"Driving through the streets of Haiti is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As we begin our trek down the bumpy road, every sense is quickly overwhelmed. The first sensation is of the extreme heat and foul smell of exhaust. I recognize how pale I must look to the hundreds of African descendents.Our navy van nears the city. Lining every cement wall is coiled barbed wire. As I look up the mountainside camouflaged with rivers of trash and roofless houses, my heart breaks. A smile returns to my face. Strutting along the pathway are joyful children heading to school. The dozens of beads in their hair match the billboards we pass. I almost bounce up and down on the sticky leather seats picturing the two siblings I will soon meet.
Jerking to a halt, I fly forward in my seat. Wincing, our driver stops for a group of men ripping a lady's fruit out of her arms. Beep! Beep! We're off again. Our van darts down the street, dodging women with baskets upon their heads. White UN vehicles kick up loose gravel as they pass. The Caribbean music on the radio and smell of spicy foods fill the air. A bony, stray dog slinks among the trash lining every curb. Dark-skinned Haitians sit in the scorching sun. Their tired bodies are eager to sell used luggage, worn sandals, colorfully painted tiles, and all types of fruits.
At last, my senses are relieved as we turn onto a quiet back road. My heart leaps when we come to a stop at an orange metal gate. Behind the orphanage wall comes laughter and excited Kreyol chatter. Seeing the bright smiles of my new brother and sister make the long journey well worth it."
