Rebirth for the
Philippines: Letters of
Hope
ByAnna Sharp
BAY ST. LOUIS -- In
early November of 2013,
Typhoon Haiyan began its
treacherous path of destruc-
tion with the Philippines
as its target. The days fol-
lowing the storm’s landfall
would generate some of the
most heart-wrenching sto-
ries and statistics that this
world has ever seen.
Taking the time to read
the news on the catastroph-
ic storm, anyone from the
Mississippi Gulf Coast can
easily see the eerie compari-
sons to Hurricane Katrina.
Pictures of before and after the typhoon bring to mind a date that is indelibly etched
in the memories of so many -- August 29, 2005. Once again, Mother Nature had intro-
duced a tidal wave of destruction that no one was prepared for.
Thankfully, like those beautiful strangers who were there for us during Hurricane
Katrina, one of our very own is paying it forward. Former
CNN
correspondent and
Bay St. Louis native, Kathleen Koch has taken us through the beauty of recovery from
natural disasters. Reminding those affected by disasters that they are “survivors, not
victims”, Koch exemplifies miraculous efforts to help those who are lost in the midst
of despair.
In 2011, Koch connected with the nonprofit organization, Project Rebirth, in efforts
to reach out to those affected by the Japan earthquake and tsunami. Seeing the destruc-
tion in Japan brought back memories of the MS Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina.
In conjunction with gathering donations for the survivors, Koch along with Project
Rebirth, created “Words of Hope for Japan”. The primary purpose of this campaign
was to send letters of faith, hope, and love to people who had lost everything. This
experience from sending letters to Japan helped inspire her to create her most recent
initiative, “Rebirth for the Philippines”. Similar to the Japan campaign, Rebirth for
the Philippines is focused on writing letters of encouragement and hope to those who
survived Typhoon Haiyan. Koch had many inspiring things to say about the reasoning
behind the initiative:
“Natural disasters reveal how alike we are rather than how different we are…this is
inspiring because in society we pay attention to what divides us.”
One point she made was that in times as trying as these, our country is named the
United States of America for a reason; the reason being that these are the moments in
which we should come together.
“When it comes down to it, it doesn’t matter if you are Republican or Democrat or
what race you are when helping one another”, said Koch.
With the many letters, drawings, and words of hope being sent to those in need, we
Kathleen Koch discusses the rebirth of the
Philippines at a Maryland school.
are reminded of what it truly means to be a Christian. One point Koch made was
the fact that everyone enjoys and appreciates receiving letters or cards. It shows a
person that they are remembered and cared for. Words of love and encouragement
exceed any other type of assistance in situations such as natural disasters.
Said Koch, “This is not about telling others what to do, it’s about sharing; if we
can provide inspiration we can be a model for them; make it easier for them.”
Project for the Philippines does not have a deadline set for when any mail should
be turned in and letters, cards and drawings are strongly encouraged.
If you would like to share your own personal story of faith and recovery expe-
rienced through disaster or would like to send a friendly word, the address is listed
below:
Project Rebirth
Rebirth for the Philippines Campaign
41 Park Row
Room 312
New York, New York 10038
Also, you can visit Project Rebirth’s website for more information at:
and may also follow them on Facebook.
Giving the Magi Directions
By Philip Kolin
By this time we have had our share of Christmas stuffing --
wrapping papers, curled cards, sweaters that won’t fit,
bulging regrets, iPads crowded with bills, guests who have
overstayed their goodbyes; a bellows of sighs fans our relief
that another big family dinner won’t roll around for another year,
at least another year.
Then come the Magi Trio who have journeyed over hard country
and through cruel weathers on dromedaries for what seems like
centuries with exotic gifts that exceed our bloated budgets just to
see this magical child, the king of hope, and we cheer them on as
they deceive that troubled old fool Herod by going another way
home.
But maybe they are still traveling looking for the supernova child
once more to present him with new and different presents.
What would you say if they knocked at your door asking for
directions?
Philip C. Kolin is the University Distinguished Professor in the
College of Arts and Letters at the University of Southern Mississippi
and the Editor of The Southern Quarterly. He is a parishioner of St.
Thomas Aquinas Parish, Hattiesburg.
Pray for an increase of vocations to the priesthood, to the diaconate,
and to the religious life, especially in the Diocese of Biloxi.
10
Gulf Pine Catholic
•
January 3, 2014
P
oems
for
the
J
ourney
