The majestic Cadiz Courthouse is the backdrop for the meeting between the Peace Runners and Mayor of Cadiz.
Mayor Kevin Jones of Cadiz and his wife, Dee Jones, greet the team on the Cadiz Courthouse steps.
Friends of Papaha, Drew, Kristen and baby Mercy join us for a mile in Cadiz, Ohio.
Anna and Ruslana offering the torch to a very nice passer-by on the way to her Sunday meeting. She was touched by the message "Peace begins with me".
Nayaja enjoys the downhill running. She is flying!
Now is the real struggle, running uphill. Go for it!
Ruslana runs 2 miles at a time. Every steps is for Peace. 'Every step for Peace Is a God-manifestation-victory' -Sri Chinmoy
Teri is very happy to see us and thanks us for doing this Peace Run.
Meeting with Norma Teasdale, Mayor of Bridgeport at her office.
A group picture outside Bridgeport City Hall. The police officer is ready to escort Peace Runners to get to the next destination.
The police escorted the runners towards St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Salil presents the Peace Run to the congregation at St Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bridgeport.
The team sings the Peace Run song.
Everyone attending got the chance to hold the torch and make a wish for peace.
Robert, (Bob), Weaver received the Peace Run Torch Bearer Award. He has been a strong community member for more than 50 years. Bob was a barber and business owner since he was in his twenties. He is a faithful member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church. As a church member, he has served as council president, church treasurer, Adult Sunday School teacher, Sunday school superintendent, elder, deacon and all-around constant helper. Those who know him agree that he is very deserving of this award!
Gianluca running through the vastness and heat of West Virginia.
In the meantime, the women's team joined the congregation at the Christ United Methodist Church led by Reverend Jake Steele. Harita presented the Peace Run and introduced the team members.
Singing the hymn towards the end and inviting everyone to hold the lit torch outside the church.
Holding the torch. All smiling. All yearning for world peace.
Making new connections through the torch.
Reverend Jake and his two adorable children.
These lovely people are all from several different countries in Africa. Here each one is pointing out where they are from on the map. We wish we could take them all on our team!
The womens team then split up into two groups. The morning runners are coffee lovers. Who says you can't have a Peace Run ceremony at a coffee shop? Local coffee lovers enthusiastically greet the runners at the local coffee shop holding the torch of peace, love and harmony.
The afternoon team needs extra efforts to stay cool by drinking electrolytes.
Getting ready to run, go Todorka!
'In the afternoon When I concentrate, The blazing sun tells me To climb high' Sri Chinmoy
These locals artisan builders are renovating their homes and came out to say hi as we were waiting in their driveway for the runner. They are so excited to hold the Peace Torch. They are amazed as they looked at the map carefully and wishing us all safety and happiness on our home-stretch journey.
Our last meeting took place in Dr Mary Atkins' backyard. Her husband Bob Atkins cheerfully greeted everyone in front of their house.
Spotted! A wild rabbit in the neighborhood.
Introducing ourselves to Dr Atkins.
We were all invited for an upscale picnic-style dinner in their backyard.
Dr Mary Brady-Atkins, 96 years old, sharing her life story; her work as a trail-blazing scientist, clinical psychologist and University Professor; and her great respect for the legacy of Thomas Jefferson. She also shared her active daily routine which is her secret of incredible youth and mental sharpness.
Everybody gave a two thumbs up for the delicious meal
Having a chat over dinner. Bob shared some stories of his life as a young teenager.
Peace Run Executive Director, Salil Wilson, introduced the Peace Run to our hosts. On this very special occasion, Dr Brady-Atkins received our Peace Run Torch-Bearer Award for her hearts dedication to a life of great inspiration, truth searching, and service to humanity.
Dr Brady-Atkins was happy to receive our award and we were greatly honored and inspired by her! We were also very happy to meet her husband, Robert Atkins.
Admiring the award.
Dr Brady-Atkins gave each runner a special gift and wished us all a safe journey home.
Mary said she would frame her new certificate!
Gianluca honoring the meeting by giving a copy of Listen to Nature along with a collage book with many Peace Run pictures around the globe.
We gave her some gifts also.
One last photo with Virangini. Sadly Virangini will go home to Rhode Island tomorrow after serving as our divine driver four times this year- we are very grateful!
Passing the torch to the film makers.
It is always hard to say goodbye. We hope to meet again!
