Today the team ran to East Chicago, Indiana.
A moment of silence before starting.
Representing the Mayor of Gary, Indiana, Lolosa Burns kindly met with the women's team.
We arrive at the East Chicago Police Department who were celebrating their "Day with our Youth" program. Children of the community could visit the depatment and had many fun games to play.
Our Superheroes were there too.
Spidy leads the Peace Runners into the big gym.
Runners sing the Peace Run Song, composed by the Founder, Sri Chinmoy.
Black Panther and Spiderman demonstrate harmonious behaviour by helping Sarankhuu from Mongolia back on his feet.
Ms. Incredible and her incredible daughter hold the torch.
Thank You to the ECPD for inviting the Peace Run to their "Day with our Youth"!
The women's team continued on to visit the boys and girls club of Northwest Indiana. The kids don't usually meet on Saturdays but came out especially to welcome the Peace Runners.
A map of the world gives a good sense of which countries the Peace Run going through and were the runners come from.
Dwayne Washington, the organizer, receives a Certificate of Appreciation.
Now its time to hold the torch and make a wish for peace.
Two siblings from Mexico hold the torch together.
The kids join us for a run outside.
Our beleoved RV also has a big map of this year's North American Peace Run Route.
Meanwhile the men's team ran into New Buffalo, Michigan.
Counselman Mark Kroll receives the Peace Torch.
Arpan gives a short presentation.
Councilman Bob Spirito offered his cheerful support to the Peace Runners.
Tony Ashbaugh is making a wish for peace along with David Richards, the City Manager of New Buffalo.
Mayor Lou O'Donnell welcomes the Peace Run.
Councilman Mark Robertson stands with Banshidhar. He offered his goodwill and support to the Run.
New Buffalo Police kindly gave us an escort to the city limits.
The team continues their miles. Sarankhuu is going very fast.
There has been a lot of talk and anticipation. Finally the Runners arrive at their most favourite place to stay: Fuller's Resort and Campgroun at Clear Lake in Buchanan, Michigan. Kirsti Dykstra, her husband Mark their wonderful daughters Kelsey and Hailey and their brother Austin have hosted the Run many times in the past. They are so kind hearted, so friendly and joyful. Kirsti and her great team cooked most delicious food for us. The buffet was a feast for the eyes and the stomach. Thank you so much!
For desert everyone was treated to ice cream.
Two very good friends, Kshema and Anastasiia, both from Ukraine enjoy the evening together.
After everyone went swimming in the lake, and all the tents were set up and everyone enjoyed fantastic tacos and ice cream, their was a short ceremony with the whole family. From left to right: Kelsey, Austin, Hailey, Mark and Kirsti.
Kelsey, Austin, Hailey, Mark and Kristi accept the Peace Run Torch Bearer Award for their tireless, loving and outstanding service to countless "happy campers". They are a great team and do such a wonderful job, working very, very hard to create a friendly, clean and joyful enviroment for everyone, staff and guests. We are blessed to have such wonderful friends.
As a final treat every runner got to choose a t-shirt in his favourite colour.
Don Brooks has been a loyal employee and friend of the Dykstra family for many years.
LIFE IS GOOD.
Thank you for a lovely, unforgettable evening!
