Travel day. I am going to China with 17 University of Southern Maine/Lewiston Auburn (USM L/A) College students and three faculty members: Dr. Rose Cleary, Dr. Deb Como-Kepler, Dr. Roxy Black.

An interpreter who will accompany us to visit several orphanages and historical landmarks will receive the team. We have studied a portion of China’s history, various issues relating to child abandonment, attachment and adoption, and just enough of the language to get by.

This is considered a Service Learning project. As students, we will have the unique opportunity to relate course content to actual experience. The majority of students attending this course are social and behavioral science majors. We will observe child care practices, analyze child development within a different cultural setting, and work alongside those who provide care to the orphans.

Two master level occupational therapy students in attendance anticipate the opportunity to exchange ideas and techniques with foster parents of physically impaired orphans that suffer from cerebral palsy, low muscle tone, etc.

We will first take a 12-hour flight to Beijing to visit some of China’s most famous landmarks: Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Peking Opera and the Great Wall.

Then we will take a 10-hour overnight train ride to visit the Dream Home Charity orphanage in Shenyang. Following this excursion, we will take a two-hour flight to Hefei and visit another orphanage.

(Editor’s note: The name and location of the orphanage described in this story has been withheld due to fears that negative media reports could harm efforts to help these children.)

Afterward, it’s on to Lu’an to work with another orphanage. Our journey will end with a trip to the Yellow Mountains and a visit to the ancient village of Hongcun.

I have my passport and I am immunized against Hepatitis A & B. I have packed then unpacked half as instructed. This includes vitamins, which have been disbursed among the USM L/A College Team for delivery to the orphanages.

In addition, small toys and teething clothes that are handmade by a student will be given. Monies raised by USM L/A College students and faculty will be used to buy larger items upon arrival. Tomorrow, I will share my first impressions!