I was nervous, really nervous, what if they didn’t remember me, what if they meant a whole lot more to me than I had ever meant to them? Was I just another stranger that had quickly strolled in and out of their lives? I walked through the gates of the ninos house filled with so much joy, all of a sudden I here my name, I turn around and I’m bombarded with hugs from all different angles. Being reunited, the end of missing someone. I cannot think of a sweater feeling.

I was only with the kids from the Ninos de Baja orphanage for 2 days, it was a tease really. But we made the absolute most of it. We set up a fall festival for them, they had a blast, going from station to station carrying all of their prizes. They were so unbelievably grateful. As soon as you gave them a prize they wanted to give you something too. I gave out bubbles, a small gift you would think, but for them, it was everything, they loved them. After 10 minutes the entire backyard was engulfed in bubbles, it was like with every bubble we were all letting go, only focusing on that moment. It was great, I wish I could freeze time and stay in that moment.

Like everything in life, my trip quickly came to an end. I tried my hardest not to get emotional but, I couldn’t help it. Those kids bring out a different side of me, I side not everyone sees. They give me hope. I love those kids with all of my heart, its hard leaving, and wondering whether they’ll remember you or not. But what keeps me going, is the reunion, the hugs, the laughs, the end of missing someone.