10 Days and Counting...

I started the fast on May 10th so today is day 10 for me. My biggest concern when starting was how I was going to go without caffeine for 21 days. I know it sounds a little bit ridiculous, but I don't think I have gone without a morning cup of coffee for more than a few days here or there over the past 6 years. I took some time the week before to gradually not drink any more caffeine in order to avoid getting a headache. I think that was in the best interest of both my students and myself :). Sadly I even have to admit that on day 3 I had a dream where I was happily drinking some coffee in the morning...think it was on my mind??? Anyway, this time of year is very busy for me with all of the end of the year activities, grading, and just a lot to finish up. I usually would rely on chewing a lot of gum and drinking a lot of caffeine to stay awake and get it all done. Not being able to have either one, I have had to change that.

Throughout the fast, I have learned that my body needs much more sleep than I was getting! I have also learned that God can provide the strength and energy I need and it isn't about me trying to do so much myself. I have reflected on how much of what I have been keeping myself busy with is really His will for my life and how much is simply that...busyness. Each time I eat a meal, I am reminded why I am doing this and what it is really all about...strengthening my relationship with the One that created me. Each time my stomach growls, I am reminded again. This constant reminder of why I am here has really focused my days in a different direction. There is really so much that I feel like God has been sharing with me during the past 10 days. I don't think I have fully sorted through all of it yet.

The food part hasn't been as challenging as I thought it would (I know I am not even half way through yet though!). I haven't felt too much of a pull to eat any of the foods we are not supposed to. The limited food items has challenged me to try new recipes (which I always enjoy doing) and caused me to really notice what is in different things I eat. I made a few recipes that I sent out. The only one I have really enjoyed was the vegan sauce recipe. This is with mushrooms, fresh tomatoes, green peppers, basil and onion all cooked together for about 20 minutes and then over whole wheat pasta. I have tried the stuffed peppers recipes and the "Mrs. Jones' Brown Rice Dinner" recipe from the original e-mail Jon sent out. Both were very good. I took the brown rice dinner and made some simple guacamole with an avocado, garlic salt, and lime juice. I put the rice mixture and guacamole in a wheat tortilla which was pretty good. I also have found hummus to be a nice snack. Today my sister said that she noticed Triscuit crackers only have whole wheat, soybean oil, and salt in them...so they might be ok too??...not sure about the soybean oil.

Reading everyone else's posts has been very helpful and encouraging for me! Thanks for sharing your stories! I am up for breaking our fast together once we are all finished.