Two Rocks Primary had been prepared for the visit for a long time. Some of the teachers remembered the Peace Run from the last time it went around Australia in 2013. "Peace begins with me", recalled principal Elizabeth Wildish. "I remember that from the last time you came."
We were delighted to find the children had made some beautiful artwork to welcome the team. Some junior classes had coloured in Peace Doves and drawn some pictures.
We are the oneness
...and fullness
The children offered their artwork to the runners, which we gladly accepted to inspire us on our long journey
We were happy to offer Two Rocks school a certificate of appreciation and an artwork by Sri Chinmoy to the head boy and girl in return for the gifts the students had given us.
As the Peace Torch was passed from one student to the next, each had the chance to share their heartfelt wish for peace.
Senior classes had constructed their own Peace Torches with red and yellow paper flames.
Together we are stronger!
First day running for Emily on an Australian highway.
Indian Ocean Drive. The road goes through the Wanagarren Nature Reserve, so the view opened up to the white sand dunes at Grey...
Wedge Island dunes behind Atulya.
Attila tries the Australian asphalt.
In Jurien Bay we met with Dandaragan Shire President Tony O'Gorman, Cr Sharon Young and local community members. "There are conflicts in the world and peace is the direction we have to go", said Tony while receiving the torch.
Atulya found time for windsurfing before a ceremony at Cervantes Primary School.
Ceremony at Cervantes Primary School. "Kids, do you know what INTERNATIONAL means?"
Peace is in the heart. And when we feel it, we can share it with others. At Cervantes Primary, the school had prepared poems and descriptions about what peace means to them. "Peace, like the sun set in a late afternoon. Peace, like warm apple crumble coming out of the nice, hot oven. Peace, like calm birds chirping from an old oak in a nice spring morning. Peace, like feeling relaxed and calm at the beach listening to soothing sounds of the waves. Peace, like smelling a hint of cold, crisp Autumn in the air while going on a nice walk in the forest."
Who can raise the torch higher?
If you receive the Jharna Kala artwork and Certificate of Appreciation, then you are the first students to hold the Peace Torch.
Yes, we have a runner from Brazil. It's Roni.
Attila, it's your country!
After running with the torch in the school stadium, the children sat in a circle and asked the team various interesting questions about the daily life of the Peace Run.
Holding as a team is better
We visited The Pinnacles Desert after finishing their run.
the beach near our accommodation in Jurien Bay.
In Jurien, at the Sports and Recreation Centre, we set up our tents. Thank you for a great night of sleep under the stars and a much needed hot shower!
