Another clear and warm day in Seattle made for a fine morning to run. After running around Green Lake a few times, we had two appointments today for World Harmony Run events.

A few members of our team had the good fortune to stop in at Congressman Dave Reichert's office on Mercer Island to discuss our the World Harmony Run and our goals with the event. Congressman Reichert, or Dave as he preferred to be addressed, was very interested listening attentively as we shared the experiences we've gathered this year.

Dave, an enthusiastic runner himself, offered us kind and encouraging words and pledged to support us in any way possible. His sincerity and genuine concern for his constituents and country re-inspired our belief and trust in the political process.

Due to a tight schedule, we had a second team visit the View Ridge Elementary School in Seattle. Daulot, one of our local coordinators and a team member, was thrilled that he could arrange this event at a school only a few blocks from where he had lived for many years. P.T.A. member Joanna Gubos was the motivating force behind getting this program going in this beautiful school. Terri Shjay, the Principal, Ted Pendegrass, the music teacher, and other teachers helped to organize this very large group of 420 children as our runners came running in with the flaming Torch.

We had a larger group of runners than originally expected, as the team coming from Congressman Reichert's office had just arrived and other local Seattle-ites from our team were able to get off work for this large school. The children had prepared many flags from countries around the world that decorated the walls. A huge white dove painted by one of the classes was our backdrop by the stage.

The children were very attentive as we went through our program. We would ask them the city, state or country we each come from as well as other pertinent geographical questions. Everyone participated in the 'Harmony Wave Chant' that always draws out the enthusiasm of all, including the teachers. The choir, accompanied by a pianist and my harmonica as well, sang the World Harmony Run song beautifully. We sang along also trying to get the large audience to sing and clap with the rhythm.

After presenting a few short skits where the children had to judge whether it represented harmony or not, we handed them our stickers and gave most of them the opportunity to touch the Torch on their way out and make a wish for something good in the world. Offering children of all ages the opportunity to think seriously about the world and how they can contribute to harmony and friendship among all people is one of things that really inspires us to keep going, day after day and year after year. When a large group of children engage themselves in this type of activity and offer their wishes for a more harmonious world, we feel that the World Harmony Run has played its role once more.

We are so grateful to Daulot and all those who have organized assemblies like this one. We also owe a deep debt of gratitude to those who feed us along the way. The Silence-Heart-Nest Restaurant in Fremont has been taking care of us everyday with their delicious, natural meals.

Tonight we also dined at the wonderful Italian Pizzeria restaurant called 'Tutta Bella'. Rachel and Jeff, the Managers, were kind enough to offer seven complimentary meals for our team. The salads were great and the pizza, which comes in a multitude of delicious varieties, was also quite delicious. Last year 'Tutta Bella' did the same thing even though the managers have changed since then. We definitely would recommend this restaurant to anyone who visits the Greenlake area of Seattle.

Gratefully full, Arpan and the Seattle Harmony Team

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