We are very grateful to the Best Western Plus in Keene, NH, for hosting our team for the night. Because of your generosity in providing complimentary rooms, we had a very restful night and are ready to begin running again for peace.
The men's team gets started making lunch for everyone.
Meanwhile the women's team are running their daily miles on the way toward Concord, NH.
Our new friends are very happy to pass the torch for peace.
Joyful smiles and miles along way.
The team gathers before we begin our first program of the day at the Bradley Street Boys and Girls Club in Concord.
Kids of many ages are very interested in the Peace Run program.
World Harmony Run Song is better with instruments.
Thank you so much Jim for having us. It is encouraging to know that the young people here in Concord are in such good hands with you and your staff.
The kids there at Bradley Street have such enthusiasm. And the team has a great time with them.
Making a wish for peace.
And the wishes for peace continue.
After we receive the lions share of peace from these young people, cards are shared with the kids which include countries which the Peace Run has visited. And from where our teammates come.
Peace also means friendship :)
Before you start running, safety first. Tie your laces :)
The kids are excited to have their own Peace Run there at Bradley Street's yard.
Peace Bridge on the way.
Thank you again to all the children and staff at the Bradley Street Boys & Girls Club for this fantastic and inspiring meeting. We will carry your wishes and enthusiasm with us.
The men's team begins running their miles on the way to Concord, MA.
We make our way to the next meeting of the day.
Local Peace Run coordinator Begabati Lennihan introduces the Peace Run team to the Jhamtse Gatsal Association. A most special guest is a long time friend of Sri Chinmoy and the Peace Run, Aye Aye Thant. Aye Aye is daughter of the United Nations first Secretary General, U-Thant. U Thant had a close friendship with Peace Run Founder, Sri Chinmoy which dates back to 1970 when he invited Sri Chinmoy to lead peace meditations there at the United Nation headquarters in New York.
Members of the Jhamtse Gatsal.
Aye Aye greeted the runners and shared her experiences with the Peace Run over the years. We felt fortunate that she shared her love and insights about the Peace Run with us and spoke of peace and the importance of the Peace Run in today's world.
Thank you for sharing your own hopes and dreams for peace with us. We will carry this with us as we continue on our way.
Former Buddhist monk Lopsang Phuntsok came to America in the year 2000 to share Buddhist teachings here in Concord. Members of Jhamste Gatsaj have dedicated their lives to continuing his teachings on love and compassion. Lobsang returned to India to found the 'Garden of Love and Compassion' Children's Community that serves vulnerable children by providing an immersive and safe learning environment. Peace Run offers the Torch Bearer Award to members of the Jhamste Gatsal. Mark Foley (2nd from left) will bring the award to Lopsang in Nepal this October.
Peace Run is also very happy to work with Oneness-Heart-Tears and Smiles, a humanitarian aid project inspired by Sri Chinmoy. Oneness-Heart Tears and Smiles provides not only humanitarian aid but specially hand made dolls as a small gesture of love and hope for those in need. Thank you Mark for taking these dolls to Nepali children when you make your journey there.
Peace brings joy.
Thank you to Aye Aye Thant and to the members of the Jhamste Gatsal Association for this wonderful meeting. We are very grateful to share a mutual love of peace and oneness. And we greatly look forward to seeing you again the next time.
The men's team are very happy to be joined again by Arpan DeAngelo for the last stretch to New York. Arpan has dedicated his life to serving America in Peace Run and has been a significant part of the team since we started in 1987. Thank you Arpan.
"My heart-lotus is the fragrance of peace" -Sri Chinmoy
