Our morning began with a visit to "Transformation-Surprise" a laundromat.
Transformation-Surprise is owned and operated by our dear friends and long-time Peace Run supporters Stota and Daulot.
We were the grateful recipients of wonderful laundry bags. These will prove very useful I'm sure.
Peace Run founder Sri Chinmoy's artwork on the walls of Transformation Surprise.
Then we went next door to meet with the young people from Illumination Learning Studio.
Molli and Mike, Co-founders of Illumination Learning Studio provide a nurturing environment by engaging young minds through interactive learning, music and arts.
The students put on a play.
The drama told a beautiful and illumining story of one man's journey through life and how he interacted with the unconditional self-giving of mother nature.
We shared our running route and why we are inspired to participate on this amazing journey.
The students asked lot's of questions and here we are demonstrating how a relay works.
The children had done artwork expressing what peace means to them.
We went outside to run with the torch for real.
Thank you for sharing time with us.
We were made our way to our next event at the Sri Chinmoy Peace Statue in Fremont.
Agraha hosted our next engagement.
Suzie Burke, who we affectionately refer to as the Angel of Fremont, and Rudy Pantoja were on hand to welcome the team to Fremont, the centre of the Universe.
We were honored to be able to present Rudy with our Torch-Bearer award. As President of the Fremont Chamber of Commerce and the Fremont Rotary Club, Rudy Pantoja is a hands-on, lead-by-example leader. He has been gardening and cleaning the streets of Ballard and Fremont for decades. Rudy eagerly jumps into even the most challenging clean-up and improvement projects.
Sakruti read one of Sri Chinmoy's poems.
"A moment’s truth Can and shall make the world beautiful.
A moment’s peace Can and shall save the world.
A moment’s love Can and shall make the world perfect.”
Bagpiper Nick Lewis led us for a "Peace Walk" along the beautiful Burke Gilman Trail. Nick even went to the trouble of learning our World Harmony Run theme song which was very touching.
Harita went for a post ceremony swim in the refreshing waters of Lake Union. She inspired about half of the girls team to go in as well.
Nayak, one of our hosts here in Seattle, expressing his support for Mongolia.
Egi from Mongolia will finish her Peace Run journey here in Seattle. She has been a very, very important and valued team member and we will miss her tremendously.
Next we were off to Edmonds, a small city a few miles north of Seattle, WA. We were joined by City Councillor Vivian Olson who joined us for a run through this beautiful and scenic city.
Our day finished at the Boys and Girls Club of Edmonds.
Boys and Girls Club Director Ken Cooper welcomed the team.
Aparajita read out an encouraging message from Edmond Mayor Mike Rosen.
"We in Edmonds are honored to be a small participant in the world's largest peace torch relay… for the third year in a row. There is so much conflict throughout the world. However, here in Edmonds, I see examples of people advancing peace every day through their actions and by showing respect, empathy, kindness, and compassion to others. I am grateful that we can join with the Peace Run in spreading this spirit around America and around the world, and I wish to thank all those who are participating, whether they run a few steps or a few miles."
We all learned our World Harmony Run song.
We had a moment of silence.
The students produced some very profound poems and artwork.
We were honored to present Vivian Olseon with our Torch-Bearer award. Vivian is in her second term as an Edmonds City Councilor, and in both terms was elected Council President by her fellow councilors, a testament to her qualities as a leader and as a person of impeccable character. Vivian is a dedicated community servant who cares deeply about people, the environment, and peace. Before running for City Council, Vivian’s volunteer efforts in Edmonds included serving on the Citizens’ Tree Board, the Arts Festival Foundation Board, the Chamber of Commerce, Friends of the Library Board, and in four Edmonds public schools.
This talented young girl, Avery Fiala, wrote and read a beautiful poem she wrote about peace, and also did so when we came last year- thank you Avery!
We all had a chance to hold the torch and offer a prayer or hope for peace.
Then we were off and running!
Everyone got a card from a country the Peace Run has visited.
Well deserved ice cream in Edmonds.
We ran to Aparajita's place for a delicious dinner and enjoyed some beautiful gardens on the way.
Puget Sound with the Olympics mountain range in the distance.
