Doing what we can

Ashley's school has arranged to collect donations of blankets, clothes, food, toys and books to the areas affected by the earthquake. I was unsure how much to talk with the kids about right after it happened, but have since told them the truth. I asked both girls to go through their closets and pick out clothes and toys to donate. They did a great job going through everything. Ashley had chosen some of her favorite outfits and I had to resist making her keep them. I did ask her to think about the choices again and she responded that she did like those clothes, but that she thinks a child who has lost everything would really enjoy wearing them. I thought that was so sweet of her and am very proud of that. The school is also having a "memorial" assembly tomorrow where everyone is to wear their "best dressed uniform" and bring in a donation - the school has asked each child to bring in 20 kuai. Ashley then asked me if she could bring in more. I hope she continues to keep this charitable spirit alive throughout her life.

There has been a lot of news coming across the TV in both Chinese and English here. There is one English CCTV news station that has been broadcasting many hours of Live news and interviews. The first day the earthquake happened, there was very little news and I was very frustrated at the controlled media here - but it really has gotten better since then. There are so many LIVE reporters on the scene, I am actually amazed! There are also many personal accounts of what is going on at the scene through blogs, video and pictures. It truly is a first for China.

I've posted links to this site before, but will again! Shanghaiist is what I think the best place to go to get the latest updates and news reports from all over the world about the earthquake.

China Earthquake

Thought I would post quickly to let everyone know we were NOT affected by the big earthquake today. I didn't feel it although there are reports of those in high rises here in Shanghai being shaken. We are saddened by the thought of how many may be horribly affected by this tradegy. We are trying to stay updated through this site. Due to media restrictions, it is hard to get accurate information here.