30 YEARS AND COUNTING This week marks 30 years since my first trip to the Philippines, a journey that unexpectedly propelled me towards financial empowerment. I had no idea what I was getting into when I volunteered to travel with Mylon & Broken Heart on their tour in the Philippines.  At that time they were […]

It’s been an interesting time for Hope For Change.  In many ways we’re entering into uncharted waters, new experiences! Directors James and Sarah Smith will be in Nagaland, India for another extended period of time also visiting Nepal. I am here in Manila starting the process of registering Hope For Change as a foundation here.  […]

Today is my last day in Manila after being here for 6 weeks.  As I think about the time here there is so much to be grateful for. I’m so grateful for the success of our college graduates this year.  They will be MOVING FORWARD in new directions making a difference in the lives of […]

I realized that I’ve been here over 3 weeks and have not written any blogs like I normally do.  Well, here you go! It’s been a very busy time with a lot of activities and visiting students…even a couple of touristy things thrown in which I normally don’t do much of.  This is the first […]

    Hope for Change International partners with other organizations in operating a children’s residential school (NCRS) in Mokokchung, Nagaland, Northeast India. Current enrollment is approximately four hundred forty students ranging in age from four to sixteen. Enrollment requires a willingness to wear “passed down” uniforms  to each day’s lineup of classes and “passed down” pajamas […]

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 […]

“Grace It’s a name for a girl It’s also a thought that Changed the world” These are lyrics from a song by U2 that I thought were appropriate to start this blog. I met Grace years ago when she was one of the college students in the sponsorship program.  She always had a smile on […]

It’s been a full week of visiting students.  Most of our students live in what’s known as the Permanent Housing area here in Tondo, Manila.  If you’re not familiar with the community we’re working in, these are former residents of the Smokey Mountain garbage dump.  Years ago there was a 2 phase relocation which started […]