Oatmeal, Rice and Tortillas...

was my grocery list at Target last night. Why? Well, our church is embarking on a 5 day eating challenge. The challenge? To eat like the world's poor for 5 days. The above list is only missing beans and tap water as additional items that we can have. In addition to only being able to eat this, the portions are small as well.

When something like this gets talked about, I am the type of person that is all in. And then it was time to go grocery shopping. This is where the word challenge played out. I was nervous. I have tried to pin point why? Is it because I won't be able to have my cup of coffee in the mornings? Is it because I am nervous for the hunger pains? Is it because something like this might wreck my heart?

I think it is more the latter of the three...how will I be able to reconcile going back to eating normal after something like this? How will I come to terms that many children feel the same hunger pains I anticipate feeling? What will my family do after this challenge to address those pains? What can I do to actually make a difference when it seems like the problem is so large? How do we continue to teach our boys about having compassion to the least of these?

I have thought to myself, well if we don't engage in the challenge, then we won't have to think about it. But the reality is whether we do it or not, many MANY children and families face this reality every single day. So we choose to face into the problem versus ignore it. We will try as a family to make a difference even if it a small contribution.

I invite you to join the 5 Day Eating Challenge with us.