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 […]

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 […]

“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 […]

It’s Monday morning here in Manila.  I arrived late Wednesday night and it’s been non-stop so far.  Friday evening I had a great time with the sponsored high school students at their weekly meeting…..what a fun bunch! Recently during one of the meetings they did a survey and one of the questions was “what is […]

It’s time to travel again.  Tomorrow morning I head back to Manila…..and after this never ending New York winter….I can’t wait! This marks my 24th year traveling to the Philippines.  It was that first trip that changed the course of my life.  All it took was one visit to a garbage dump community.  It was […]

This week, many hours have been spent interviewing potential elementary and high school students for the sponsorship program.  The  room has been filled with parents, students and brothers and sisters.  With so many in need here it’s hard to decide who should qualify.  During the interviews I observed a 12 year old who will be […]

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 […]

Once again I found myself walking through the garbage dump community known as “Smokey Mountain”.  This is a newer version of the one I first visited 22 years ago.  I’ve gotten used to the sites and smells after so many years of visiting here, but one thing that never ceases to amaze me is how […]