Moscow

Yesterday, after several students had arrived (Kelsie, Caroline, Richard, Jake, and Jordan), we sat down for dinner in a small pizzeria in Vicolo del Cinque, Trastevere. It was early, we were just about the only ones there, and hadn't even ordered anything yet. A television was on at the far end of the room, playing some Italian news program, and suddenly we saw images of Moscow with many police and SWAT teams - but we didn't know what was happening or what had happened. I immediately stepped into the street to call my wife, Patty, and she delivered the news. It was shocking, surreal, and unsettling to see such a tragedy in our small, peaceful community, especially when viewed from such a great distance and at a time when our minds were far more focused on the celebratory excitement of arrival in Rome. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone back home. Peace.