Hope is More Than Wishful Thinking

Dear Amazing Hopeful Shutter Sisters,

It is with so much joy and happiness that we are writing this morning to tell you that the Shutter Sisters' Picture Hope Dream Assignment entry won the $50,000 Grand Prize for the Microsoft/Lenovo sponsored photography contest!

Can you believe it???

We're crying, we're laughing, we're in a state of disbelief. We've been fighting and working and hoping and dreaming for a moment like this our entire lives. And it's here.

Because of you. Because of us. Because we hoped. Because we believed.

Thank you Microsoft and Lenovo for choosing us out of a brilliant group of finalists. Thank you for seeing our ideas and believing in our dream and for understanding that without hope, none of us stands a fighting chance.

Shutter Sisters, take this win straight into your heart, because it is yours. The way you find life and hope and beauty and truth through that lens every day matters--every bit as much as the stories we will find from women around the world who love and live the way you do--with all their hearts, one tiny incredible moment at a time.

Thank you for believing. Thank you for working so hard at what you do. Thank you for hoping.

As they say in Rwanda, Turikumwe. We are together.

With so much joy,

Tracey, Stephanie and Jen

photo by Stephanie

Comments

[Shalet]

Congratulations! I wish it was me on such an exciting adventure. Enjoy the journey!

[Stefania]

OMG! Congrats!!!

[deezee]

congrats!!

[Merri]

This is awesome and welll deserved!!! Way to go and congratulations!!!!

[Michelle W]

That is amazing. Congratulations!

[Y]

Words can't express how happy I am for you. Very well deserved, ladies.

xoxo

[Stacy]

Congratulations ladies! I look forward to seeing your hope-filled images in the coming months. :)

[dani.]

Congrats to Jen and Stephanie - this is SO amazing!
I'm very thrilled to see this dream coming true, and very much looking forward to the story of hope they are going to tell...

[Emily]

I am so happy for you! This is a win for goodness, inspiration, hope ... and gorgeous photography!!!!!! What an adventure you're on and I'm so happy we all get to be a part of ti here!!!!!!!

[The Bossy Yankee]

I am so glad you guys one. I entered the contest as well as many others. I am so happy for you guys. I think your dream is amazing and can not wait to watch it unfold.

[Jeannette]

Congratulations! You are amazing women.

[Kath]

I too am moved to tears. Amazing, wonderful, congratulations. Just goes to show HOPE WORKS.
much love and good wishes
Kathleen

[Wanda]

Woo Hoo! Hope prevails. I can't wait to see the progress and process.

[Mariella]

I am freaking out here!! So excited! Must celebrate! Booty shaking required!! Yay!!! xoxo, ~ M.

[Trish]

Wonderful N*E*W*S!!!!!

Trish
patriciadolan@comcast.net

[Cheryl]

Wow! That's amazing! Congratulations and good luck on your life-changing journey.

[elk]

what fabulous news to a very deserving project

[Elizabeth Harper]

I am not surprised at all !!!

These women are each amazing, talented, soulful women looking for the best way to make a difference using the skills and gifts they possess. Courage and imagination when combined with desire can create a powerful change and I love how you're making it happen.

I'm thrilled for you and excited we're all going to get to see what comes next ...Congratulations!

[laura-dolcepics]

Congratulations! Amazing!

[Lecia]

so well deserved - congrats!!

[Ellen November]

A hardy congratulations, wonderful entry. I would so be honored to participate in your journey.
My work is at www.flickr.com/photos/enovember
or
enovember.blogspot.com
Being a photojournalist is what I love. Please consider me!
Sincerely
Ellen November
ellen.november@gmail.com

[Lee]

How wonderful! Thanks for sharing the news :) So thrilled for you.

[Tracie]

Wahoo! This is exciting news!

[James Fry]

So, I won't lie.
At first, I hated you guys for winning because I felt like we had a shot (Poverty ends where love begins).

Then I got over myself and read your story more carefully and read your excitement and couldn't help but become overjoyed for and with you!

Sure the bitterness might linger a little longer, but I am happy for you :P

I'll keep you both in my prayers as you embark on your journey!

Sincerely (with no real resentment :D honest!)

-James Fry

[shelli - mama of letters]

Congratulations!!