Mrs. Obama spent today in Chengdu with a gathering at the elite No. 7 High School, just up the road from me. I heard the school has a distance-learning program bringing quality education to rural, impoverished areas via the Internet. Countryside students can log on and enjoy classes taught by qualified professionals.  Their treat today was listening to Mrs. Obama’s 15-minute talk to an assembly of the school’s students.   She also enjoyed a tai chi demonstration by the youth, later joining in to learn a few of these slow-moving exercise techniques still popular in the China of today.

Last week, when I stopped in at our US Consulate, I heard the Obama women would actually be in the building for a reception. I wasn’t privy to that information. And, sad to say, I wasn’t invited, either, although I tried.

Our Chengdu US Consulate, where Mrs. Obama’s reception took place.

What I did accomplish was to have a letter and a copy of my children’s book about our family’s Chengdu rescue Chihuahua, Xiao Lao-lao (Little Old), delivered to her personally.

Book and Letter, delivered to Mrs. Obama via the Consulate before her departure.

I dropped off both last Friday and was emailed yesterday that it was passed on to Mrs. Obama’s gifts officer, the person in charge of collecting all her presents during the trip, making note of who gave what and getting addresses so thank you letters could be sent.

My mailing information was likewise taken so at some point, I’m hoping to receive a White House “thank you” from our first lady. It will be going to my parents’ home in Illinois, however.

No way was I giving my Luzhou school address as a means of contact. I remember one letter sent to me from the States was thrown into an office drawer and I didn’t see it until 2 years later!

I guess I should be grateful I even got it at all.

I certainly don’t want the same thing happening to a Mrs. Obama correspondence. Hard enough to wait 2 weeks much less 2 years when a note is sent from such a prestigious and respected individual.

Forget that program.

I want my letter now!

Tomorrow, the Obama ladies are off to the panda breeding center, 30 minutes outside of the city, and then a Tibetan restaurant for lunch before heading back to the States. I’m sure I’ll hear all about their Consulate stop-in next week when I plan to sit down with Natalie, assistant public affairs officer, to discuss my upcoming lecture.

Until next entry, here’s wishing you Ping An (Peace) for the day!