A Personal Welcome

Global grassroots from a local girl from Hawaii.

Hi and welcome to my blog. Finally I've found the courage to post my thoughts in cyberspace. The posts that you will read represent my opinions and perspectives based on my international experiences. I don't claim to have all the answers nor be an expert on the issue of global poverty. I'm a human being with a big heart. And I care.

Almost as a daily occurance I find affirmations that each of us is connected in the world we live in. This is the reality that I live in. These are the stories that I'll share with you. We each have a place and a purpose in this world. Life is short. So I live it up and try to make every moment count. Well, almost.

Be The Change highlights stories of real people; the challenges and inequities, the hope and the courage of humanity. I hope you will come away inspired. It is my personal quest, my journey to help make a difference. You'll also find links that offer interesting perspectives on global development as well as a link to my personal website Discovering Humanity. It is a work in progress---for 5+ years and it still being built. Please check in and visit for the latest updates.

Feel free to suggest links to articles, references, and events that focus on humanitarian issues. If you want to share a personal story that has affected you or if you would like to ask a question, please do. Ideas and suggestions are welcome. I'm also looking for contributing authors who specialize in topics related to the field of poverty. Join me as a fellow global citizen. And tell your friends, family, and colleagues too!

Please come back often. Stay tuned because I'm just getting started.

P.S. Photos on the site are my personal photos taken during my trips to the field. Please do not take these images.