FAQ's....Five Day Challenge

Originally uploaded by Mattias 2009

Wow! I am blown away by how many of you have contacted me to participate in the Five Day Challenge. There is such comradarie in being in it together, not to mention the many meals we will be providing through our efforts together! Some of you have contacted me with questions, so I thought I'd post some answers. Keep emailing or commenting, I'm looking forward to hearing from you as we begin the challenge next week!

What about your kids?
Obviously, I think this kind of situation should be voluntary. I’m not into force-fasting with my kids at their ages. I’ve explained, as best as I can, what the situation in the world is with hunger and poverty. I’ve told them that by holding back on our own grocery budget next week, we will be able to take that money and put it toward making meals for kids who otherwise wouldn’t have any.

My plan with my children is to feed them what Dave and I will eat for dinner: rice, beans, a tortilla and a small portion of chicken. I have asked them to also give up something else next week. My daughter told me, "mushrooms." I then explained that they should give up something they a. like and b. eat. We then amended from mushrooms to waffles. I also (strongly) suggested that they only have milk and water next week. Seeing as I buy the groceries, they really only will have milk and water.

Perhaps you should consider the age and maturity of your children. If they can read, you could print off the Food and Water Challenge information and show it to them. Consider asking them to decide for themselves to what extent they would like to participate. It will be more meaningful if their heart is in it.

I hope that as they see Dave and I go through this fast, they will remember that there is a world beyond our culdesac, and that it is our responsibility as God’s people to do something.

As they get older, I think that they will want to fully participate.


What about the coffee?
Yes, I am hopelessly addicted to coffee. I think I could give up all food for a week and be OK if I had my lattes, cappuccinos and afternoon americanos. But alas, this is not in the Food and Water Challenge, so it must go. But grace abounds. Like you, I’m going to try my best, and hopefully all of us being in it together will provide the encouragement we need to make it through.



What if I can't participate this week?
I hope that following along with us on the blog will inspire you to consider participating some other time, maybe with your family or a small group. Or you can get creative! Here's what a friend of mine sent me today:

So...the timing isn't right for me to participate in the Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is thing. However - I love that you guys are doing it as a family! I'd like to sponsor you each at $2 per person per day. Technically $50, but I wanted the kids especially to know that I'm contributing each day specifically in honor of their efforts (even if they need to fudge a little b/c they're kids). BUT...if you and Dave fudge, all money is lost and I'm picking another charity. Boom. How's that for motivation, mi amiga?

Finally, I'm including a comment from the author of Simple Compassion, Keri Wyatt Kent.

Nicole, I love how you dive into life and learning. (Thanks Keri. I'm a big fan of yours too!)As I said in the book, we sometimes added a bit of meat (one boneless chicken breast split 4 ways, for example) to our rice & beans, and I also "cheated" by giving my kids vitamins, which don't fill them up but do keep them healthy. The five-day part is what is difficult but key. almost anyone can do this for a day. but about day 3, it hits you--in 2 more days, you get to go back to normal. but for millions of people in the world, this IS normal. That awareness really only comes as you grind through that third day of being bored and hungry and cranky, etc. Anyone who tries this: bathe the process in a lot of prayer. It really is a modified fast, and fasting and prayer are ALWAYS linked in the Bible. blessings!!!

Don't forget to spread the word...let's see what a few of us living like the rest of the world for five days, can do to make an impact in obedience to God's command to "do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God."