Since the epic devastation that consumed Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Jan. 12, Tuesday brought with it a beacon of hope for some little orphans.

Fifty-four Haitian orphans boarded a plane and were brought to Pittsburgh to meet their adoptive parents, while Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell and a crew of trained medical personnel stood ready to assist.
The orphans, who are all under age 4, were immediately taken to the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, where they were examined by doctors.

In an interview with Fox 61 News, Rendell promised that all 54 children "would be lead to live great lives."

Despite the horrific conditions that the orphans have faced, Rendell also noted how impressed he was with the heroic children in the midst of their unfortunate circumstances: "I'm amazed at how happy these kids are. I think everyone of us in Pennsylvania has a wonderful feeling."

As you are reading this, you may be asking yourself what is to happen with the other orphans of Haiti. There is still hope for them, too. As of Monday, the State Department announced that orphaned children from Haiti will have the opportunity to enter the United States on a temporary, case-by-case basis as an initiative to ensure that they all receive proper care.

In order for Haitian orphans to receive humanitarian parole in the United States, they must meet the following criteria: They must be legally confirmed as orphans eligible for intercountry adoption by the government of Haiti and be adopted by U.S. citizens.