Today we ran from our 46th state of Massachusetts to our 47th and smallest state of Rhode Island. It maybe small but it is dotted with more Sri Chinmoy Peace Blossoms than any other state.

From Dedham, just outside Boston we ran the quiet roads lined by lush trees to one of our biggest ceremonies. We ran to the McCoy Baseball Stadium, home of the Pawtucket Red Sox.

Before our ceremony we met again our good friends JoJo, Jo and Louise from Portland. We were so glad to see them again and they couldn’t help but drive the 150 miles to meet up with us again. They always bring a smile and their sweetness that just melts our hearts.

They once again held the torch with us and we passed the torch onto the Pawtucket Red Sox mascot.

Our grand finale at the stadium was running with the torch around the outfield before the game where they were to play the Buffalo Bisons. Another good friend of the run, Brian who has run with us many times, led the way holding the torch and the team ran behind with the banner.

The crowd was very receptive and cheered and waved. Whilst we ran around they filmed us, which went on the big screen, and they also played the current World Harmony Run DVD on the big screen. We got maximum exposure!

It was a wonderful experience and even when we had finished running around they still continued to play the DVD in its entirety.

Thank you fans of the Pawtucket Red Sox for giving us such a warm and loving reception.

Just down the road from the stadium we stopped to fill up with gas. Charlene and Betty behind the counter had read about us in the paper and were really excited that we came into their gas station. They were delighted to be able to hold the torch.

After the adrenaline rush of a huge crowd we ran to the World’s first Sri Chinmoy Peace Blossom – the Sri Chinmoy Peace Bridge dedicated in 1989 uniting Cumberland (a Sri Chinmoy Peace Town) and Central Falls (a Sri Chinmoy Peace City).

It was a special moment for us all to quietly reflect on our past months running and feeling the sense of harmony and oneness that has pervaded.

From there we ran the mile or so to the Pawtucket Peace Bridge which was also dedicated as a Sri Chinmoy Peace Blossom in 1989.

We were met by Pawtucket Mayor’s representative, Herb Weiss (Planning Economic Development Manager).

Our final ceremony of the day was in downtown Providence where we were guests of the Bolivian Festival. Brian and another guest runner Katie ran the 5 miles to downtown Providence. There we did a lap of honor to much excitement of the crowd.

Pujari talked to the people in Spanish and the MC said some very nice comments about the run.

Many performers, with their colorful and flamboyant costumes held the torch along with many spectators.

Wow, what a day!

Thank so much to the Comfort Inn ...

...Johnson and Wales Inn ...

...the Ramada Providence and to...

...the Best Western Providence-Seekonk Inn, all in Seekonk, MA for taking such excellent care of the team!

– Kokila and Mark

Distance: 77 miles

Team Members:
Atulya Berube (San Diego), Drsalu Gruenstaeudel (Austria), Vladimir Salnacov (Moldova), Mark Collinson (England), Kokila Chamberlain (England), Surya Smolennikova (Russia), Kshetragna Ulanova (Russia), Dima Grygorievski (Ukraine), Sukhada Korshunova (Russia), Nisanga (Bosnia), Balavan Thomas (England), Pujari Schaffer (USA), Arpan DeAngelo (New York)

Harmonemail:
You can send a message to the runners or read the messages.

Gallery: See more images!