Mission Trip 2002
Rev. Suzanne Vargo

 

They told us before we went that we would fall in love with the children. They were right.

Shortly after I returned from Malawi this year, I was to give a presentation to a group of retired teachers. I decided to end the presentation with my favorite “kid pictures.” So out of over 2500 pictures, I chose 20. They were meant to move the hearts of the retired teachers. They’ve ended up moving my heart every time I look at them.

Joyce Heath
Suzanne baptizing an infant at Viyale Church in Mzuzu
 

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Looking at the pictures I remember the children at the Hard of Hearing School, with looks of absolute joy on their faces at the chance to learn.

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At a well site, I remember the joyful smiles on the faces of children who would soon be drinking clean water.

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I remember the boy I met at the orphan feeding program,

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and the children having fun washing dishes at another well site.

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I remember the little girl I met at the market;

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I remember the child praying;

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I remember the penetrating eyes of the boy at the celebration.

When I look at those pictures, I don’t want any of them to go hungry, or to get sick because they have to drink contaminated water. I want each of them to have the basics of life, to have health care, a chance to go to school, and books to read. I want each of them to know how much they are loved. And when I look at those pictures, it reminds me that I, too, am a child of God, and that God looks at me just like I look at those children — with overwhelming love and tenderness.

When I look at those pictures — the faces, the shy smiles, the penetrating eyes — I hear Jesus ask, "Who will feed my lambs?” And I can’t help but respond, "I will, Lord!”

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