Going Solo

This last month I had the opportunity to document a humanitarian effort in Krakow, Poland with a non-profit organization. One purpose was to distribute quilts to Ukrainian refugees. They also bought 30 sewing machines, sewing supplies, and materials for refugee women learning to sew. Over 20 women traveled from several states and one from Switzerland to participate in the WRAP THE WORLD IN QUILTS campaign.

While there, I interviewed several refugees. I was lucky to have a woman translate my questions and their answers. I am still processing what they shared. Most of their stories are heart-wrenching.

I have spent several weeks putting together short or not-so-short videos of the week. I am including a short film here for those who are interested.

It was odd for me to be a crew of one. The women gathered to share their quilting skills. Their activities lent to forging bonds with each other and the refugees. My efforts were to document their activities and interview as many refugees as possible.

I enjoyed my one-on-one conversations with each person but found myself relatively isolated. They spent time serving, teaching, and bonding over their shared experience. It was a beautiful thing to watch. I wished I had at least one other video crew member, i.e. a friend, to share the load and the experience. The equipment was heavy, as was the responsibility of capturing as much as I could. I found it exhausting, and I had little energy or opportunity to form the new flourishing relationships the other women were experiencing.

Now that I am home, I again find myself isolated in front of my computer, scanning the footage to choose what clip or image can best tell the story. Daunting but also shocking and self-affirming that I did it alone.

What I have documented and then created with the footage can not truly convey what these women felt and learned. Hopefully, they will find it memorable for their time and effort.

I want to thank the founders of WRAP THE WORLD WITH QUILTS publicly. They worked so hard to make this a fruitful and memorable experience for everyone. They succeeded. Thank you, Hal, Gina, and Beth. Your kindness, fortitude, insight, and nonjudgemental behavior were much appreciated. Your efforts encourage others to contribute to your worthwhile cause. Thank you.

Link Here to watch a short video from the week.