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The Love that Overcomes Borders

American volunteers visit local orphanage for the 7th time.
By Liu Yang

Hanging out at the orphanage, playing in the park, fast food at KFC…the local orphan kids are having a ball – because the “American Moms” are in town!

July 16th, the AWAA volunteer group from the USA arrived the city orphanage for the 7th time. Fourteen volunteers representing five states brought not only gifts for the children but also spent time playing with and taking care of them. Despite the language barrier, their warm and touching deeds have planted the seeds of love…

Volunteering with an Adopted Child

Yesterday, central park was packed with happy children playing with their happy American caretakers. Sweet laughters everywhere.

Reporter noticed a little girl about the age of ten who had been hanging out with a local orphan almost the entire time. Her American mom kept giving her tips. We found out that the mom’s name is Kim and the little girl is named Halli. Kim adopted Halli from China ten years ago. Not only so, Kim also brought her biological daughter Toni, who was pushing a kid in a wheelchair. The kid had a big smile from ear to ear.

Kim stated that they wanted Halli to see the great wonders of China, to understand the Chinese culture and traditions, and to appreciate her Chinese heritage. She also wanted Halli to get in touch with more people from China and to help those in need.

Kim told the reporter that she has adopted three children in addition to having two biological children of her own. It’s hard work but totally worth it for the children keep herself young at heart.

College Junior Student Volunteer

There were several college students in the team. One young man caught our attention. Can somebody so young take proper care of kids? After some time of observation and a brief chat, we were quite relieved.

Mitchell is a junior in college. He wants to become a doctor after graduation. He came to China last year and studied traditional Chinese herbal medicine from Beijing, Xi’An and Shanghai. He was extremely careful when playing with and taking care of the kids. He seemed to have quite some prior experience.

According to Mitchell, he has an older sister at home and a four-year old little brother adopted from China. He is used to taking care of his little brother. His parents opened a clinic where his sister also works. The whole family adores the little guy from China and brings him to the clinic often. He promised to bring him here someday for sure.

The Team Has Fun Every Time

Coming to visit the children at Chaoyang has become an intrinsic part of Toni’s life. She has been an active and devoted member of the group for years and the dearest mother in the eyes of the children.

“My happiest moment is when the children recognize me and want hugs from me everytime I come here,” she stated, “Some want me to paint their nails.” There is nothing makes Toni happier than these children’s laughters.

Both of Toni’s biological sons are fully grown. Her two 9-year old daughters were both adopted from China. “I feel very connected to China,” she gushes, “both my daughters have had similar experience, which is why I feel inspired to do something for these children.”

Toni’s husband takes care of the two young girls while she is here in China. He came with Toni to the Chaoyang city orphanage twice for volunteer work. Her son came over last year as well. Toni would love to bring both of her daughters here in a couple of years.

The “Daddy Interpreter”

Mr. Ying Chen visits along the team every year. He not only takes care and plays with the children but also takes on the job of translation. He is the only man who has come over all seven times.

“Being close to these children is emotionally fulfilling,” Mr. Chen said, “I like to travel from time to time, but personally, travelling satisfies only the sense of sight. Helping these children gives me a profound and long-lasting spiritual exhilaration. I feel recharged.”

Mr. Chen works in IT. Each trip costs him almost all of his vacation days and sick days. He admits to get a sense of happinese from not only giving, but also from the powerful united love in his teammates.

Reporter’s notes:

Nationality is not a barrier. Language is not a problem. The love that comes from the other side of the Pacific will continue to work its wonders.

Handing fries to the kids after being dipped in just the right amount of Ketchup; shredding chicken meat off the bones to just the right bite size; kids can be difficult but these volunteers seem to have all the patience in the world.

These children were completely uninhibited around the American moms. They played to their hearts’ content. Each volunteer’s eyes were filled with joy and love. Each trip cost on average $3000. They raised the funds all by themselves. They even turned down the opportunity to visit the Fossil Museum so that they can spend more time with the children, who are the only reasons they were there for.

As I watched what was going on in front of me, a quote came to mind, “To selfishly pursue the happiness for oneself, one is doomed of eventual suffering; to pursue the happiness for others, one has found the ultimate source of happiness.”