Donations Update – Fasting to Feed

Alrighty Everyone we have hit $1465 in donations! While this is wonderful and I am extremely thankful, we still have $2535 to go if we are going to feed the Marbiel school for the year! So tell your mother, your brother, your significant other! I am still accepting donations and know those giving hearts are going to find me!

If you would like to donate and haven’t kept up on the rest of my blog posts you should know:

Donations can be made in cash, cheque, or credit card.

All donations are made out to Faith & Love Children’s Ministry.

Any donation over $30 is tax deductible.

100% of the donations go to Haiti, how cool and rare is that?

Please contact me for more donation information or check out my previous posts!

I can be contacted at ektaje@hotmail.com

Let the countdown begin!

Everyone gets sick….

Everyone gets sick at some point in there life. Whether it’s a cold, the flu, or having a sore throat, we all have our “Kryptonite” of illnesses. Mine is headaches. Even before a headache turns into a migraine, you have the fear of being crippled. When you want to live under a dark rock where you can’t feel or hear anything you know it’s bad.

Now, saying all of this, one of the biggest complaints of the Haitians I’ve observed when receiving medical care is headaches. I am sure it is common in many countries from dehydration, lack of nutrients, muscle tension. I know I’ve talked about my headaches as a side affect from this fast, but I also know when I start eating properly on Saturday they are going to greatly diminish.

So whether your ‘Kryptonite’ of Illnesses is headaches, sore throats (which are almost as bad in my opinion) or the flu, consider having no medication and not getting to take the day off from work to rest.

Think about not being able to give your child tylonal when they have a fever or an ear infection. This has potential to forever cause damage….

… I know I getting a little off track with this post. I began to write it on Tuesday night was I was fighting (another) headache. I lost the fight and simply threw together all these thoughts going through my mind. This is the conclusion I came to:

If I was living in permanent pain, always having a headache or upset stomach, never waking up feeling great I would want someone to extend a hand…. Wouldn’t you?

The 7 day countdown

22 days into my fast. It’s no longer fun. Here is some of the defining moments of week 3:

Monday I stayed home for the majority of the day. I was extremely wiped out by the end of last week, so it felt good to sleep in Monday. I cannot get over the amount of sleep I’ve been needing. All in all it was a good day, leaving me feeling rested and ready for the week.

Tuesday evening I received some sad news. This made me cry, which created a headache, which resulted in me throwing up. It was a rough night considering I didn’t have anything in my stomach to throw up at the time. I’ve been working on getting hydrated since.

Wednesday night I developed a migraine while at work. The migraine carried over into Thursday. I was unable to go into work on Thursday and spent the majority of the day in bed. I had a migraine once while I was in the mountains in Haiti. It lasted for 3 days as I did not have any painkillers with me. I stayed in bed and was unable to do anything. I cannot imagine going through that again in Haiti. Sadly, that is the reality of many people across the globe who do not have access to any pain medications. Feeling like your head is going to explode is probably one of the worst things to experience. Trying to get re hydrated is also becoming more difficult.

Friday I was feeling better. This is good because I got to work in the PreFab shop at work and take a tools safety course. I made it through the day feeling great, however, by the end of the night I was extremely dizzy. I ate chicken instead of beans for extra protein and went to be relatively early.

Today is Saturday, and I am most definitely sick. Although the start of my fast was hard I seemed to be doing better in the beginning in comparison to last year. Now it has all built up. I had chicken noodle soup today and have stayed in bed again. I feel so guilty for “cheating” on my rice and beans. I know needed the soup and vitamins are needed to make it through this last week. I also feel extremely thankful. I feel thankful for soup, and for being in a country where I can stay in bed and rest to get healthy.

It looks like this upcoming week is going to be rough, but 110% worth it. I may be sick today, this week, and not healthy for the month but thats the point. 28 days of being sick it worth it if I can feed and prevent this from happening to 400 children.

The donations have began to come in, and I am looking forward to see how many lives will be changed by people like you this year. If you want to make donations please check out my previous blog post on how to give.

This is the 7 day countdown to changing lives folks, let’s make a difference!

How to Donate

Hi Folks,

I am two weeks into my fast, the hunger pains have quieted down, the dizziness has increased, and despite the cold/flu I had earlier this week I am feeling good. You want to know why? Because of you, the people supporting me, the people asking how to help, how to donate, and what they can do. It truly makes everything worth it when I can see the impact I am making on all of you, and in turn the impact you are making on the community of Marbiel over 3,000 miles away. So here it is, how to donate:

*All donations over $30 will be a receipted and tax deductible*

1) Cash Donation – Cash donations are accepted. Please include along with your donation your name, address, and phone number in an envelope. Cash donations can be given directly to me. Please contact me if you would like to donate via cash.

2) Cheque Donation – Cheques are made out to Faith & Love Children’s Ministry. Their direct website link is below. Please also include along with your donation your name, address, and phone number in an envelope. Cheque donations can be given directly to me. Please contact me if you would like to donate via cash.

http://www.flcm.ca/

3) Online – Unfortunately we won’t be able to post an online donation button. If you are planning on donating online please email me your donation amount, your name, address, and phone number and we can set up a donation through paypal. I also need to keep track of sponsor information for when we send out tax receipts. It can be emailed to ektaje@hotmail.com with the subject box Fasting to Feed.

4) Corporate Sponsorship- Corporate Sponsorship is always a huge help. If you have your own business, or know of a business that would like to donate please contact me at ektaje@hotmail.com with the subject box Corporate Sponsor. Corporate Sponsors will be recognized for donations over $1,500.

If you have any questions regarding donations, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Thank you again for your support in impacting the community of Marbiel. Our goal is $15,000 and I know with you on board we can hit that goal by February 28th.

10 days in, 18 to go.

 

My life for the next 18 days…. I still appreciate beans every day by about 2pm when I am starving.

7 days in…. And I’m feeling it.

Today is day 7 of my Fasting to Feed. Initially, despite the hunger, being ‘hangry’ (hungry + cranky), and tired I was still feeling pretty good. I still had energy, and was able to continue with my day as if I was eating normally.

Lately however, I am not feeling that way. Since Wednesday I have been tired, not having the energy to go about my day regularly. One night I slept for 12 hours and still didn’t feel like it was enough. The headaches began on Tuesday and have continued. Mix that with the dizziness and it is not a good feeling.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not complaining whatsoever. It is SO exciting knowing that I have made it though a week of fasting, and only have 3 weeks to go. It also is a wonderful reminder of how blessed we truly are in Canada. If I get to sick, I can go to the doctor. If I get tired, I can sleep. I have family and friends supporting me and an awesome job with supportive coworkers.

I still cannot imagine doing this forever, day in and day out, without clean water to top it off.

I was discussing my fast with a stranger today and she informed me that

It isn’t that bad because your body gets used to not eating

…I think by my blank stare she realized that I did not agree.

Yes, your stomach eventually stops growling, but the side affects from the lack of nutrients are still there. We are taught from an early age about the food pyramid, to eat healthily and have your apple a day. If children go to school hungry we are lucky enough to have breakfast program’s or someone to lend a helping hand.

So, I take the challenge of fasting “not being hard” or “getting used to it”. That would be wonderful. I challenge the rest of you also, give up on your snacks before meals, eating before bed, or shrink your portion size. Try it for a day and see how you feel. You may not go hungry, but it will give you a taste of what it feels like when you are, and that’s a challenge I’m willing to take.

Day 1 – Fasting in Costco

Today was day 1.

I woke up feeling good, knowing that I made it through last year. Had my coffee, and waited. Waited to feel hungry, waited to eat my meal of the day. It turns out that fasting can make me cranky. I feel that most of the time I am a pretty understanding person. It could have been the traffic in Edmonton, or perhaps meeting my Mum at Costco on a Saturday night. I have decided that Saturday right before closing is the craziest time to attempt grocery shopping. As my Mum grabbed the necessities to get her and the rest of my family through the week I was amazed at the amount of food being purchased. Costco is the prime example of the wealth we have in Canada. It is literally a warehouse full of food. A warehouse. I want you to pause for a minute and just imagine trying to describe it to someone from a third world country like Haiti. They have warehouses in Haiti; they know what food is, but warehouses of food? Even describing this to the best of your ability I do not think that anyone who has grown up on a bowl of rice and beans a day can picture it. As I maneuvered the shopping cart, trying to not hit anyone I pictured someone experiencing this for the first time, someone who has not grown up in a land of plenty. It would be overwhelming.

Let me put in it perspective. You need to get groceries, you walk into Costco and all of the aisles are empty but one. It would be crazy. What if this was not only the case in Costco, but in every grocery store or Wal-Mart. Would you feel panicked? There is a family at home that you need to feed for the week, and you might not even be able to buy the food you need. So, you get what you can, go home, and plan for smaller meals. To eat less so your family can have more. To put your kids to bed without a bedtime snack. Now imagine feeling this way every day. That is how the majority of the world lives, hoping there will be enough food for the next day.

So, to start off day 1 of my fast – I am determined. Determined that this will not be the case for the families in Marbiel. Determined to eat nothing but my one bowl of rice and beans to create an impact. To create a change for 400 students and their parents not having to be worried about them getting at least one meal. So, when you head to Costco this week, consider this. Is it a want or a need? Are you going to buy food that won’t be eaten, and that will instead be thrown out when you purchase more?

The Nitty Gritty

The Background:

I have been to Haiti several times, both pre & post earthquake (2007-2011).  I have not been back to Haiti since the summer of 2011 when I backpacked through the country for three months.  Many people in Haiti need help and each trip I found opportunities to volunteer.  The people I met are beautiful and gracious despite their circumstances.  Although I haven’t been back for almost three years, I have maintained my commitment to help the people of Haiti.  I think of myself as using “First World” tools at home to help people living in their “Third World” community.

Haiti is truly were my heart is. Many of the experiences I had in Haiti were incredible and sometimes indescribable. The Haitian people are some of the most loving and giving people I have ever had the opportunity to interact with. Making a difference in even a few lives is like throwing a handful of pebbles into a pond. The ripple effect is unimaginable.

The difference I am choosing to make in the quality of life of the Haitians is nothing compared to the impact they have made in my life forever. 

The Rules of the Fast: 

For the entire month of February I will be fasting to raise money for Haiti. Here are some of the rules.

I will be giving up all food with the exception of 1 measured cup of rice and beans daily. This represents what an average child in Haiti eats … if they are lucky.  Most children in third world countries do not even receive a daily meal and don’t know where their next meal is coming from.  With inadequate nourishment, they try to survive and still go about with their daily lives.  So, I will continue working and meeting my other obligations this month as if I am eating regularly.

I will be allowing myself to have black coffee and tea. It is better for everyone around me if I do not give up caffeine at this point.

I will also be juicing fruits & vegitables in the mornings for breakfast. I am hoping this addition will prevent me from becoming as ill as I did last year. 

Occasionally I will be allowing myself to have a banana or mango. This will not be on a daily basis and will be saved for sick days, or if I have to take any medicine.

 

Ways you can help:

1) Pray – Time and time again it has been proven that prayer is the most powerful ally. There is no such thing as “only” being able to pray. Prayer is the number one factor for successful fundraisers.

2) Fast – and raise funds! Set your own expectations and give up what you feel is right for you. Saving five dollars a day on a coffee, fast food or a snack raises $140 in February.

3) Donate – amounts over $30 are tax deductible. All cheques are made out to Faith & Love Children’s Ministry

4) Spread the word!!! Knowledge is power. The more people that know = the more lives changed. 

Hunger isn’t just a stomach thing

Fasting to Feed… again

February is normal a month filled with chocolates, candy and treats. However, for me it is a little different.

February is the month I give up all of that and more – for a cause.

This February will be my second annual Fast to Feed the Needy. Let me give you a little bit of a background.

Since the earthquake in 2010, Haiti has made it’s way onto the map. Prior to the earthquake I found myself having to explain where Haiti was located on a map (not beside Iceland). Personally I have been to Haiti several times, both pre and post earthquake. Each trip was more fulfilling than the last. In 2011 I backpacked through Haiti for 3 months solo, meeting up with different teams and organizations along the way. I returned knowing I had to do more. More than taking a trip every few months, more than being there with the Haitian people. If you are unaware of a problem, then how are you supposed to fix it?

Since then, I am working towards resolving the problem of “unknowing”.

I started with a Run for Water. Water is the basis to all needs. Thanks to the amazing runners and their sponsors, we successfully raised $11,000. $10,000 was needed to drill a well. Haiti is full of ups and downs, droughts, rainy season, you name it. Marbiel is very remote so we are using a hand auger. Hopefully the well will be complete this summer.

Then, last February I fasted for the month in hopes to provide lunch for the children who attend school in Marbiel, Haiti. Up until that point in time we were only able to provide lunch for the 360 students three days a week. Some of these students are walking up to 3 hours to attend school, and without having proper nutrients they were not learning to their full capacity.

Currently we have grown to 400 students. The younger children are struggling to walk the distance to school, so now we are starting a secondary kindergarten location higher up in the mountains. It also means that it is time to come together for the greater good and making a difference, to take a chance on changing the world.

So in February 2013 I held my breathe and set a goal of $3500. It nearly doubled. Within a month just over $6,000 was donated. Because of the success, we have been able to provide lunch for the students and teachers for an entire year, as well as purchase some much needed school supplies. This year I have set my sights higher…

$3500 raised – This will provide lunches for the students and staff at Marbiel for the year. This also gives the parents a chance to get their feet under them. As an organization we are also drilling a well, and working towards an agricultural program for the parents.

$8,000 raised – This will provide lunches for the children, as well as purchase goats for the school. Some of the older children would be responsible for the goats, which would educate them on agriculture. It would also teach responsibility and continue to provide for the school in the future.

$15,000 raised – This will provide lunches, and goats. The additional money would go to one of two areas. As soon as I have more information I will update you – just working out some minor details.

You can be the difference too. This month I would like to challenge you to “fast” in your own way. You can give up things like coffee, cupcakes, or eating out.  Set a goal and strive to hit it. $5/day easily turns into $35/week and $140/month. I will be keeping you updated on how much is raised as we continue on this journey together.