Love is something that crosses boundaries and is something that does not need to be translated in a certain language. This week, we have another foreign volunteer from Maryland. She is learning Chinese, so there will be some language barriers. She expressed her fear that language being an issue in her work and experiencing her placement to its fullest potential. So for most of her interactions, I was the translator. She was like me when I started, got the orientation and the general introduction to the place, staff, and children. And also like me, she was also very intimidated at first. But, she soon found her place and earned the love and trust of the children and staff very quick. All of the kids were so curious like any other kid their age would be, what is her home like, what is America like, what does she eat, what is her family like, etc. Besides the occasional ” 哥哥! Translate for me!” from the kids, communication never seemed to be an issue. Ali soon realized how special this place is and how the culture of Cerecare is something that can only be found there. With broken Chinese and a lot of nonverbal communication, Ali also experienced everything I did here and more. Though by the obvious physical difference, the children never once thought Ali was any stranger. Their love is mutually existent in both cultures and is not something that is exclusive. To show just how much emotion was present, Ali left after a week and all of the kids cried more than I thought was possible! For them, they were losing a sister that was dear to them.

At the performance from last week, at attendance is one of the directors of Projects Abroad. She was impressed about Cerecare (I am the first person from Projects Abroad at Cerecare). She wanted to introduce more volunteers to Cerecare but knows that now all people are bilingual like me. She asked me if language is a barrier at all to the care given. And my response like I have witnessed, is obvious that even without the language requirements, so much can be done and felt at Cerecare. Cerecare is a place that accepts you as long as you except what you see. Love indeed is a feat that is beyond the boundaries of culture or language.