We’ve all seen that “status” about a relationship being complicated.  I thought of that as a good description for some of the situations we encounter here in this community we’re working in. This past week had it’s share of complicated situations.  For lack of time I’ll tell you about one…..Princess.  At an early age her […]

Sometimes it’s the simple things that have the biggest impact.  In the picture above is Dulce, one of the local staff here working everyday in the “Smokey Mountain” community in Tondo, Manila.  Today she led a team up the steep mountain that was the former garbage dump where there are people living, although they are […]

This year marks 25 years since my first trip to the Philippines.  In most situations, like a career, you start thinking about slowing down or retiring.  For me in many ways it feels like things are just starting to take off. Like the sign posted on my bedroom door when I arrived, this place has […]

Impressive Ludington Library in Brwn Mawr, Pennsylvania was the setting for Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority’s monthly meeting On Thursday evening, September 26, 2013. Sarah Anne Smith, Hope for Change International’s South Asia Director, was the featured guest  speaker at the Zeta Chapter of Professional Educators who emphasized “World Understanding” as the theme for the gathering. […]

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, […]

“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 […]