The Salmonella Weight Loss Plan

The second last night of our family vacation in California three out of four of us contracted food poisoning at a San Diego restaurant. In the past year I've traveled to China and eaten off 100 year old bamboo chopsticks in a farmer's yard. I've eaten in Africa, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Isn't it just a little ironic I got food poisoning in San Diego? Maybe that's what they mean when they refer to the California Adventure: one that elicits sounds and substances that should never eminate from the human body. Three of us competed for the privilege of hugging the cool porcelain receptacle in the little tiled room. Four days later I'm still churning inside. Funny thing though...my good freind emailed to ask me if I would fast and pray for a difficult situation in her life. While I'm more than willing to pray, I wonder, does fasting really count when you can't stand the sight of food?

I spent this past week revisiting wonderful memories of my childhood. For the first time in over thirty years, the original 5 members of my nuclear family spent a week together in our favourite stompin' ground; Waikiki. The point of the trip was to surprise my dad for his 80th birthday. I think my parents were truly delighted with our surprise. We reminisced, laughed, conversed, and reaffirmed our deep love for each other. How grateful we all are for such a grace-filled refuge in a hard-nosed world. The gift that was meant for my dad was just what I needed. Just three weeks after surviving the earthquake in Port au Prince, I was emotionally fragile, exhausted and irritable. This trip was therapy for me: an atmosphere of grace and empathy in which to heal. One day while looking out at the Pacific from Waikiki Beach I asked God, "Why am I able to sit here, in my favourite place in the world, soaking up the sun, sea and beauty, while millions in Haiti scavenge for a bite to eat?"The answer God whispered into my consciousness came immediately. "Because this is what you love, and I love to give good gifts to my children." Oh, God, You are so good. You knew I would need this precious refuge. But I don't understand why this has been provided for me when so many still suffer. But in my confusion, I choose to trust in God's goodness, wisdom and love.

De-spunked

My spunk has taken a bit of a hit lately. In fact, I think I may have been completely de-spunked.(Spell-check doesn't like that word - Big Surprise!) Since surviving the earthquake and the evacuation that followed, I can't seem to get enough sleep. All day long it feels like I am jogging in jello. Everyone who knows anything about Acute Stress or Post Traumatic Stress tells me this is normal. But here's what is wearing on me. I am safe. I sleep in a good bed, surrounded by my loving family, with a full stomach. My Haitian friend, Ephraim, with whom I finally made contact a couple of days ago was in the Hotel Montana when it collapsed- probably waiting for us. Though he and his family survived along with his home, he has lost a lot that will be almost impossible to replace. Beyond that, his congregation and family are looking to him to provide for them. He also is one of the Compassion staff who are tirelessly fanning out around the country, going door to door to determine the status of the 65,000 children depending on Compassion for help. The only food Ephraim can find at this point is on the black market. He can't possibly have money for that. And how is he doing all this if he is as weary as I am? I feel like a wimp. My prayer for Ephraim is from Philippians 4:13 "I can do everything through him who gives me strength."