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I have just returned from my first field trip with World Vision and I found that my reaction to what I saw and experienced was quite different to what I expected. 

Our trip to Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania included communities where World Vision has been active for many years and those where World Vision is just starting its partnership work. 

Prior to my departure, my prayer echoed that of World Vision's founder "let my heart be broken ...". I return, however, with a completely different emotion - real joy and hope. 

What World Vision does, every day, mostly away from the headlines is making a difference.  I saw children alive today because of a shallow well donated by a New Zealand family that ensures water borne illnesses no longer kill 40% of children under two in that community.  I met an impressive 12 year old sponsored child who told me he wants to be a doctor when he grows up, I met women who have set up small businesses that mean they can now feed and educate their children.   I was deeply impressed by the calibre of the World Vision field staff we accompanied.

Yes the challenges are still immense - the scourge of HIV/AIDS, in particular, which scars almost every family we met, the logistics of providing healthcare to remote communities and the impacts of a changing climate, for example, mean there is still so much to be done, however, my overwhelming emotion is one of deep and profound joy because I had the privilege of shaking (and 'high fiving') the hands of children who are increasingly experiencing life in fullness because of the actions and prayers of New Zealanders. 

If you have any thoughts you want to share with me, please email me at chris.clarke@worldvision.org.nz, write to me, or give me a call.

Aroha