So.
I am postponing this challenge.
I don't like it very much, but I am.
I am sick, and tired, and working hard to survive this week, and sadly... I need energy. No food would kill me this week.
I sortof feel like a failure, but I shall try again later.
I have been to Africa... so I know what poverty looks like. And one day was a HUGE experience. I don't want to make excuses, but there they are!
Now I just have to make it through this week!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Day One
It is the first day of undertaking this Celebration of Hope Challenge, and I have already learned many things.
First, America has food EVERYWHERE, ALL THE TIME. Everywhere I look I find something I want to eat. It really takes discipline and self control to be able to resist eating! Friends come up to share some food with me and ask, "do you want some"? YES! I really do want some! Especially candy. I really want candy.
But I respond, "The poor children in Africa rarely get candy!"
And it is so true! I eat candy nearly everyday, and usually it is not just one piece. I have so many options of food and drink around me all the time, and half of the world's population doesn't even know if they get to eat at all. Some of the people I eat with have huge quantities of food at every meal, and then get more after they finish the first two plates. That is rather disgusting to me right now. No offense to the big eaters out there... but honestly, why do we eat so much food? Food is eaten to give you energy and keep you alive; we do not need to eat so much excess.
Secondly, I have begun to realize how terrible it can be when you finish eating a meal, but are still hungry. Yes, I just ate dinner, rice, beans, and some corn and a small piece of chicken.... but I am still hungry. Very hungry. I am sure people living in poverty are used to the tight pain in their stomach from it being empty all the time, but it is horrible! I would not like living with constant hunger, even if I could get used to it.
I have actually started making excuses, saying that this week is a bad week to do this challenge because I have so much work to do, am not feeling very well, and will not be getting very much sleep. Maybe I should just do it another week. But then again... Do impoverished people get to choose when they get to eat, or not eat? Do they choose to eat because they are sick or have work to do? No. They don't get any choice at all. So I am determined to carry out what I have started. My friend Emily is doing this challenge with me, and it is very good to have an accountability partner. Many people have asked at lunch what we are doing, so it is also good to raise awareness. It is tough though!
I would love the continued prayers... but more so, pray for those who actually live off so little food. Pray for those who don't make enough money to stay healthy and nourished.
Pray for God's children.
First, America has food EVERYWHERE, ALL THE TIME. Everywhere I look I find something I want to eat. It really takes discipline and self control to be able to resist eating! Friends come up to share some food with me and ask, "do you want some"? YES! I really do want some! Especially candy. I really want candy.
But I respond, "The poor children in Africa rarely get candy!"
And it is so true! I eat candy nearly everyday, and usually it is not just one piece. I have so many options of food and drink around me all the time, and half of the world's population doesn't even know if they get to eat at all. Some of the people I eat with have huge quantities of food at every meal, and then get more after they finish the first two plates. That is rather disgusting to me right now. No offense to the big eaters out there... but honestly, why do we eat so much food? Food is eaten to give you energy and keep you alive; we do not need to eat so much excess.
Secondly, I have begun to realize how terrible it can be when you finish eating a meal, but are still hungry. Yes, I just ate dinner, rice, beans, and some corn and a small piece of chicken.... but I am still hungry. Very hungry. I am sure people living in poverty are used to the tight pain in their stomach from it being empty all the time, but it is horrible! I would not like living with constant hunger, even if I could get used to it.
I have actually started making excuses, saying that this week is a bad week to do this challenge because I have so much work to do, am not feeling very well, and will not be getting very much sleep. Maybe I should just do it another week. But then again... Do impoverished people get to choose when they get to eat, or not eat? Do they choose to eat because they are sick or have work to do? No. They don't get any choice at all. So I am determined to carry out what I have started. My friend Emily is doing this challenge with me, and it is very good to have an accountability partner. Many people have asked at lunch what we are doing, so it is also good to raise awareness. It is tough though!
I would love the continued prayers... but more so, pray for those who actually live off so little food. Pray for those who don't make enough money to stay healthy and nourished.
Pray for God's children.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Just Thoughts...
I know, I know...
I said I wouldn't be writing until two weeks were up and no, I do not have any time to write this right now... but sometimes I just have to write! Journaling is an amazing outlet for emotions and thoughts, so if you are looking for a way to express yourself, try it! I have to write this down because if I don't, I won't be able to concentrate. Might as well get it off my chest.
Tonight at my Church, Willow Creek (Yes the huge mega church in the Chicago area), we had an AMAZING service. It was about Celebration of Hope for 2010. Celebration of Hope is something the church has done for a few years now, and they are doing it again. There are three parts to this "celebration" and this week is "We Stand". We as a church are going to eat like those who live off of two dollars a day. I encourage you to check it out at http://www.willowcreek.org/coh/default2.aspx Maybe you would like to try it as well! It is going to be quite a challenge, but I would love the reminder to pray for the poor in the world.
Please pray for me as I take on these five days with tap water, oatmeal, beans, and rice.
It is rather ironic that just earlier today, I was trying to decide what my English paper topic should be. I decided to go with poverty. Then tonight at church, they spoke about those in poverty! I love the connections God makes! The church service made me miss Africa SO MUCH!
My heart was so stirred up. I don't want to be in school. I want to go and DO something! Yes, I can give money... but without a job, there is only so much I can give! I have to live off something, right? I want to go and jump on a plane and fly to Tanzania. I want to go see Raphael get married. But that all costs money! Should I care? Is money something I should hold on to so I can pay off the debts in my future, or should I use it to go do good in Tanzania? Then there is the question of: how practical would that really be? What could I do as one person with little money? How would I be able to accomplish anything? So I have decided not to be hasty and rush back over there.
I want to be an architect. I love graphic design too. I could be done with school faster as a graphic designer, and get out in the world sooner with less debt. Someone once asked me how I could change the world with architecture. Africa was fresh on my mind, so I made up an answer on the spot, saying, "well, I could design an inexpensive 'green' house for them, and go build tons of houses in Africa." Was it really just a random idea? I REALLY want to accomplish this goal now! It is not just some silly made up answer to sound impressive, I honestly want to help those living in poverty. When walking through a big house in the Parade of Homes I desire to design and live in one. But so many people are so critical of them. I understand: no one needs all that space, and the money could go to a better cause. I find myself justifying my desire by saying, "I want to adopt many children from Africa!" Things have changed and I realize I do not need a big beautiful mansion, but I love the idea of having a house with a BUNCH of rooms. My parents have enjoyed letting anyone and everyone who needs a place to live move in to our house. I am inspired by that! I want to be a place where those in need can live in my house. I want to help the Africans, and all those in need. Our pastor told a story about a family who signed up to take African refugee families, and how close they have become. (I cried alot in the service... ) I REALLY WANT THAT!
So, for now... I shall stay in school, learning to become an architect. And hopefully, I will be able to use what I have learned to accomplish my dreams, and further God's Kingdom. There is still the question of the bible teaching that we should never let our age determine what we can accomplish. We should never let anyone tell us we are too young for God to use. But what do I do? Do I go now as a missionary? Do I stay here in school doing nothing for Tanzania?
But then again... I am not doing "nothing". God can still use me here. I can still affect the lives around me, and do God's work while in school.
Just something to think about.
I said I wouldn't be writing until two weeks were up and no, I do not have any time to write this right now... but sometimes I just have to write! Journaling is an amazing outlet for emotions and thoughts, so if you are looking for a way to express yourself, try it! I have to write this down because if I don't, I won't be able to concentrate. Might as well get it off my chest.
Tonight at my Church, Willow Creek (Yes the huge mega church in the Chicago area), we had an AMAZING service. It was about Celebration of Hope for 2010. Celebration of Hope is something the church has done for a few years now, and they are doing it again. There are three parts to this "celebration" and this week is "We Stand". We as a church are going to eat like those who live off of two dollars a day. I encourage you to check it out at http://www.willowcreek.org/coh/default2.aspx Maybe you would like to try it as well! It is going to be quite a challenge, but I would love the reminder to pray for the poor in the world.
Please pray for me as I take on these five days with tap water, oatmeal, beans, and rice.
It is rather ironic that just earlier today, I was trying to decide what my English paper topic should be. I decided to go with poverty. Then tonight at church, they spoke about those in poverty! I love the connections God makes! The church service made me miss Africa SO MUCH!
My heart was so stirred up. I don't want to be in school. I want to go and DO something! Yes, I can give money... but without a job, there is only so much I can give! I have to live off something, right? I want to go and jump on a plane and fly to Tanzania. I want to go see Raphael get married. But that all costs money! Should I care? Is money something I should hold on to so I can pay off the debts in my future, or should I use it to go do good in Tanzania? Then there is the question of: how practical would that really be? What could I do as one person with little money? How would I be able to accomplish anything? So I have decided not to be hasty and rush back over there.
I want to be an architect. I love graphic design too. I could be done with school faster as a graphic designer, and get out in the world sooner with less debt. Someone once asked me how I could change the world with architecture. Africa was fresh on my mind, so I made up an answer on the spot, saying, "well, I could design an inexpensive 'green' house for them, and go build tons of houses in Africa." Was it really just a random idea? I REALLY want to accomplish this goal now! It is not just some silly made up answer to sound impressive, I honestly want to help those living in poverty. When walking through a big house in the Parade of Homes I desire to design and live in one. But so many people are so critical of them. I understand: no one needs all that space, and the money could go to a better cause. I find myself justifying my desire by saying, "I want to adopt many children from Africa!" Things have changed and I realize I do not need a big beautiful mansion, but I love the idea of having a house with a BUNCH of rooms. My parents have enjoyed letting anyone and everyone who needs a place to live move in to our house. I am inspired by that! I want to be a place where those in need can live in my house. I want to help the Africans, and all those in need. Our pastor told a story about a family who signed up to take African refugee families, and how close they have become. (I cried alot in the service... ) I REALLY WANT THAT!
So, for now... I shall stay in school, learning to become an architect. And hopefully, I will be able to use what I have learned to accomplish my dreams, and further God's Kingdom. There is still the question of the bible teaching that we should never let our age determine what we can accomplish. We should never let anyone tell us we are too young for God to use. But what do I do? Do I go now as a missionary? Do I stay here in school doing nothing for Tanzania?
But then again... I am not doing "nothing". God can still use me here. I can still affect the lives around me, and do God's work while in school.
Just something to think about.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
2 Weeks!
I can not believe that it is already April and that my first year of college will be over April 30th!! Wow! Two weeks left! (now, some of you are probably confused by my calculating skills, because there are definitely more than two weeks between now and April 30th. WELL... Let me explain my reasoning. Today is Monday, so this week is practically over. Finals week doesn't count. SO, when you put it all together, there are two weeks left! Oh yes. It makes perfect sense.)
Anyways....
Thursday night my friends Emily, Sarah, Shannon, and I went to my other friend Caitlyn's house sitting house. (Caitlyn is the one who will be staying with my family this summer... and she was house sitting. ) So we all spent the night there and played on the trampoline, sat in the hot tub, ate pizza, played some cards, and just hung out! We watched a movie, but I fell asleep in the first two minutes. We all had a fun time. Then it was back to studio. Bleh...
I have been having troubles lately (yes, more troubles). It is very hard for me to say no to people. So, despite having no time... I say yes! Want to go do this? Sure! How about this? OKAY!! And then I get super stressed out because I don't have time to do my school work! (or sleep... but there is plenty of time for that when I am dead - says Shannon) I usually have fun with what I agree to, but I always have this huge gloom hanging around me because I know I should be in studio. So that was the predicament Friday. I told Caitlyn I wanted to work out with her, and then she invited me to church, and I said sure. But I was way stressed. I hate backing out on things I said I would do, but I talked with her - after encouragement from my mom - and she allowed me to get back to studio after a quick jog. The jog was great to clear my head and remember who's in charge of my life... and she wasn't too upset about not going to church. So I am going to work on saying no more often! Kinda depressing? I am not sure yet.
Saturday I felt drugged... I was taking allergy medicine and it totally wiped me out... so I didn't get to studio as much as I should have. Shannon and I went home with Sarah Saturday night and hung out with tons of her friends. Then the next day we went to her awesome church and had a wonderful meal and and Easter Egg hunt! It was great fun. Then that evening we went to her church college group and had another Easter Egg hunt. :D Sweet! I have tons of candy now! Literally Sweet!! ha ha
Sarah did a great job keeping my mind busy having fun so I didn't have much time to think about all that I was missing at home. It was a really great weekend, and I REALLY missed my family, but I still am thankful for Christ's sacrifice no matter where I am. I kept thinking how much I need to pray and speak to my friends about my faith, because I want to be with them for eternity! HEAVEN IS GOING TO BE AWESOME!
Well.... I have TONS of stuff to do before school gets out. It is definitely crunch time. English report, History paper, Persuasive speech and poem presentation, Old Testament test and paper.... and I think that is all for next week. Oh, and design. Guess I should go get started!
Talk to you in two weeks!
Anyways....
Thursday night my friends Emily, Sarah, Shannon, and I went to my other friend Caitlyn's house sitting house. (Caitlyn is the one who will be staying with my family this summer... and she was house sitting. ) So we all spent the night there and played on the trampoline, sat in the hot tub, ate pizza, played some cards, and just hung out! We watched a movie, but I fell asleep in the first two minutes. We all had a fun time. Then it was back to studio. Bleh...
I have been having troubles lately (yes, more troubles). It is very hard for me to say no to people. So, despite having no time... I say yes! Want to go do this? Sure! How about this? OKAY!! And then I get super stressed out because I don't have time to do my school work! (or sleep... but there is plenty of time for that when I am dead - says Shannon) I usually have fun with what I agree to, but I always have this huge gloom hanging around me because I know I should be in studio. So that was the predicament Friday. I told Caitlyn I wanted to work out with her, and then she invited me to church, and I said sure. But I was way stressed. I hate backing out on things I said I would do, but I talked with her - after encouragement from my mom - and she allowed me to get back to studio after a quick jog. The jog was great to clear my head and remember who's in charge of my life... and she wasn't too upset about not going to church. So I am going to work on saying no more often! Kinda depressing? I am not sure yet.
Saturday I felt drugged... I was taking allergy medicine and it totally wiped me out... so I didn't get to studio as much as I should have. Shannon and I went home with Sarah Saturday night and hung out with tons of her friends. Then the next day we went to her awesome church and had a wonderful meal and and Easter Egg hunt! It was great fun. Then that evening we went to her church college group and had another Easter Egg hunt. :D Sweet! I have tons of candy now! Literally Sweet!! ha ha
Sarah did a great job keeping my mind busy having fun so I didn't have much time to think about all that I was missing at home. It was a really great weekend, and I REALLY missed my family, but I still am thankful for Christ's sacrifice no matter where I am. I kept thinking how much I need to pray and speak to my friends about my faith, because I want to be with them for eternity! HEAVEN IS GOING TO BE AWESOME!
Well.... I have TONS of stuff to do before school gets out. It is definitely crunch time. English report, History paper, Persuasive speech and poem presentation, Old Testament test and paper.... and I think that is all for next week. Oh, and design. Guess I should go get started!
Talk to you in two weeks!
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