how much hard work and heart goes into an organization such as Safe Place to help hundreds of people in need, offering them support, a safe haven and a new start. We are grateful to all those who came out greet us there and offer their support and encouragement for all we are doing for similar reasons. We also feel that without harmony in our hearts, violence cannot be truly conquered.

As we prepare for our 51 mile relay around the city of Austin tomorrow, we cannot help but to think of all the encouragement and inspiration we have received from the hundreds of people we have met here in this beautiful city in the past few days. With the hard work of our friends and fellow runners, Jeromy and Aklilu, who live and work in Austin, we could not have accomplished nearly as much as we have in this short amount of time.

Tomorrow we will take the hopes, prayers and goodwill that have been offered by all of the wonderful people we have met here and carry it all with joy as we run with the Torch most of the day. We do hope we can inspire more people to think about, feel and spread harmony to all those who come into their lives now and in the future.

Arpan and the Team in Austin

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