Hi Everyone

I am a freelance journalist and aspiring novelist living in Ireland. I came across Worldpulse through my blog which is called 'Offbeat Woman' so maybe in this instance, the virtual world is going to introduce me to the real world! I would so love to be able to help the millions of people who are undergoing such severe hardship on other parts of the planet in my lifetime. Here, in the relatively affluent West we think that we are having it tough because of the recession. But in truth,in comparison to others less fortunate, most of us live lives of luxury, no matter how broke we are. I have three teenage children but they are all teenagers now so although i am still busy, my life is not as hectic as it was when they were younger.I can see a time in the not-to-distant future when I will have time on my hands.Then I would hope to be in a position to help in practical ways in third world or war torn countries. The only compelling reasons that I have for wanting to help other women and children are that a) I am a mother, b) I had a mother and c)I was a child! And as such I have deep compassion for what these people are going through in horrific circumstances. Of course I want to help all people not just women and children but I feel that the latter are most in need. I'm not quite sure how I can help at the moment but I will try my very best to assist in any way that I can.