We began our run today on the outskirts of Nairobi, where we lit the Peace Torch and headed off to our first reception of the day at the Diamond Junior School.
Our international team featured three African runners, Pierre (Cameroon), Joyce (Ghana) and Michael (Kenya).
Running in to Diamond Junior School.
The children welcomed us with a song - Jambo!
We introduced ourselves and the Peace Torch and took our seats to watch the school performances.
We heard some very beautiful and sweet singing.
Trevor and Brenda told us all about their school, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year.
The school ethos really chimes with the message of the Peace Run!
We saw an excellent dramatic performance based on the story of the Good Samaritan which was very moving - the Diamond School children are really talented!
We were thrilled to welcome a new member to our team, a friend of the Peace Run for many years, running legend Tegla Loroupe!
Our team of 9 runners came from 7 different countries and the children had fun guessing where we were from.
Phaedra from USA added a twist to the game by getting the children to guess her state as well as her country. Surfing and sunshine? Has to be California!
We always share a moment of peace with the children at the schools we visit, by showing them how we can listen to our hearts and hear the inner silence and stillness. They got it straight away - a moment of perfect peace!
Then it was time for the World Harmony Run song.....
And a chance to hold the torch with Tegla.
The school presented Tegla with a special umbrella and Vasanti from the Peace Run team with a school tea cup - two very important items in Kenya's rainy season.
The wall says it all.............
Our next stop was the Nairobi International School.
A team of runners from among the students joined us to run in.....
The International School has a fantastic performance space where we met with around 150 students and staff.
Guessing our countries....
Some countries were easier to guess than others!
Tegla was with us once again - here she is pictured with School Director Radhika Lee.
Tegla spoke about education and the importance of having a balanced outlook, combining both sports and academic work.
Once again we shared a powerful moment of silence with everyone, simply by connecting with the peace of the heart.
Some skits of the theme of peace.
Everyone got to vote on whether the actions were peaceful, or not so peaceful....
The World Harmony Run song got everyone on their feet.
A powerful poem about Truth presented by two of the students.
Radhika Lee accepted our certificate of appreciation on behalf of the school.
Learning about the Peace Run from Vasanti, our runner from Germany who has been involved since the very first run in 1987!
A "guard of honour" lined the driveway on our way to share lunch with the school staff - everyone had a chance to hold the torch and meet Tegla.
We were treated to a delicious vegetarian meal.
Budding musicians....
Radhika Lee signed copies of her book Rainbows in My Clouds for the Peace Run team.
