Haiti - Day Two

Day two in Haiti was incredible.

Alana and I woke up early and crawled onto the roof to watch the sunrise. The pale yellow sunlight illuminating the 360 degree view of Haiti was surreal.

After breakfast we hopped back onto the "mountain goat" and headed over to the orphanage Swamp Kids. There seemed to be no hesitation between our team and the smiling, eager children. We bonded with the kids instantly and time flew.

Angelina came to me in the beginning and smiled at me and grabbed my hand. Her big, shy smile was more than I could take. She wanted to be held all the time. She is eight years old and incredibly sweet.

Another kid I connected with was Gael. He was screaming and crying on the floor when I picked him up. I held him close and hushed in his ear. He was calmed instantly and stayed in my arms for hours. He is six years old and very sad.

Between painting, holding kids, playing with balloons and constant motion, the afternoon was a blur of squeals, giggles and cuddles. Loving these kids and holding them makes me feel alive - needed. It breaks my heart to see where these kids live and play day in and day out. What breaks my heart the most is knowing they don't have parents to adore them or to hold them when they cry. I already love these kids with my whole heart. I cannot wait to see them tomorrow.