Mama Helen with one of  her daughters Rogathe and one of her grandchildren, Shirley. The first time I went to Africa was in 1993; that seems like two lifetimes ago.  Since 1993 I have been back to Africa well over twenty times (thank you MSCF!).  Most of these times I have stayed in the home of […]

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 […]

A few days ago we went to the Taytay region of Manila to deliver relief goods to people who suffered during the major flooding from the multiple typhoons that hit the Philippines a few months ago.  Believe it or not there are still some areas that are flooded even now.  I was asked to be […]

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 […]

Sarah is returning to India and Nagaland.  At this same time last year Sarah traveled with Jacinta Vondell to India and Nagaland.  This year Sarah, my wife, will be traveling with a young woman, Sarah Bird, who I am sure is going to be an excellent, fun and inspirational travel partner. I won’t attempt to […]