We have seen the other side of America and the other side of the world. Team members like myself are so privileged. I live in a beautiful place, always have food on my plate, safe water and good friends. I'm healthy and I make a good living. The world is my oyster. I can do whatever I want and succeed. I have the means and the support to make the commitment. Commitment is the obstacle we cite in our baton exchange message, the obstacle to people like me solving the water crisis. The BPR team and staff has been nothing short of commitment. It is our commitment that has pulled us through and will make this run successful.

Tonight our driver Rob and I ran through the farmlands of Indiana, north of Warsaw. It was one of my most special runs. Rob leaves us after this shift to return to school. He has become a runner during his time with us. Tonight was his second 10 mile run ever. His first took place on Monday night with Laura. Tonight we chatted the entire way, planning our futures and Rob's first marathon. The countryside and the night were beautiful. Storms were brewing around us and the sky would light up with electricity but never threaten us. The forecast included a tornado and a string of t-cell storms. Raindrops fell here and there but also never materialized. The winds were at our back or to our side, making the grass sway and the trees rustle and our run almost effortless. We were on rolling back roads with lots of corn, homesteads with old barns and ranch fencing, horse farms, and the railroad criss crossing the landscape. What a contrast to the streets of South Chicago. No litter, no sketchy characters, a good running surface and great company. In fact such good company that the pilot van had to remind us that we were running, to perhaps talk a little less and speed it up to make the exchange on time. We will miss Rob greatly when he leaves. We have a day off with him in Midland, Michigan where we'll take him for a night on the town and then say our farewells, until we meet again. Already the BPR gang is talking about reunions and visits.

This was our last night on the 9pm to 3am shift. Just two shifts to go. Just two more night runs. I am feeling very sunshine and scenery deprived. The plans for New York City are being unveiled. The excitement is building. Midland, Michigan is the capital of Dow. It's a rainy day. We get our much needed team massage and then we're off to a barbeque at a Dow person's house. Dow has gone out of its way to make us feel special. I understand that our route added 3,000 or so miles to run through Dow sites. The miles are worth it for the warm receptions and particularly when all this effort saves lives by turning dollars into safe drinking water for those in need.

Water is life. Pass it on!