Seattle is very much in FIFA World Cup mode. Everyone comes out in colors including the Fremont Troll under the Aurora Bridge.
The team starts at Greenlake, everyone joins including many local friends and teammates. It's a warm and sunny day, perfect by Seattle standards. And we're loving it!
Seattleite Rupasi, one of our main coordinators of the US Peace Run, takes the lead cheerfully carrying the Peace Torch.
We are joined for a stretch by the Tenderfoot Tagalongs who walk around the lake every week rain or shine.
They spent decades hiking together and now walk Greenlake.
The team meets walkers, runners, bikers, skaters and scooter riders as the Peace Torch is passed around. Seattle is considered the half way point for the Peace Run, the peace journey back to New York begins.
Many people take a moment to offer their own hopes and wishes for peace.
Jewel joins for awhile, her recent return to Seattle brings her happily to Greenlake. At Salil's invitation, she ran a big stretch of the lake path with us.
It was lovely to meet you Jewel and to learn about the work you do with children. We look forward to seeing you next time the Peace Run comes through!
The team enjoys a peaceful moment in the Sri Chinmoy Peace Grove, dedicated in 1993.
Peace Run Greenlake is finished for this year, and Mother Nature blesses us with a spectacular halo around the sun.
Two bald eagles are spotted, an uncommonly rare sight in Seattle and a first for even long time residents.
America the Beautiful!
We are enjoying real Napolitanian pizza for lunch at Tutta Bella Ristorante. Grazie mille à Brian per un pranzo assolutamente delizioso!
It's arrivederci to Ukrainian teammate Anya, who is returning to her job in San Diego today. This cup will remind her of a wonderful time in Washington State.
In the afternoon we visit the Boys and Girls Club in Edmonds. Team and kids alike enjoyed the presentation outside on the soft lawn.
Skits demonstrate to the kids the difference between peaceful and non-peaceful behavior. Is pushing your fellow contestants during a race peaceful or not peaceful?
Who wants to hold the Peace Torch?
Three super athletes in the making, with an excellent running example set by Mom.
Young Boys & Girls Club members are given a card of Peace Run visits to countries around the world.
Which country card did you get? Wanna trade?
Suhasini presents a Certificate of Appreciation to the staff of Edmonds Boys and Girls Club. Thank you for having us!
It's fun to watch the camp counselors carry the Peace Torch around the gathering as the kids cheer them on!
Its even more fun and inspiring to carry the torch. Peace Torch in front!
Edmonds Peace Run coordinator Aparajita leads the team on a scenic five mile run through beautifully forested paths and stunning ocean views.
Peace is lots of fun.
The team receives a warm welcome to the City of Edmonds. At the Civic Center Park, Mayor Mike Rozen greets the team with beautiful words and a proclamation. He spoke eloquently of the importance of efforts dedicated to peace like the Peace Run.
Peace begins with you, me, and all of us!
The Proclamation for the Peace Run.
Edmonds Food Bank joins the Peace Run for the program and a Peace Walk around the park. Many conversations with Food Bank volunteers reveal how much their values align so closely with our own.
Larry Vogel from My Neighborhood News Network covered the event.
A Statue of Liberty in Edmonds.
Proud Granddad with next generation volunteers.
Peace Run is pleased and grateful to offer the Torch Bearer Award to the Edmonds Food Bank. Executive Director Casey Davis receives the Award on their behalf. The dedication and self giving of Casey and the Food Bank volunteers serves the most basic of human needs, and one that we all have in common. This need shows us how alike we really are in the most simple way is the message Casey shares.
Like the Peace Run, it speaks to how alike we are as members of one human family.
Casey's shoes qualify for their own style of reward.
And what excellent community support.
Charlie Pops graciously gave each one present an absolutely delicious popsicle treat at the end of a hot day. Thank you so much!!
Aparajita welcomed the team to his beautiful home, Shanti Loka, meaning peaceful abode. Its lush gardens and spectacular sea view framed by the Olympic Mountains was a welcome respite and end of an excellent day.
He treats the team to an incredible Thai meal. Thank you for your generous hospitality and for organizing this unforgettable Peace Run day.
Nandita Polissar joins the team for the evenings' meal and celebration. Her contributions and selfless efforts for Peace Run over the last four decades cannot be measured. We are so fortunate for her example, leadership and constant inner and outer support.
Teammate Natabara heads back home to New York tomorrow. He receives a farewell gift, a T-shirt reading "An Edmonds Kind of Day". Wasn't it just?!
A wonderful day comes to a glorious end with a fiery sunset observed by the whole team and our friends from Seattle on Aparajita's porch.
"The truth of joy within, without me flies. The voice that speaks within the core of the sun shall love and fulfil my secret and sacred choice. In matter's body dawns the Spirit's Height." Sri Chinmoy
