Making a Difference

It is amazing all of the opportunities that you can get by just looking different than everyone else in a town.

Today - my friends Rani, Jennie and myself were walking in downtown Zhengzhou to find ourselves being bombarded by another laowai or foreigner. It is always wonderful to see another laowai and we quickly got caught up in a conversation.

She asked us all of the normal questions, how long have you been in China, why Zhengzhou and all of that jazz. We in turn found out that she and her husband taught at a middle school downtown and also ran several orphanages in the Zhengzhou area. We exchanged emails and went on our way.

Later that afternoon - I received an email from her saying she loved running into us and hoped that we would see each other around. Rani, Jennie and I talked about it and decided that we wanted to help out and sure enough - after two or three emails, we have been invited to come and help with the children! I am so excited. Mostly we will be going to the orphanage and talking with the kids and taking them around to play. Most of the kids range from ages 3-6. She says that it is also important for them to get used to foreign faces, since it is foreigners who will most likely adopt them.

I know that I do not have as much free time this year, but I am extremely excited to volunteer and get to know these kids. I love to teach and leave an impact on these kids and I know that I will be able to help these kids who are looking for homes. I am excited to start but will most likely have to wait until after the holiday.

Here is the website

I will keep you posted on what is happening. I know I have joked with several of you about bringing home a Chinese baby so I will see if I can put in a good word or two for you guys to get you a little piece of Zhengzhou.

xoxo