Most of the morning running across Missouri from Sedalia to Kansas City was busy with traffic, as is usual on most of our runs.

Since we usually run on secondary highways that span a long distance the car and truck traffic also follows the same routes.

We are lucky when we get nice big shoulders to run on safely as we do not want to impede traffic or scare any of the drivers.

It is a thrill for us when some drivers just cannot pass us by without honking, waving and sometimes even stopping for us.

The closer we got to Kansas City the more interest there seemed to be in what we were doing. At a fire station in Raytown, just outside of Kansas City, a fireman, Steve Grimes, showed a keen interest in the run even though we were carrying a lit torch to his fire station. We are always a bit concerned about what firemen may think about us running down the street with a flaming torch. He was very supportive and wished us a safe and pleasant journey.

Not too far after that just after entering into the Kansas City I stopped at the end of my run and Vladimir was talking to two very nice people in a parking lot. They had seen me running and turned their car around to meet up with us. Amy and Larone were thrilled to have met us and to hold the torch. Amy even asked Vladimir if he could sing the song for them. Their enthusiasm and positive spirit made for a great welcoming to Kansas City.

That afternoon we were invited to the Kansas City Boys and Girls Club where we were met by 60-70 very enthusiastic children.

We presented our program and played our guessing game with the kids. The children are always impressed with how many countries we are from!

There was a very interesting hand art display that expressed the children's ideas to build a better future. It was very striking.

The staff joyfully led the children in a short run with the torch around the gym.

Then each child held the torch and made a wish or prayer for peace and harmony in the world. It is always inspiring to see how ponderous they can be when they hold the torch.

Becky made at least one new friend and had a new hairstyle on her way out!

Thank you so much to Eutisha McClain for allowing us the priviledge to visit. We hope we can come back soon.

The generous spirit of Kansas City continued today as I was calling restaurants to find a nice place to eat. Talking to Anthony of Anthony’s Restaurant near the downtown area, he kindly offered us 12 free meals at his most beautiful restaurant, even before meeting us in person. The women’s team stopped by there later to give them information about us and to take a photo with Anthony and Vito, his brother, and one of the waitresses there. Eating there this evening was a joy as everyone was very friendly and welcoming.

They even gave us our own separate room to dine in private. The food was incredibly good and the service was also excellent. We left there with full stomachs and peaceful hearts and hope that others will soon enjoy Anthony’s Restaurant in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.

We were treated to four beautiful rooms in Kansas City, Missouri at the Best Western Seville Plaza. The whole team has been amazed at our wonderful accommodations thus far on the run! Thank you for your generosity!

– Arpan and Atulya

Distance: 98 miles

Team Members:
Arpan DeAngelo (New York), Atulya Lee Berube (San Diego), Mark Collinson (England), Kshetragna Ulanova (Russia), Surya Smolennikova (Russia), Vladimir Salnicov (Moldova), Kokila Chamberlin (England), Salil Wilson (Australia), Vajra Henderson (New York), Drsalu Gruenstaeudl (Austria), Becky Xerri (Wales), Maria Manecke (Germany)

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