I’d like to introduce you to Victoria Chibisa of the Basiyao Village, Chikwawa District, Malawi. At first glance you might think Victoria has a life similar to other young girls her age. She enjoys school, does her homework, and has chores to do around her home. Upon further discussion, however, you find that what separates her from other girls is that she is an orphan caring for her two younger siblings. One of many child-headed households in Malawi.

Victoria’s father passed away, and her mother moved away to the city for work. And her older brother moved to the city for work, as well, leaving Victoria all alone in her village to feed, bathe, clothe, and protect her younger siblings – brother Felix and sister Lami.

Victoria starts her day off early – before the sun shows its face - by walking nearly 1 mile for water. She has to carry a 20-liter bucket of water on her head. She’ll make this trip 6 times a day, sometimes late at night in the dark, to gather enough water for herself and her two siblings. She goes to school with her brother and sister in the morning, then spends all afternoon and evening keeping her home in order and feeding, bathing, and tutoring her brother and sister, as well as trying to keep up with her own studies.

It’s easy to understand why my interpreter Henry and I had to work very hard to get Victoria to smile. If I was living her life, I’m not sure I’d be able to find any smiles left in my heart. Victoria is an 11-year-old adult, a child whose childhood has passed her by.

The words “I Love You God” are written in chalk on the door to Victoria’s hut. With nobody else on earth to trust, she is hanging on to a faith in God that must get her through every single day. After talking with her, I left her to walk around the village and meet more people. For several minutes following our encounter, I turned around to find her silent figure following me. I wanted to sweep her up in my arms and assure her that she would be okay. But this is a task only God can perform. Please say a prayer for her tonight.