Today was a beautiful day in Philadelphia. Amalendu headed off towards the first destination.
Peace Runners met Chris Strehl, a student at Chestnut Hill College and an intern at Global Education Motivation (GEM), to run with us towards the school ceremony.
Chris's enthusiasm brought us a lot of energy. His goals and aspirations to be of service to the world align so well with the Peace Run. We hope he will be back with the team soon.
The girls team met this inspiring man along the way who was cleaning up around the local community to celebrate the Earth Day.
Our first stop; Green Woods Charter School.
Our team member Thamara from Brazil.
Who can guess where this Peace Runner is from??
Peace begins with me.
Students read out beautiful words about peace and also held the Peace Torch.
We were thrilled to have Chris in this school ceremony. He was the star member being from Philadelphia.
All our gratitude to Erica Po, Assistant Director and Ms. Debi Durso, Principal of Green Woods Charter School for hosting the Peace Run so enthusiastically.
Peace Run Team had an opportunity to visit one of the oldest and most historic churches in the city of Philadelphia. Christ Church was founded in 1695.
We sang our Peace Run song in front of the famous east facing window inside the church.
Pranshukh running with a safety vest he was given by some builders who were concerned for him running on the road.
Our next stop: George McCall Public School!
Some students had a beautiful display of their drawings and artwork on Peace.
One poem by Nathan Mai
"We watch the Peace Run, running for peace and harmony.
A time where people celebrate a goal of peace not hate.
Peace Run! Peace Run!
We shall cheer, we cheer til' the world can see and hear.
After the event we cool down in the shade with a nice sunset."
We introduced our Peace Run.
Feeling peace in the heart exercise. These kids were excellent.
Here's where Haiti is on the map.
World Harmony Run song with some actions.
The students did so well guessing all the countries right.
A wombat..? Yes that's right! Australia.
Local Peace Run coordinator, Pragati offered a certificate of appreciation and a beautiful artwork by Sri Chinmoy to the school. Our heartfelt Gratitude to Pragati for organising the whole event for the day and also for the sumptuous meals on the go.
Ms. Heather Paley, Dean of Climate and Culture, warmly accepted the artwork on behalf of Mrs. Antoinette Powell, Principal, who joined the first half of the Peace Run event.
All of the teachers ran a lap around the courtyard.
Everyone was so excited to see all the teachers run!
Ms.Heather Paley led the students in running a lap with our Peace Torch.
Standing outside Independence Hall after a very informative tour through the court room and assembly hall where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were both signed.
Joseph speeding past a lake towards our final destination for the day.
We finished the day at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, Philadelphia. They generously gifted the team free accommodation for the night. The Peace Run team is most grateful for their kindness.
Inspired by Earth Day we share an aphorism written by the founder of the Peace Run, Sri Chinmoy
"Mother Earth Is alive Because she has Innumerable hopes."
"Hope is here, Hope is there, Hope is everywhere. Therefore, we must live on hope."
