Our first event of the day was at the Jefferson Elementary School in Winston-Salem. The Jefferson School mascot was first to hold the torch with our women's team.
We had a very nice stay at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Winston-Salem last night. They kindly offered some rooms for our team and they were very welcoming and friendly.
Some of the parents dropping off their children were very enthusiastic about the Peace Run also.
Holding the world's smallest torches.
The second grade classroom invites us in for a small ceremony.
Explaining about the Founder of the Peace Run, Sri Chinmoy.
A digitally projected world map made it easier to show the children where we are all from.
Doing actions to the songs is always fun with the children.
Outside on the lawn we were able to share the torch with the children.
The teachers helped in passing the torch so the children could offer their goodwill.
Arpan passes the torch to one of the teachers who will be the 'engine' of the Peace Train.
Playing the train song on the harmonica to start the kids off on a run around the schoolyard.
All the children follow their 'engine' and stay behind the torch.
Harita offers the certificate of Appreciation to teacher Beth Steinback who happens to be the cousin of our local coordinator Prakhara.
Prakhara and Harita share the torch with the local police officer who kindly offers his goodwill.
A beautiful day in North Carolina as the plants and flowers are blossoming all around us.
Dennis enjoys his morning run with blue skies and warm weather.
Arpan runs along the green countryside.
Time for some chores, like cleaning the vehicles.
Scott takes advantage of the midday shower.
After a rock cracked our windshield the other day we had to get it replaced today. One of the hazards of being on the road all day long.
Jennifer running through the tree-lined streets out of Winston-Salem.
A friendly local offers goodwill while holding one of our torches along the way.
A proud father and his son make a wish for peace.
Harita enjoys the natural surroundings of her run today.
Lots of green today on some of the route down to Charlotte.
Addressing the Boys and Girls Club in Charlotte.
Our two Czech members speaking in their own language.
Offering the children a fun song.
Finding peace.
Demonstrating acts of kindness and harmony.
Paint with the heart.
Soulful wishes.
Having fun with the torch.
A happy way to end the day with the children at the Boys and Girls Club in Charlotte.
We are very grateful to David McQueen and others for allowing us to come and share the message of peace and harmony with the children in Charlotte.
A big thank you to Motel 6, Charlotte Carowinds for providing a great night's accommodation for the team. We are pictured here with our new friend, Josh, a trail runner who gave us a super enthusiastic reception!
Torch carried by Abhejali Bernardová(Czech Republic),
Anna Khimchinskaia(Russia),
Arpan DeAngelo(United States),
Dennis Gribok(Luxembourg),
Harita Davies(New Zealand),
Jennifer Cluck(United States),
Prakhara Harter(United States),
Sarvodaya Grygoryivskyy(Ukraine),
Scott Schuetzler(United States),
Vera Sevastiyanova(Russia),
Zuzana Klásková(Czech Republic).
Photographers
Abhejali Bernardová,
Arpan DeAngelo,
Dennis Gribok,
Harita Davies
The torch has travelled
85.0 mi
from Winston-Salem, NC to Charlotte, NC.