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

[Toni | DailyVignette]

Oops...I meant I read it at Stephanies...I'm just so excited, I forgot where I was!

[HappyHourMom]

My heart swells with hope and pride and joy!

[Paris Parfait]

Just thrilling news. Am so happy for Jen and Stephanie and all of you who worked to bring this dream to light. Bravo!

[Sebrina]

Wow!! I am so so happy for you!! I cannot wait to see what will be!!
xo Sebrina

[Laura]

SOOOO HAPPY!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!

[Mariah@ Playful Learning]

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

[Melissa]

Congratulations! I am so looking forward to what becomes of your journey! I am sure it will be amazing.

[iheartnewyork]

congratulations! that is such great news.

[Maggie]

A HUGE congratulations to you fine ladies -- you more than deserve it!

[Tammy]

I am absolutely thrilled. I've been following along via Jen's blog --since her first inklings of her trip to Rwanda. It's been a joy to be a witness every step of this project. I voted, and asked my friends to do the same. All so that we can share in the beauty this highlights in the world. What a joyous journey.

[Diane]

Huge CONGRATULATIONS to each of you. Bravo. You inspire us in all that you do and share.

[mary]

Oh, that is WONDERFUL news!!!

[Liz W]

Congratulations!!!!!

[Jade Sheldon]

Oh my goodness! My sincerest congratulations...

[jackie]

Woot! Woot!

[spread your wings]

this is SO well deserved. congratulations!

[Inga]

Congratulations! You really deserved to win this! I love following your work!

[Amanda Johnston]

HUGE Congratulations!!!!!!!!

[Shawna]

i have shivers all up and down i'm so happy. congratulations, now it's time to change the world ;o)

[nte]

How exciting: congratulations, sisters!

[Nessa]

This is the most wonderful news. Shutter sister indeed - so much support and solidarity here. I am inspired daily and what is so exciting is how this project can inspire the world. So so so pleased.

[schmutzie]

You did it!

[claudia]

congrats!

[Amy Kingman]

Congratulations!!! :D

[shelley]

My dear sisters of Hope,
Here. Now. At this very moment
stars are lit, galaxies explode
and an endless number of opportunities
are born. let go of the past
and stop worrying about the future.
The Power is in the Now..
Blessings on your courage and Godspeed