Bean

The Huixin Infant Orphanage is set back on a dusty, tree-shaded lane on the north side of downtown Shanghai. I finally took the opportunity to join the volunteer group 'Bean' for one of their weekly events. Spending a few hours with these kids was the highlight of my weekend. The orphanage was swelteringly hot, but the kids didn't care ... we had a great time coloring, singing songs and playing music.

Most of the kids at the orphanage had mental and physical disabilities, which only compounds the the need for more caretakers ... the several women working at the home clearly had their hands full. The conditions at the home were better than I expected, though I really wonder what lies ahead for most of these kids as they grow older.

Bean is an international service organization that combines social networking with service in the community. I look forward to becoming a part of the group and finding more time in my schedule to volunteer ... it really helps me put things into better perspective