 Ryan Oliver Hansen, self-described "spoiled American," takes a trip to the desperately poor region of Esmeraldas, Ecuador. For seven months he volunteers in the Loreto Catholic orphanage, home to about 60 orphaned or abandoned children. Though they have nothing, these children have a great deal to give. During his time in Esmeraldas, Ryan learns from the orphans lessons about life that he could never have learned in America.