Project: Katrina Hope…raise funds…raise walls…raise spirits

It is a week of reflection that has led me to this final post from the first week of filming in NOLA. What a difference five days with five incredible groups can make on one’s outlook. We accomplished so much, I was able to show Shannon some of the best parts of the city, and I have a renewed sense of hope for this region. 

I would like to thank the following people for one of the best weeks of my life:

First and foremost–the entire Briscoe family: I asked for a floor to sleep on and a place to shower, but what I got was so much more. From the room, to the excellent food, to the car-washing, and the great conversations, I am sincerely grateful for the incredible hospitality we were shown. You are genuinely amazing people, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything.

Shannon, my sidekick for the week: I hope that your “vacation” was everything you imagined it would be. There is no way I could have completed this week without your directions (detours), jokes, and sanity. I have begun to look over your footage from the week, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised. =) You have helped me bring an entirely new dimension to this documentary, and the organization as a whole, and I’m so thankful for your help and friendship.

To all of the groups from last week: Wow. You guys are incredible. Giving up your spring break to come and serve others is a big sacrifice, and I commend each of you for your efforts. Thank you for allowing Shannon and I to invade your space for a day and, more importantly, for taking us in as one of your own. We both thoroughly enjoyed the conversations, the laughs, and the touching moments we shared with each of your groups. A special thanks to Kate from CSU; Ave from HWS; Kim from NCTC; Kyle, Gabe, and Fawn from Reed; and Joel from UW Hillel for all of your help coordinating our site visits throughout the week. I look forward to keeping in touch in the future about the end product-the documentary!

My other Project: Katrina Hope insiders: From the beginning, you have aided me in this endeavor, and last week was no exception. Thank you for thinking of Shannon and I and for all of your hard work to make the time in NOLA possible. I really appreciated the calls and text messages. =)

Last, but certainly not least–the supporters of Project: Katrina Hope: To say that I would not have been able to film the documentary without you is an understatement. This organization would not even be in existence if it was not for people who shared this vision of rebuilding the areas hit by the storms more than two and a half years ago. I thank you every chance I get, and I only hope this documentary will make you proud to say that you supported Project: Katrina Hope in the process.

Now, it’s time to begin planning the final trip in two months to meet with other groups, more residents, and prominent people in the area. If you know of any groups that will be traveling to the Gulf Coast at the end of May, direct them to Project: Katrina Hope!

With hope,
Gretchen

Posted on March 28th, 2008 by Gretchen Wieland
Filed under: From Gretchen