Over the past couple of days I’ve been visiting our students and interviewing new first year college students.  It’s been great to spend time with them.  So many of them make you laugh and are great fun.  But it doesn’t take long to see the reality of where these kids live and what they face […]

Hope for Change International E-Newsletter Autumn, 2011 Overview of past year Dear H4C friends and supporters: Welcome to our annual E-newsletter. We hope this past year has been good to you and your loved ones. If you are new to our H4C network then we extend a warm welcome to you as well. James, Paul, […]

Today I’m writing from the comfort of my home as I watch the snow and ice fall from the sky. A stark contrast from the t-shirt and shorts weather I just left in Manila.  Although the trip had it’s difficulties with travel delays and some health difficulties, once again I left wishing there was more […]

“Kohima is Yours ~ Keep it Clean” Welcome to MBELE! blog site. This site serves to keep our Hope For Change International followers informed of our travel exploits and inspired by the dedication of our remarkable H4C partners around the globe. On November 17, 2010, I returned safely home in the USA from a five […]

Seven days from today my dear friend, Patty Tiernan, and I will begin our five week journey to Nagaland. Every hour counts now in getting ready. Notwithstanding, I am taking the time to write something to all of you ~ to James, the Smith Family, my twin sister & her husband, the McDermott Clan, “Hope for […]

You are about to read a fascinating account of a collective effort of compassion that almost derailed. In the public schools of Pennsylvania, all twelfth grade students are required to complete a senior project, often a community service project, to fulfill their graduation requirements. Our Hope For Change story takes us to Radnor Township School District located west […]

  Well, this picture of an avocado tree will have to do until our African traveler sends me the “actual” image of the avocados that he has to dodge while he ambles along the village paths. “You  have to be careful when you walk under the trees because avocados are falling from trees and will hit […]

The countdown until James’ departure for Africa on June 16, 2010 has come and gone a week ago. Earlier today, Wednesday, June 23rd, we spoke using his Motorola phone with a SIM card. James is adjusted to the environment in Sakila Village, Tanzania. As his wife, I was relieved to hear that! Since his arrival, there […]

  In less than one week Hope4Change will be hosting its first benefit concert with the help of our friends in the music world. James, Paul, and I (Sarah) agreed that holding an event that will allow us to share our passion for the poor “eyeball to eyeball” with concert-goers would have great impact. So we’re […]

Myca Amaro died on March 1st, 2010 of Dengue Fever in Manila, Philippines. Myca’s life on earth is now gone.  She died of  Dengue Fever –  and it could have been prevented if she had gotten the right medical treatment at the right time.  Who can find the words that can that express the pain […]