Our first week here is complete.  I have five participants in my class.  One teacher has only three.  Husband also has five.  We are thinking of our program now as a “Seminar” rather than a “Class.”  We have intense discussions about teaching, learning, English, and Chinese.  Perhaps this week, we’ll move to talking about life in general.

Yesterday we visited the museum commemorating the 2008 Sichuan earthquake and the rebuilding progress.  One of the displays included a small child’s backpack that had been found in the rubble.  I could not contain my tears.  The magnitude of the destruction is unimaginable, even with pictures and videos.  Dujiangyan is justifiably proud of the progress of rebuilding.  It is said that this city progressed 25 years because of the earthquake.  The school where we are now staying, had no damage except for a small break in the outer wall.  A Chinese young person told me people are somewhat resentful that this school had no damage, no loss of life, while many children in public schools died.  They see it as all about money.  Such is the collateral damage of a disaster.

This city is also known as the birthplace of Daoism.  The temple was destroyed in that quake, but it has already been rebuilt.  I don’t know if we will tour it or not.  Next Saturday, we plan to go to the Panda preserve.  I’m excited about that.

We’re enjoying our tiny room in our peaceful setting.  I feel like I am at camp.