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.  […]

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 […]

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. […]

Today we got the news that the mother of one of our college students passed away.  She had been sick for a while with leukemia, she was only 40 years old.  Our student, Vanessa is the oldest of 3 children.  Being the oldest here brings a lot of responsibility.  I haven’t been able to see […]

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 […]

Well this is my first day in Manila and it’s already been quite an adventure.  I arrived last night around 9:45PM.  The flight was on time, the service was good (I recommend Korean Air!)….no problems. After breezing through immigration and getting my bags I took my iphone out to text my dear friend Paul Ariaga […]