I didn't cry. This time.

I volunteered at an orphanage yesterday. I've been wanting to go since we moved here, and I finally got my act together. I thought I was pretty prepared for what I would find, and I knew this was one of the "good" ones--all the kids are well fed, warm and well cared for.

It was still an emotionally shattering experience. I won't try and describe the kids, or some of the horrific problems they were burdened with, and I will say that the Ayis were very conscientious. All the kids had clean diapers, full stomachs and warm clothes.

But I am still haunted, 24 hours later. I don't understand how a three year old (who looks 9 months old) who has spent her life in a crib in a room with 15 other babies in cribs can still smile like that when someone sings to her. I don't know how a baby who has been largely ignored most of his life can find so much happiness from just sitting in the sun. I don't know how I can keep going back every week knowing Sunny is going to cry like that when I have to put her down and leave again. But I will. Because if you amazing women (you know who you are) can do this every single week, I'm in.