When I arrived in Beijing with my sister, I sort of panicked. I mean, I was in a foreign country with only one familiar person. I was quite terrified of getting lost, losing things, not making any friends, and that the kids in the China Care Home wouldn't like me. As I got through the week I realized all those things are just fears and not reality. I haven't lost anything, I've actually made friends with all the people on the trip, and I've definitely connected with several children. Every day I think, "This day is going to be an amazing experience."

When I first walked into a room at the China Care Home, I was extremely cautious around the babies and just sat next to one of the other volunteers. Suddenly, a baby girl named HanWei, aka Wei Wei, walked up to me, sat in my lap and clung to my torso. Instantly I got attached and Wei Wei is and always will be the most memorable child for me. Every time I step into the room, she comes running into my arms. She loves  it when I pick her up and twirl her around the room. When I heard she is leaving today, I was very disappointed and upset. I've only been in China for about a week, but I already feel like I'm going to cry when I have to permanently leave. This trip will forever be the best eye-opening experience ever.

Alice Schatz

Westlake High School