Our first meeting of the day was with the students of St Teresa Catholic School. And we are especially honored to have Surf Coast Mayor Cr Mike Bodsworth join the team. He spoke about the importance of peace and that peace can be in disagreement too.
What a delight to see such smart and bright students! They have much to say about expressing peace, including not littering, keeping the ocean clean, not judging others and not letting others judgement affect you.
It is a joy to meet someone who carries the banner of peace and unity so strongly in his community. Thank you Mayor Bodsworth!
And thank you to all the students and teachers from St Terese Catholic School. It was a privilege to meet you and share your dreams of peace.
The team head out to the Kieser Training Gym, a highly specialized rehab and training facility.
But first, a stop over to meet an enthusiastic surfer...
from Bell's Beach Surf Shop just across the street.
At Keiser, Sam kindly shows us around and teaches us about the physio equipment. Their work is an incredible service to the community. Thank you Sam!
Anglesea Primary School with such enthusiastic students! The School Captain and two Vice Captains escort the team to the gym. There are skits, songs and general fun while sharing a love and hope for peace.
A moment of peace...
The School Captain and Vice Captain's express their gratitude and thanks for the visit from the Peace Runners. We are the ones whole feel so fortunate to meet such excellent youth.
Happy Birthday Nicki, what a unique way to spend your birthday. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Then we head outside so everyone can hold the torch... and
run for peace!
Next the team has a wonderful lunch at Point Danger, a park dedicated to those who have served in war and conflict around the globe.
The war memorial is entitled "Lest We Forget" and is also dedicated as a 'Sri Chinmoy Peace Blossom', honoring the past and offering hope for the future.
The students of Aireys Inlet Primary School and insightful artists with a message.
Aireys Inlet Primary School is full of cheerful and knowledgeable students.
Edgars leads the kids in the country guessing game, that means teachers cannot play. If they do, they must do 10 pushups. Our excellent host paid the price in pushups, to the delight of all the students.
Teachers run a lap around the students.
Thank you so much for having us!
The students love holding the Peace Torch...
and running before giving us a final send off.
The team felt privileged to visit Bruno and Rebecca of Eagles Nest Gallery. Rebecca, curator and excellent photographer, welcomed us with enthusiasm. As did Bruno.
Stunning paintings envelope us and inspire us all to become artists as well.
Thank you Rebecca for inviting us and a special thank you to Bruno as well. He told us the lovely history of the gallery and the deeper meaning it has in his heart and life. The gallery is truly an inspiration. During covid, Bruno started swimming every day in the ocean, he invited a few friends and the group quickly grew to 52! Every day, rain or shine, the friends would meet to swim and share companionship. He is a shining light in the community.
And we met Rebecca's dog, Eucalyptus who made friends with all of us.
Our final stop of the day included a run down to the lighthouse. It was a spectacular and singular evening we will not soon forget.
And a final thank you to the Geelong Centre for all your incredible gifts and selflessness. The accommodations were remarkable, the team is now refreshed and ready to continue our sojourn for peace.
