I step off the plane
Trying to keep my feet on the ground
The place looks different
Filled with unusual sounds

I step on a bus
Looking out at the view
But what seemed first as paradise
Had clearly been untrue

Houses falling apart
Brought together by sticks and clay
With the brownish red dirt
Surrounding the children as they lay

I step on the grass at the orphanage
And with out a second to spare
The children came charging at us
As they jumped on me and played with my hair

Curiosity struck in their shining eyes
The small soft hands that gripped me tight
Their wandering heads tipped slightly to either side
Amazement swam from their eyes to mine

Smiles slowly crept on to their face
Curiosity and wonder is what kept them in place
They knew exactly why we were here
And for the slightest moment they had nothing to fear

To teach these kids for a single week
About art and music and other important things
And for us to know what satisfaction is
And what this emotional feeling can bring

I never knew children so loving and giving
Who have suffered so much in their short lives
And yet they are still so willing
Wanting and needing an education that will make them stronger and wise
You can see what they yearn for most by staring in their bold eyes

Their questions to see if my parents are alive or “Do I live in a home?”
or “What do I eat?” or “How many shoes do I own?’
At first not knowing how to answer their questions
Hoping that my answers will help them cope
Knowing these questions are not about jealously, but simply about hope

I see that these children grow up in a loving environment
Where they are welcomed and are brought together
Where wounded hearts are mended
In a safe place that will be their forever

Every giggle and every burst of laughter
Is a reminder of no fuss
Of how we are helping these children
And how they are ultimately helping us.