🙏 We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office for their outstanding support and escort as we walked through Caroline County on Day 102 – 2/4/2026.
Thank you for helping us travel safely from Hanover County, north along U.S. Route 1, through Caroline County, and into Spotsylvania County as we continue toward Washington, DC.
Thank you, Caroline County Sheriff’s Office, for everything you did to make our passage through your county safe and meaningful. Your dedication to peace and public safety will always be remembered.

 

We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all law enforcement officers, police departments, sheriff’s offices, state troopers, and first responders who have protected and supported us throughout this entire journey.

 

From the very first day to now, you have been there—escorting us, keeping us safe, clearing the way, and ensuring that communities could gather peacefully. We are profoundly grateful for your support.
Photo credit: Caroline County Sheriff’s Office

 

May you and all beings be well, happy and at peace. 🙏✨

 

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✍️ An Unexpected and Heartwarming Encounter

 

As we first stepped into the state of Virginia, we encountered a man standing by the roadside. With hands pressed together in respect and a deep bow, he greeted the venerable monks with a smile filled with pure happiness and peace. His eyes followed each member of the Sangha as they passed, and we responded with smiles and greetings—two hearts connecting through a silent language.

 

A few hours later, he appeared again. Then again in the afternoon. We saw him four times that first day and thought that might be the end of our meeting.
But the next morning, there he was again, standing in the freezing cold. For nearly a week now, he has appeared at least three times a day along our path. He is a man of modest stature, wearing the same clothes every day. He carries nothing to give us, no material gifts at all. Instead, he brings something far more precious: a pure heart filled with reverence.

 

Occasionally, we offer him flowers we’ve received from others along the way. His face lights up with a gentle, honest smile. Who is this man? We do not know his story or his circumstances, but his constant, quiet presence has left a deep impression on our hearts.

 

For days, I hoped to capture a photograph with him, but he always appeared so unexpectedly, and I do not use my phone while walking. Finally, on the fifth day, the conditions were right, and I was able to take a photo with him. It brought a sense of true fulfillment.

 

Life holds simple, humble moments that carry the highest values and most authentic happiness. Joy begins with the smallest things; when our hearts hold seeds of wholesomeness, peace, and sincerity, we begin to receive happiness from everything around us.

 

These encounters will stay with us. Wherever he may be, we pray he is always peaceful and happy.
I love you. Sadhu! Sadhu!

 

Credit: We translated this post by Sư Định Giới (one of the venerable monks of this journey) and have the photo of the man mentioned in the post posted also.
May you and all beings be well, happy and at peace. 🙏✨

 

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#TykheoTueNhan #BaoThapTangKinhThanhDien #Buocchanhanhgia
#WalkForPeace #W4P #Walk4Peace #Dhammacetiya