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!!