Today our journey began at Greenbushes Primary School, where we were enthusiastically greeted by principal Chris Mott. Chris was yet another principal who had previously experienced a Peace Run visit at his former school. It feels good to know that our program is memorable and meaningful enough to be welcomed back with such gusto. :-)
We first met with the cross country team who were just about to leave to compete at a meet in Manjimup. It sounded like a big regional meet with championship implications as the students were hoping to come back with a “shield.” We didn’t know what that meant, but it sounded serious. We were a team of 5 this morning as much of the rest of the team were at another ceremony. Unfortunately for the students, our countries were some of the most difficult to guess. But they made their way through our little guessing game and were rewarded with our Peace Run song. ( at least we hope they were.)
After some questions from Chris and the students, they headed off to the meet. We headed over to the kindergarten class where were met with wide eyed joy and curiosity.
We shared our message and showed them where to find peace (in their hearts) and did a short relay to show how we move about the country. We ended by having their teachers do a relay of their own, much to the delight of the children and honestly the teachers themselves.
We ended by having their teachers do a relay of their own, much to the delight of the children and honestly the teachers themselves. :-)
And we were off to our next school of the day, Balingup Primary School. The Friday receptionist and full time school librarian, Sue Leary, greeted us at the door and was just an absolute delight.
She connected us with Scott Tweedy, Phys Ed teacher and friend of our local coordinator, Grahak (shout out to Grahak for doing such a bang up job with all our numerous ceremonies). Scott connected us with teacher Ester Douglas who facilitated our video and ceremony for the kids.
The children always get excited when it comes time to hold the torch.
We always love speaking to primary school age children because it’s still “cool” for them to whole heartedly participate. And that they did, especially in the relay run with the torch.
And that they did, especially in the relay run with the torch.
Teekhnata says, "I started my day feeling achy, tired and somewhat overwhelmed, but I recognized that my attitude could change as long as I wasn’t attached to it. I told myself to be open to whatever amazing Peace Run experiences may come this day."
Upon running in, we were greeted by cheering children and the beautiful artwork they had prepared for our arrival.
Some of my favorite moments from this school include being asked for my autograph by a little boy, and a young girl asking me if she could still wear earrings if she was a Peace Runner. Answer to both: yes.
Also when the children were asked what other qualities live in their heart, one said “good vibes!” Right on, kiddo!
Thank you Bridgetown Primary for YOUR good vibes which fueled us on our run.
2nd amazing Peace Run experience of the day: Being that I was still feeling achy and tired in my body (even though much refreshed in spirit after the school visit), I wasn’t super keen on running.
However, I was blessed with a long downhill, which I loved. As I ran many Monarch butterflies, flitted around me. I felt like I was flying with them.
Roni practicing his statue pose, as he already deserves one for all he has done for world peace. But first, we will have to find the artist willing to do that.
Roni, from Brazil, ever the creative!
After visit in Bridgetown Primary School C, Nandi. started it's morning run heading towards Nannup.
We even got some kilometres out of our good friend from Perth, Prabuddha. Thanks!
3rd Amazing Peace Run experience: Our visit to the Thomas Moore School in Margaret River.
Our coordinator, Grahak, from Perth, joined us and presented a great introduction for us.
We were a small team presenting to an especially energetic group of kids.
Thank you to Principal Wylie. He sincerely expressed his gratitude for our visit.
The best part of this ceremony was being able to run around the field with the kids. Dhavala had to work to keep up with them.
The kids were really excited to hold and run with the torch. We finished the ceremony with a big group shot, some of them diving in at the last moment.
After finishing our run we had to drive to our next point: Margaret River Montessori School.
We were welcomed very enthusiastically by a crowd of 150 children.
The children take a moment to feel peace inside their hearts.
And made wishes for peace for us to carry on.
4th amazing Peace Run experience: The folks at Mammoth Caves offered us free entry to explore this amazing location. I think the photos tell the story better than I could.
Simply and majestically stunning. It truly felt like an underground cathedral.
We were awe struck from beginning to end.
We are so grateful for this mind boggling experience of Mother Nature. It’s a must see!
The moral of the day of amazing Peace Run experiences: even if your mind is trying to convince you of your limitations, strive to leave even a little openness in your heart for the mysterious and wonderful experience that may be right around the corner. Otherwise, these experiences may still happen, but your own mind won’t allow you to be present and enjoy them. Otherwise, these experiences may still happen, but your own mind won’t allow you to be present and enjoy them.
