Hopes from North Carolina: Heaven

Today, enjoy more incredible journal entries gathered by our newest Community Listener, Bethany Cox from Wake Forest, North Carolina! (Click any image to enlarge)

Hopes from North Carolina: Peace, Cures, Dreams

We are so excited to introduce our newest Community Listener, Bethany Cox from Wake Forest, North Carolina! She joined our project after hearing about us somewhere in the Twittersphere, and has spent the last few months carrying one of our Hope Journals around with her, inviting friends, family, and strangers to write in it.

All this week, enjoy some beautiful journal entries from Bethany’s neighbors—starting first, of course, with Bethany herself. (Click any image to enlarge)

“I hope for inspiration… Everyone to know it’s not too late, it’s not impossible and dreams—no matter how big or how small—are achievable. Go for it!!” – - Bethany Cox, 26 – Wake Forest, NC

Bethany’s Neighbors:

LA to Toronto: Hopes from Flight 1585

“I hope one day, and at some point in life, we will acknowledge that moment we are truly happy and never forget it.”

“I hope for a world passport…to build a new and improved world community.”

These hopes were collected in a Hope Journal that was passed around on American Airlines Flight 1586, a non-stop flight from Los Angeles, CA to Toronto, Canada on July 9th, 2010.

Click on any of the images below to enlarge an individual entry.

Praying for a Cure: Hopes from Relay for Life Burbank

“I hope everyone can find the passion in their life…”

“Our courage carries us on… There’s ALWAYS hope!”

“I am a survivor and always will be!”

On May 15th, our Community Listeners Amy and Sam spent the day at the Burbank Relay for Life, a 24-hour community event for the American Cancer Society, dedicated to raising money and awareness to fight cancer. For one entire day, people from communities all over the area walk alongside one another to celebrate, remember, and fight back against cancer. It’s a day of solidarity. A day of neighbors coming together. A day to share.

During the event, we handed out two Hope Journals that were passed from booth to booth and tent to tent with an invitation to respond to our question of hope. And at event with hope at it’s core…this quickly became very special and deeply personal…

Now, we’d like to share these hopes with you. Read them. Understand them. Click on any of the images below to start flipping through the more than 50 hopes written by individuals deeply affected by cancer in the Burbank area.

LA to Buffalo: “I Hope For Many Things”

From passion to pro sports, space shuttles to surgery, these are all of the hopes our Community Listener Amy uncovered on flights from LA to Buffalo, New York in early April 2010. (Click any image to start slideshow.)

“I hope that I can recover from being in Vegas for 4 days and save enough money for my daughter’s wedding in Oct 2011.” – Cindy, Buffalo, New York

“I hope for the obvious to start. World Peace. I hope for the right of all Americans to speak the English language before they vote in presidential elections. I hope for the nation of our young people to develop dedicated passion to the love of their life—be it technology, music, language, science, etc. I hope the Buffalo Sabres win the Stanley Cup in 2010, that the Buffalo Bills find a quarterback without excuses. I hope our Government restores NASA funding for the ARES-1 shuttle replacement program. I hope we retain our present interpretation of the US Constitution—especially the 2nd and 14th amendments. I hope for the health of my family and happiness for all.” – Dave B., 62 – East Aurora, New York

“I hope for success for my children, good health for all and less suffering for my loved ones.” – Dorothy – Grand Island, New York

“I hope for success for my children and that they grow up to respect others and their accomplishments. I hope to begin a healthier lifestyle so I can grow old enough to witness my children enjoy their lives. I hope that Amy continues this “Book of Hope” because it’s another sign that people care about people.” – Gary, 37 – Buffalo, New York

“I hope for a world enlightened and enriched by the beauty of design aesthetics of fashion, art, and architecture. It is my prayer for people to dare to be different, bold, and expressive. Art and design is a powerful form of expression, in which I feel the world needs to be more exposed to. I hope to have a life pleasing to God, myself, and one that inspires others to be all they can be.” – Jonathan – Buffalo, New York

“May God’s Will Be Done.”

“I hope that there is a restoration of the humanity that we’ve lost as a society. I hope that, as individuals, we realize that the power to make this change starts with each one of us. (On a more superficial level, I really hope that Hot Jeff, the man of my dreams, comes closer to my side of the fence!) – Marcy – Las Vegas, Nevada

“I hope for many things. It’s hard to pick just one. I hope my niece grows up to not want anything and chooses the right path in her life. I hope my business takes off, and I will be remembered for creating glass art that will be remembered after I am gone. Last, I hope you can read this because I write like a 3 year old.” – Matt – Grand Island, New York

“I hope to get a good job, make good money, find a nice place to live, and be able to give back to people that have given so much to me.” – Nick – Buffalo, New York

“I hope that all my children finish college and are happy and successful at all things they accomplish in life.” – Patti – Palmyra, New York

“I hope that our world will be a happier and safer world for all.” – Rod – Phoenix, Arizona

“We hope for a successful surgery for my husband on March 26th, 2010. We also hope for love, peace in the world, and continued blessings for all our family and friends, especially on this plane!” – Pete and Dorie – Depew, New York

Florida to California: “Future, Finances, Cancer”

Sometimes hope is best expressed through art. These are the final journal entries collected by Community Listener Merlin on his trip from California to Florida and back again. (Click any image to begin slideshow.)

“Hope is for the future and all who share it!” – Anonymous – Los Angeles, CA

“My hope is to obtain a degree in medicine so that I can help find a cure for cancer. My hope is to help save innocent children by becoming an oncologist at St. Judes. Unlike most adults who have subjected themselves to the disease by overexposing themselves to the sun, smoking cigarettes, or living unhealthy lifestyles, children usually acquire the disease through genetic factors. Children should not have to suffer or die. I don’t need to be the one who finds the cure, but I would like to do what I can to help.” – May Yen – Los Angeles, California

“I hope to become financially independent by the time I’m 35 years old. I’m now 34 and I will be 35 next February 2011, so I have that much time left. I’m working my plan momentarily and I hope to hit my first million this year. Bless!!” – Jory aka DJ Legend – Los Angeles, California

Florida to California: “Animal Cruelty”

Two more hopes from two different flights sharing one simple thing: a stop to animal cruelty. These were collected by Community Listener Merlin on his trip from California to Florida and back again. (Click any image to begin slideshow.)

“My hope is one day to see all the animal cruelty in the world end. i would love to see no more animal shelters and homes for all of them. Also taht they not be used to entertain people, such as dog fights, circus animals, hunting, etc. Millions of animals suffer everyday, and people who say animals don’t have feelings, and don’t feel pain are wrong. Animal cruelties that should be banned are branding animals, beating to steer an animal, slitting nostrils on horses so they will work harder. All these atrocities make me so sad I cry at the thought of them.” – Judie Hart, 67 – West Hollywood, California

“I hope that people will stop being cruel to animals, and that they will be more compassionate to these helpless creatures. In particular, I hope that people will stop fighting pit bulls and supporting puppy mills.” – Marlene – Long Beach, California

Meet Merlin!

We are pleased to introduce you to one of our newest Community Listeners, Merlin, who has joined us on The Hope Chronicles adventure. This week, we’re featuring the hopes he collected in one of our Hope Journals during his trip to Florida this past March.

Merlin’s been an active member of the Los Angeles community since moving there in 2001. Currently, he is focusing on his campaign for the 28th Congressional seat in the House of Representatives.

Stay tuned tomorrow to hear from Merlin about his experience with The Hope Chronicles. In the meantime, please read his own personal hope below. (Click image to enlarge)

“My hope is to one day be content. This is something that I feel is attainable, but not something I am capable of doing yet. Maybe there is this idea that to be content is to give up for something better. Perhaps this is why I push, pry, and always strive for a change? This will someday change I’m sure, as age sets in. To be content with my failures, accomplishments, income, residence, friends, family, and memories, this is my hope.” – Merlin, 27 – North Hollywood, California

Florida to California: “Family”

During a trip to Florida this past March, our Community Listener Merlin invited the people around him to write in one of our Hope Journals. Friends, family, strangers, and co-workers…their responses were just as diverse as they were. The following are five shared hopes for family. (Click any image to begin slideshow)

“My hope is to begin a new family in the near future. I pray I will be a good father and provider for my family. I also hope and wish happiness and health for everyone I know – - family, friends, and colleagues!” – Bassem – Calgary, Alberta, Canada

“What is my hope I was asked. Well, I have lots of hopes. I hope for world peace. I hope for mankind to preserve mother earth. I hope for my family to be well both physically and economically. I hope for my mother to not suffer any longer. I hope for my personal live to be peaceful and loving. I hope that at retirement age I can have a fun and stable, especially healthy, time. I hope for many things and pray that my hopes become reality.” – L. Puma – Redondo Beach, California

“My hope is to one day have a family that is healthy, caring, and strong. I hope that my children will grow up to be who they want to be and make a positive change in the world. I also hope that the world can grow in understanding, value the different cultures and the diversity it offers. May everyone realize there is always hope and they have the opportunity to make that hope a reality.” – Rose – Calgary, Alberta, Canada

“My hope is to be able to support my family, provide for them, and not have to worry about our next check financially. The hope is to be able to travel comfortably, looking forward to the future with being financially secure, stable, and healthy. This is why I am driven to succeed at whatever I have always done and do whatever is necessary to achieve success. I have a strong work ethic, strong family values, and strong moral and ethical ideas. Love to all.” – Steven, 51 – Santa Clarita, California

“I hope to aged healthy healthy and sufficiently financially independent so I can enjoy my kids and grandkids, and the whole family. Be able to travel with my wife and enjoy life to the fullest. I hope the best for my friends and family a lot of healthy and good will. May God bless us at all times and keep us united. God bless my family.” – Yolo, 51

Hope Journal: Health

Our Community Listener Amy collected hopes on five flights from California to Canada to New York and back again. Though they come from people of all ages from cities in the US and Canada, these 11 hopes share one thing in common: health. Whether personal health or the health of a loved one—or some larger picture of what health could look like—these hopes invite us to think about the health of the people around us, how it may be affecting their lives, and how we might be able to offer our help and comfort. (Click each image to enlarge.)

“I hope my mom gets better and can stay in the house she loves.” – Andy, 52

“I hope for a cure for cancer and that the clinical trial my husband is in will prolong his life indefinitely.” – Sue, 60 – Thompson, Connecticut

“I hope for good days and health in my golden years and my children, granddaughter, great grandson will enjoy many, many good years. I hope our country can settle their issues and we will be a good country again.” – Carol, 76 – Collins, New York

“I hope for good health and many more years.” – Donna

“I hope all the best in their lives for my friends and family. I hope for a better cure for cancer. I hope I become wealthy and have happiness throughout the rest of my life.” – Gina, 48 – Buffalo, New York

“I hope that my mom gets better and that I get a job.” – Jason – Castaic, California

“We hope that we all have a safe trip. We also hope that our daughter will get better. Peace to everyone.” – Jim and Carol – Genova, New York

“I hope to pass my law exam and completely heal from my car accident.” – Kalinda Byrd – Tempe, Arizona

“I hope to trust God completely. I hope for health for my mom, and entire family. I hope for continued prosperity and abundance.” – Kyle, 50 – Sacramento, California

“I hope everyone have good health, peace and safe, all the best.” – Roger – New York

“I hope for happiness, health, and for all to get along” – Sue

Free Time, Rescue, Chemistry, Peace, Big Stuff

These are the final hopes that our Community Listener Andrea collected during her flight from Wichita, Kansas to Los Angeles, California. (Click to enlarge)

“My Hopes – I hope to see Jesus one day, and I hope that my spouse and children see Jesus one day. I hope to make an impact on at least one person’s life and change something—anything—for the better. I hope for relief from pain for my son every day of my life! But for today, I hope for at least one minute of free time, a phone call without being interrupted by screaming children, no potty accidents, & that I will not lose it even once! ”

- Adrienne, 33 – Wichita, KS

“Hope – For rescue efforts to be better than everyone hopes in Chile. Hope daughter & family stay healthy in all endeavors.”

- Anonymous

“I hope that I passed my chemistry test!”

- Lily, 14 – Canadian Lakes, Michigan

“I hope for peace.”

- Stephen, 30

“I hope that one day we will ‘Love Thy Neighbor’ and truly care about the welfare of others and not ‘What’s in it for me?’ I hope we can forget about $ and just focus on the Big Stuff.”

- Sue – Green Bay, Wisconsin

“I hope for the courage and strength to raise my children so that they grow-up to be honorable and respected adults.”

- Todd, 40 – Minneapolis, Minnesota

Daughter & Father

Collected from Community Listener Andrea on a flight from Kansas to Los Angeles in March 2010. (Click to Enlarge)

“I hope that when my grandma dies it will be a peaceful death. She would be able to just die in her sleep. When she gets to heaven, I hope that she brings joy to all the people she meets. She is an amazing lady. I just hope that she is happy no matter what. She deserves the best.”

- From Daneel, 15, from Waldron, Michigan

“My biggest hope is for my daughter to grow up straight and true… Her happiness and well-being is/has been my major prayer since she was born. In this uncertain world, I worry about the many distractions and pitfalls. I have dedicated every Sunday service to this for over 15 years. So far I believe my hope is coming true.”

- From Al Dickson in Waldron, Michigan

Fulfill

Collected from Community Listener Andrea on a flight from Kansas to Los Angeles in March 2010. (Click to Enlarge)

“I hope to fulfill my duties here on earth and return to my Lord God my creator very soon to end my suffering on earth. This is why my hope is today, anyway…”

- From Amy, 37 in Los Angeles, California

What’s Possible

Collected from Community Listener Andrea on a flight from Kansas to Los Angeles in March 2010. (Click to Enlarge)

“I hope that we will one day all be able to look at anothe rperson and see what’s good in him or her, be open to what’s possible in ourselves, and in others.”

- From Alexandra of Mercer Island, Washington

Reach

Collected by Community Listener Andrea on a flight from Kansas to California in March 2010. (Click to Enlarge)

“I hope my children grow up to reach all their dreams. That they are able to have their own family and provide me with healthy grandchildren.”

- From Sheri, 36 in Fargo, North Dakota

Hope Remains…

Collected by our Community Listener Andrea during her cross-country road trip from California to Kansas.

- From Hillary, 28 in Los Angeles, California

Within

Collected by our Community Listener Amy on her cross-country flights from January-March 2010.
(Click to Enlarge)

- From Peggy, 42 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Respecting

Collected by our Community Listener JB on a flight from San Francisco to Los Angeles

- From Liz, 40 in Calabasas, California

Center

Collected by our Community Listener Amy on her cross-country flights from January-March 2010.

- From Janet, an 80-year-old from Buffalo, NY

Good Days

Collected by our Community Listener Amy on her cross-country flights from January-March 2010.
(Click to Enlarge)

- From Carol, a 76-year-old in Collins, NY

Exam

Collected by our Community Listener Amy on her cross-country flights from January-March 2010.

- From Kalinda in Tempe, AZ

Full Life

Collected by our Community Listener JB on a flight from San Francisco to Los Angeles in February 2010.

- From J. Lane, a 26-year-old

Crumbling

Collected by our Community Listener Andrea on her flight from Kansas to California in March 2010

- From Holly, a 34-year-old from Canadian Lakes, Michigan

Free Associate

Collected by our Community Listener Andrea on a flight from Kansas to California in March 2010

- From Marvin, a 56-year-old in Elkins, West Virginia