This week most of my time is being spent visiting as many of our sponsored student as I can. This task sounds easy, but in fact it can be quite exhausting. The majority of our kids live in a housing area called “permanent housing” which came into being a number of years ago as a […]

After the long flight from Newark International to Tokyo/Narita to Manila, Philippines….and…a delay in my pick up because I arrived at Terminal 3 not Terminal 1….I was greeted by this sign on my door….”Welcome Home”. After more than 20 years of traveling to this place, it does feel like a second home and I honor […]

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 […]

Today I was listening to the update from the team of workers who are trying to help those infected with TB who live on the dump site.  They currently have 14 people receiving the much needed medication, but many more are in need.  They shared the story of visiting a young mother who is infected […]

Regina Grace is a second year high school student who is being sponsored by one of Hope For Change’s generous sponsors. 4 years ago Regina, along with her younger sibling, was abandoned by her mother and left in the care of her aunt who lives in the permanent housing area in Tondo, Manila. This is […]

Greetings from Manila! I’m starting my second full day here after a particularly difficult and frustrating trip. Because of the crazy weather on Monday my first flight left an hour late which caused me to miss my connection to Manila. I had to stay over night in Detroit, which turned out okay because I was […]

Today on my final day here in the Philippines I will spend it as I usually do on my last day and try to say goodbye to everyone.  This is always the most difficult part of traveling…..mahirap talaga!  Not only am I saying goodbye to friends I’ve had for the last 20 years, but each time I […]

Because I have spent so much time here in Balut, Tondo Manila over the last 20 years, these past couple of days I have been trying to pay attention to the different dynamics that come into play on a daily basis. This place is non-stop in activities, emotions, struggles, sorrows and laughter. I am able […]

This morning before we left to go to the Smokey Mountain dumpsite, I was asked by Leah who is traveling with me if, in the last 20 years since my first visit, anything had changed.  I was able to tell her that for the residents of the former Smokey Mountain a lot had changed for them.  In […]

I’m writing from my room here at the Youth With A Mission staff house in Tondo, Manila. It was quite a trip to get here this time. I arrived early at Newark Airport with my two traveling companions; my niece Kristen Grimsland and her friend from college Leah Hirsch-Cotter. Upon our arrival we noticed our […]