Exactly a week ago, I ventured to the China Care Home for the first time. I worried that the kids wouldn't like me, the babies would cry whenever I made eye contact, and the nurses would laugh at my Chinese. Oh how I was wrong.

Upon my first visit, I fell in love with the home’s atmosphere of family, love, and camaraderie. It reminded me of my own home back in America, which was amazing considering how homesick I was! After a tour of the home, where all I wanted was to pick up some of the most adorable, smiling babies I have ever seen, I finally got the opportunity to interact with some of the kids.

The room I was in had four little toddlers and two older boys. When I walked in, one of the little boys was crying loudly and apparently was known to be a crier. At first I was too timid to hold him because I thought being held by a weird stranger with little knowledge of kids would only add to his discomfort. However, it wasn't long before I couldn't bear not to interact with him. With the approving smile of one of the nurses, I slowly held out my hand to him. He quickly grabbed one of my fingers with his whole hand. We both giggled and his tears started to subside. We played for a few hours before nap time, when I sadly had to leave.

The next day I was placed in a room with about half a dozen little babies. What amazed me the most were the smiles of all the babies. The way their faces lit up when they discovered a new toy or when I rocked them in my arms. One little girl I played with was just learning how to walk. Watching her run towards me from a few feet away was one of the cutest, most amazing things I have ever witnessed.

Unfortunately, the next day I came down with a cold so I haven't been able to come in for the last few days. Having a cold is one thing, but not being able to play with the babies and kids at the Home is a million times more excruciating! I can't wait till I can come back and see their smiling faces!

Shelby Marcus
New Canaan, Ct