Hungry For Change - Conclusion

This is some of what I missed, and banana is the first thing I ate this morning, and boy did it taste good!!

I had initially thought I'll get Starbucks coffee, burger from a good fast food joint and Fenton's in Oakland for ice cream - my favorite place :)

But later, I decided against doing any of it. I had my usual concoction from the office vending machine - Peppermint hazelnut mocha. For lunch, I went to the local cafe next door and had a meatball sandwich and a cookie. For dinner, I had some Chili in my Bible study (Community Bible Study). 

I did not really go out and splurge like I had intended to - because I wanted to be thankful for what I normally consume. I enjoyed each bite of what I had today and I was grateful. 

I'm glad I'm blessed. 

I'm glad I have access to food I like. 

I'm glad I can afford the food I like.

I'm glad I can make choices.

Taking part of the 'Hungry For Change' made me experience hunger like I've never experienced before. Even though there have been times when I've skipped a meal or two and felt hungry, my next meal always satisfied the temporary hunger I felt. But during the last 5 days, my next meal did not satisfy my hunger. It remained for a consistent five day period. 

While I'm quite frankly relieved that I'm done with the rice and beans, I'm sure the purpose of this program will linger for a long period. And I will surely be mindful of living a simple life, giving generously and buying ethically. 

The message here is really very simple: help the needy. It's not hard to understand; it's just hard to do.

Jesus is asking us to go way past our comfort level in giving to those in need. And in not getting them back. Jesus promises us treasures in heaven.

Can you give too much? We believe in moderation in all things. Jesus asks for immoderate giving. 

Thanks to all the readers who've followed my blog the last few days!!

Stay Blessed!

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 :))

Hungry For Change - Day 4

Why Rice and Beans for lunch and dinner? Why not anything else? I think this question is warranted now that I've had nothing but rice and beans for four days for my lunch and dinner. I looked this up on wiki and found this: "The dish is very nutritious. Rice is rich in starch, an excellent source of energy. Rice also has iron, vitamin B and protein. Beans also contain a good amount of iron and an even greater amount of protein than rice. Most significantly, the consumption of the two in tandem provides all the essential amino acids." While there are several other food varieties with a different and maybe better combination of nutrients, I understand that rice and beans are most accessible and affordable to most people around the world.

Just out of curiosity, I looked up what a balanced diet should be and I found this online....

A high nutrient-dense lunch would look something like this:

2 slices whole wheat bread
Deli turkey
1 slice roasted red pepper
romaine lettuce
1 tsp mayonnaise
baby carrots
hummus
8 oz non-fat milk

But this is not what billions of people eat!

One of my co-workers asked me at lunch today if I don't eat veggies during these five days and I answered no. She said I might get scurvy if I don't include veggies and fruits in my diet. I just laughed and said I'm only doing this for five days. And then I let my thoughts wander.....

I'm making a choice in not eating veggies and fruits, because of the H4C program. But there are millions around the world for whom the choices are already made. They don't have access to, or cannot afford good veggies and fruits. What do I do with this info? Do I feel sorry for them? Do I pray for them? Do I contribute funds to enable them to eat good food? How much should I get involved? Where should I start? Should I start locally or internationally? I should maybe do something for the homeless in my city. I'm glad this H4C program is making me think deeper.

My day today was better than yesterday, which  surprised me because I pretty much had the same oats for breakfast, rice & beans for lunch and dinner. I did two things today which may not fit within the guidelines of the H4C program. Call me rebel, judge me if you want, but you know what they say...... the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak? Now don't go on and think I had a sumptuous feast. I added organic ketchup to my dinner. I felt this was okay since tomato sauce was allowed. Also, my craving for sugar was so great that I had a spoonful of honey this evening - again, this is an ingredient in my oats.

I'd like to close with an excerpt from a devotion sent by Nathan George:
"True humility comes at a sacrificial cost and means we are willing to use our position to serve others rather than to oppress. Have you, like me, been given more than you need? Are you a Nabal or an Abigail? Has your plenty or pride blinded you to the need of your neighbor? My prayer is that you will use what you have saved from going with less this week to meet the need of a neighbor that you are aware of."

JUST ONE MORE DAY TO GO!!!!!!!!!!

Hungry For Change - Day 3

Please sir, I want some more

Several of you may have seen the video clip (click the link above) or at least have read the book. The Charles Dickens phrase "Please sir, I want some more" is quite famous.

This is exactly how I felt today. When I decided to participate in this 'Hungry for Change' program, I did some online reading. In one of the other blogs, I saw that the second day is when you feel most hungry and then you get used to it. So at end of Day 2 yesterday, even though I felt a li'l hungry, I felt good about myself for having completed 2 days.

But today was different. Today made me realize why people steal food or steal for food. I would've done that today. It was difficult, especially when I know I have a box of premium quality Mixed Nuts sitting in my office drawer within an arm's reach. Thursday seems so far away  :(

I went to work later than usual today because I had to make oatmeal and eat it. I know it doesn't take too much time, but for a guy who doesn't eat breakfast, those minutes do matter on a work-day morning. Anyways, I reached work and skipped my morning routine of drinking Peppermint Hazelnut Mocha - a concoction I make from the office vending machine. I'm not really addicted to coffee so I didn't really miss it that much. Around 11am I started to feel hungry, and then I got a little bit of headache - I wished I had drank my concoction. Since I knew I will have dinner after 9pm (after my Monday night men's group), I wanted to delay my lunch.

At about 12.30, I finally got up and went to the fridge, took my tupperware and popped it in the microwave. Some of the staff were shocked - "Alex, you brought food from home?". Well, I can't blame them for asking me that question, considering the fact I haven't brought food to work in the last 3 years or so! While I went hardcore and just had plain rice and beans the last two days, I splurged and dabbed a little Tapatio (hot sauce) in my food. The H4C program does allow us to prepare and use some tomato sauce, but I wanted to see if I can do without it.

After my lunch, my hunger was still not satisfied. While I knew that I could do something about it, I didn't want to. So, I stayed hungry till my dinner.

The Bible says in Matthew 5:6, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled"  (NIV)
This got me wondering. How different would I be if I really hungered for righteousness and for God, just as I hungered for food today? It's easy sometimes to pat ourselves on the back on what we're doing for the Lord currently. It is different to continue to hunger for righteousness. Jesus states clearly that we shall then be filled.

Hungry For Change - Day 2

Day 2 is done. Boom.
Did I feel hungry today? Oh yeah!!!
It started after my lunch.

Let me back up a little bit. Today was a beautiful day. It was close to 90 degrees!
I had planned on going to the 9am service, but ended up going to the 11am service - not before my oatmeal breakfast. We had Confirmation service at Church today and it was edifying to hear their statements of faith.

And then I was off to San Jose to visit some friends for some fun, fellowship, chicken, fish, shrimp, rice and beans that I took there. I did tell them I will visit again to pig out with them.

From there, I made it to the 505 service in Berkeley and met with some of the folks who are participating in this Hungry for Change program, and we ate rice and beans together. And we also discussed about our experience thus far and other issues.

So, back to me feeling hungry after lunch. The quantity was not really sufficient for me, and I did feel a li'l hungry after - not just for more food, but also for variety. This was only my 3rd meal of Rice and Beans. I shouldn't be bored of this food this quickly! I'm not sure if I should feel ashamed, but I'm just laying it out there. I don't eat out at the same place for two consecutive meals, hence my boredom. Food should also be appealing to the eyes. Rice and beans are not appealing.

This also set me thinking. I don't just eat to fill my stomach and nourish my body. I also eat because I want my taste buds to fulfill their purpose in my life :)
Taste, flavor, spices, presentation, satisfying hunger, etc. are elements that I have sub-consciously looked forward to, and have taken for granted.

I know that the right thing to say here would be that I will really think of the under-privileged each time I enjoy food. In all honesty, after this program is over, I don't know for how long I will continue to think about  more than half of the world's population who eat on less than $2 a day, but I'm surely very grateful for at least these five days where I can take the time to show my solidarity, contribute, and lose a few pounds at the same time.

Hungry For Change - Day 1

I cooked today!! It's true.
For a person who hasn't cooked in several years, it sure was an interesting experience.
I'm really glad both rice and beans came out well - since that's my food for the next five days.

I put them in the fridge for tomorrow, and in Ziploc bags for Monday through Wednesday in the freezer.
Here's a picture:

I normally don't eat breakfast, and so having the oatmeal for breakfast was good for me.
Half a cup of oatmeal does fill my stomach pretty nicely.
Lunch on the other hand, was different. I could see that the quantity was lesser than my normal quantity.
I wouldn't say it filled my stomach, but I guess that's okay.

It was a challenge to abstain from what my roommates ate today - Donuts, pizza, ice cream, cake, pop corn, etc.
One of the revelations today was that I used to eat junk food when I'm bored - Nuts, cookies, candy, trail mix, etc. So today, I had to consciously refrain from eating those.

And this made me think - I have access to more food than I need. If more than half of the world's population eat for under $2 a day, I have no ways to express how blessed I am.
While I was a little anxious about this short 5 day diet, I feel guilty when I realize that the life I live is luxurious, when compared with billions of people. I also realize that this is not about me. I pray to God that I'm able to focus more on the people this program is about.

Hunger - Intro

So it has been a little while since my last blog post - just about 3 years!
A LOT has happened in my life the last 3 years, but this post is not about the past, but about the future.

Several of you may have seen the movie 'Hunger Games' or may have read the book or atleast have heard of it. I fall in the last category - I've heard of it, but haven't seen the movie or read the book yet.

And about a week ago, a buddy of mine (Jason) shared about "Hungry for Change" where we eat what people who earn less than $2 per day eat. Click this link to know more - Trade As One

So, for the next 5 days, I'm only going to drink water and eat one lb (pound) each - Oats, Rice & Beans

I shouldn't eat other veggies or fruits, coffee or juice, candies or nuts (this is gonna be difficult!!)

I usually skip breakfast and a banana is all I eat in the morning. So eating oats for breakfast the next five days is actually something I can look forward to.
Lunch on the other hand is a whole different story. I have a good lunch in some local downtown place. To just eat rice and beans - a smaller than normal quantity, is going to be challenging.
Dinner should be ok.

People who know me well, know that I don't like to cook. But I have to make an exception this time and use the simple recipe that I was provided. The beans are soaking in cold water right now.

I plan on blogging once a day for the next five days to document my progress....

And if more than half of the world's population lives on this, I should be able to do it as well, right?
Let's see........

The number FOUR....

First, here in this picture are FOUR generations..... This is Char and her entire family, with me included!!

The same picture as the previous one, but with goofy faces....

Another reason I titled this post as # 4, is becoz this picture was taken four years ago with Hannah, Char's grand daughter. She was 2 then, and was reluctant to come to me...

This picture is of Hannah as well, 4 years later.... We get along great now. My, how she has grown!!

So I guess these are all the pictures of Christmas 2008.

New Year Resolution.....

How can I use the New Year
To better serve my Lord?
I’ll read my Bible every day,
And be more in accord.I’ll find new ways to serve others;
I’ll love my neighbor, too.
I’ll focus on "give" instead of "get"
In everything I do.I’ll forgive the people I’m mad at;
Angry feelings I’ll discard;
I’ll try to love my enemies,
Even though it’s hard.In the new year, I’ll lift people up,
Instead of putting them down.
I’ll fill my heart with love and joy,
And never wear a frown.I’ll let go of my worries;
I’ll put it all in His hands;
I’ll repent and try to sin less,
And obey all His commands.These new year’s resolutions
Are difficult, at best,
But there’s something I can do each day
That will put my soul at rest:I’ll love my Lord with all my heart,
With all my mind and soul,
And if I do that essential thing,
All the rest will be in control.
By Joanna Fuchs



A very Happy New Year to all of you. May it be all that you hope for!!God Bless!!

My First Christmas in the US....

Just a couple of days before Christmas, I was sick for the first time in over a year. Well, I was not really sick as in bed-ridden, but I had severe chest congestion, and was barely able to speak on Christmas Eve.

But I consumed a good amount of tea and cough medicine, and am feeling much better now.

And my cough/cold did not hamper my Christmas celebrations at all!!

On Christmas Eve, I had invited Char and the Cobbs (daughter Keri, son-in-law Rob, grand kids Hannah, Gracie and Sarah)  for the Church service at my Church. Our Church had 4 services on Christmas Eve, and I ended up going to two of them. I went to the 4pm Children's service with Char and the Cobbs. The message was about the story of the Candy Cane - complete with pictures, and almost all the songs were sung by kids.

We came back to Char's home for dinner.

Then I went to the 11pm service for the youth and the young adults. I had to read a passage while lighting the advent candles, and I did ok, considering the fact that my cold was still there. I did have lots of tea before I went to Church though!!

I came back home and called my mom and went to bed. 

On Christmas day, I went to Char's home for dinner, and we exchanged gifts. Keri gave me a Christmas stockings with my name embroidered on it, with some gifts for me as well. I didn't expect the stockings, and consider it very special!!

We went then went to an old man's house, who had decorated his home so beautifully. He spends three months putting up all the lights, and dresses himself as Santa and has a really big heart. He provides hot chocolate for everyone, and takes pictures with people on his sleigh. He does collect donations, and gives all the money to the Contra Costa Food Bank - a nice way to spend retirement -  spreading cheer!!

The next day, Char's other kids and grandkids came home, and we all went on BART to the San Francisco War Memorial Opera House to see Nutcracker Ballet. It was spectacular!! 

Then on 27th, we went in a Five-car caravan to paradise, to surprise Char's parents with a party, in honor of their birthdays and wedding anniversaries. It was a great time of family get-together, and I felt privileged to be a part of the family celebrations since I don't have any other family where I could go to!!!

I took quite a few pictures, and all of them are on Facebook and on my online picasa album. Just wanted to add 5 pictures here that were special to me....

Here's all the little ones - Char's grandkids and me!!

The Cobbs - a wonderful family, full of fun!!

Char and I in front of the beautifully decorated house.....

Char's parents John and Vera, with Char's brother Russ.

These are Char's kids and their spouses, and they are all like siblings to me!!

So I had a wonderful first Christmas in the US, and I thank God for the wonderful people who crossed my life's path.

The Church that I usually go to does not have New Years Eve service, and I've always been in Church every New Years Eve, so I researched on the internet, and found an Indian Church in San Ramon, which is about 15 miles from my home, and I plan on going there tonight.

Hope it's fun!!

Happy New Year to all of you!!!

Getting ready for Christmas....

This being my first Christmas here in the US, it has been pretty interesting, and very busy too. Parties, Dinners, visiting friends, buying gifts, writing Christmas cards, building graham cracker houses with the youth in my Church, etc.

Don't worry, I haven't forgotten Jesus in all of this. Infact, I have been leaning on him more now

Ok, now back to the fun I've been having the last couple of weeks.......

I'm drinking my first Margarita - but it was a virgin - meaning it did not contain any alcohol - not even soda!!

My good friend Char and I at the office Christmas Party....

Gayle and Sue with me at the ofice Christmas Party...
 

My first time in a Japanese restaurant, after a successful audit meeting with the shareholders at work...

This is just one picture of the many houses built by the youth of my Church. It was messy, but great fun. The youth director Bill, and I had to stay behind to clean up the mess!!

Becky, Lisa and I at the Young adult Christmas Party of my Church, at Kirsten and Nate's place.

Spent a day with the Herberts... Manda and Carlson in the pictures as well....
   

And here's Cameron posing for a picture before Manda and Carlson get on stage for the Christmas Program in their Church...

Here's one picture of the Christmas Tree Lane. It is a one and a half mile stretch where the houses on both sides of the road, and all the trees on this road, is lit up the whole month of December. To see more pictures, please go to my online albums at Picasa or Facebook.

Here's my friend Char, blowing the candles on her Birthday Cake. We celebrated her birthday a week earlier at work....

And finally, here are my new roommates Chris and Sarah. 

They have Christmas ribbons on their head, and are posing next to the Christmas Penguin!!

I'm looking forward to spending an exciting Christmas with my friend Char and her family. 

And to all of you who are reading this, I wish you a very Merry Christmas!!

Thank You Jesus

This being my first Thanksgiving in the US, I wanted to experience the Thanksgiving Dinner with a family. I have so many wonderful people around me, that I got invited by 6 families. Ofcourse, I had to turn down 4 of them, and I accepted a lunch and dinner invitation.

But you know God, and how his plans are not our plans always, right? The day before Thanksgiving, my lunch plan got cancelled becoz of a family emergency with the wonderful couple who had invited me, and my dinner plans got postponed to Saturday.

So here I am on my couch, on Thanksgiving day, with a tall mug of chocolate milk and my laptop, and decided to put down in writing, what I'm thankful for:

• First and foremost, I thank Jesus for his blood that washed away my sins. And I know that He is my best friend.

• I thank God for my mom for all the love she poured on me and all the values she instilled in me.

• I thank God for my sisters Christy and Mary and all others in my family, for being there for me and supporting me in all that I do.

• I thank God for aunt Karen & Uncle Paul Watney, Pasadena, California, who sponsored my studies when I needed it.

• I thank God for aunt Irene & Uncle Darrell D'monte, Australia, who taught me a great deal growing up, and who continue to be my role models for a strong marriage. They have been married for over 50 years, and I admire the love they share for each other.

• I thank God for my dear friend Char, who has truly been my "American mom", without whom I wouldn't be in the US right now. I thank God for her kids the Herberts, the Cobbs and the Browns, and family friends the Abshires, all of whom have awesome families that I admire a lot.

• I thank God for the people of my Church in India (CSI Emmanuel Church), where I've gone for almost all my life - the place where my faith was nurtured, and where I was able to spend a portion of my life.

• I thank God the people of my Church here in the US (Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church) who welcomed me warmly, and provided me with opportunities to serve. I feel like I'm in my home Church.

• And once again, I thank God for everything and everyone - my family, my friends, my Church, my job, my material possessions,etc.

• And most of all, I thank God for being there for me, for breath in my nostrils, and being my BEST FRIEND!!

How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. Psalm 31:19

Trampoline......

Well, I haven't been all that diligent lately in updating the blog, but I try...  :)

The title of this post is "Trampoline", but I'll get to that at the bottom of this post.

So let me bring you up to speed with what's happening in my life......

Late last month, my friends Char, Jenny and Prashanth went to the Chabot Space and Science Center in Oakland, and had ice cream (yet again!!) at Fenton's.

And this weekend, I went to my friend Char's daughter Keri's place, to celebrate Hannah's sixth birthday..

Opening gifts with friends......

Cake, cake and more cake......

Love in the air.......

Later that evening...... all of us were relaxing

except for my friend Char, who was on the wii-guitar!!

Ok, now I'll explain the trampoline which is the title for this post.

After Church today in Wasco, we all walked to Liz and Aaron's place, and they have a trampoline.

You know, I've never been on a trampoline before, and when 5 adorable girls wanted me to get on the trampoline, I obliged, much like any gentleman would. 

Come on, tell me how hard would it be to just jump up and down on a trampoline?

If you ask me now, I'll say "I wonder how the kids do it". It is just too tiring. 
My calf muscles were screaming after the first few jumps.

And you know how fancy kids could be on the trampoline? They jump up on their feet, land on their bottom, and then go right back up and land on their feet. When I landed on my bottom, I stayed down, and did not jump back up!!

Cute little Hopie said "Hey girls, let's not do that, becoz Alex is tired". Thanks Hopie!!

That's all the trampoline I can handle!!

But I had a great weekend, with all the wonderful kids, including Jim, who is Rob's dad. 
Jim and Sue are a perfect match, and they have great fun together!!

It's almost 1 am now, and I have to get to work tomorrow, so it's good night from me!!!!!