Hungry For Change - Day 5

This was my last meal in the H4C program!!!  I'm quite proud of myself for having stayed away from cookies, candy, nuts, milk, coffee/mocha, tea (although this was allowed), bread, meat, ice cream, fruits, veggies, cereal, juice, gatorade, etc., for the last five days. While I'm happy I did this, I'm also oh so looking forward to eat and enjoy all these things - though not all at once :))

Today was good. While the hunger remained, it didn't bother me as much, which kinda surprised me!

Lunch went by fine. I had dinner with the young adult group in First Pres Church Berkeley where the topic for the evening was Hungry For Change. It was interesting to hear everyone's thoughts and comments. 

Since this is the last day, I should list the positive and negative aspects/outcomes of this program.
Negative: 

• Hunger pains - believe me, it is really difficult if you've never felt hunger before.
• Tiredness & Crankiness
• Boring & bland food - especially for a guy from India who is used to spicy food.

Positive:

• Saved money :) ......... but I of course donated what I saved :))
• Was able to create awareness among co-workers, roommates, church folks, facebook friends, family, etc.
• Not worry about what to eat for the next meal. Read Matthew 6:25-34 where Jesus talks about seeking God's Kingdom first, rather than what we should eat or drink.
• Eat the last morsel without wasting food
• Didn't spend time in deciding what to eat, driving to restaurants, etc.
• Drank more water than I usually do
• Ponder about Social Justice
• Special prayers for the under-privileged
• Be a part of a great group of folks who participate in the program and are supportive of each other. It was very interesting to observe the similarities and differences in our walk together.

The H4C program aims at changes in three main areas:

1. Live Simply
2. Give Generously
3. Buy Ethically

In today's meeting, Brian reminded us how the last day is not the end, but the beginning - a new beginning. I ought to see how I will incorporate the above three elements in my life.

These are some of the quotes I read on hunger. I wouldn't have gone looking for these if I was not in the H4C program. 

There are genuinely sufficient resources in the world to ensure that no one, nowhere, at no time, should go hungry.

-- Ed Asner

Hungry people cannot be good at learning or producing anything, except perhaps violence.

-- Pearl Bailey

We are a country that prides itself on power and wealth, yet there are millions of children who go hungry every day. It is our responsibility, not only as a nation, but also as individuals, to get involved. So, next time you pass someone on the street who is in need, remember how lucky you are, and don't turn away.

-- Lesley Boone

The American fast food diet and the meat eating habits of the wealthy around the world support a world food system that diverts food resources from the hungry. A diet higher in whole grains and legumes and lower in beef and other meat is not just healthier for ourselves but also contributes to changing the world system that feeds some people and leaves others hungry.

-- Dr.Walden Bello

…the first essential component of social justice is adequate food for all mankind. Food is the moral right of all who are born into this world.

-- Norman Borlaug


My favorite quote so far is this one:

If you can't feed a hundred people, feed just one.

-- Mother Teresa


Come back to my blog tomorrow to see what is the first thing I will consume tomorrow morning when my diet is no longer in effect :))