Over the famine weekend, it was eye opening for me to see the amount of you who truly got behind the whole idea of ‘giving up’. Whether it be giving up the use of both your arms while not talking, or giving up your bed to sleep under a bridge in a cardboard box for the night, or giving up your identity.
I was so impressed.
For the famine, I gave up food, technology and furniture.
In the past I would give up just one of these things (including talking one year –tough stuff!), and I found that really hard. Giving up all three – I can tell you now that was hard. I couldn’t eat, neither could I eat at a table or on a chair, and when I was bored, I couldn’t even watch TV.
But instead of complaining about it I thought of Nepal. I thought about night I stayed in a remote village high in the mountains. I thought about the freezing cold weather, the wooden table I slept on for a bed, the lack of food I had to eat, and the only entertainment being sitting around the campfire and talking or singing. So for a lot of the weekend, I found myself sitting with my guitar, or playing music with my sisters, or simply having a chat to my friends and family. I used the time to really think about my life, and what I valued. What I need, compared to what I want. What I could give up, and what I couldn’t live without.
To those of you who I visited over the famine weekend:
Woodcroft College – you guys have been the highest fundraising school in South Australia and Northern Territory for a few years now, so keep up the awesome work! I really enjoyed meeting with your middle school, and hearing about all the other great projects your support.
Concordia College – it was great playing my guitar at your famine launch BBQ for some entertainment, and congrats on all the money you raised on the day!
Northern Justice Rally – I had so much fun being a part of all your youth groups and churches coming together as the famine began. The atmosphere was amazing and talking and singing to you all was a real honour.
Aberfoyle Park Uniting Church – again it was great to share my experiences with you all. I was amazed at what some of you were giving up for the famine, in particular the two boys who were going homeless for 40 hours. What an eye-opening situation to put yourselves in.
Blackwood Global Village Famine Celebration – this was a fantastic event where the community of Blackwood were celebrating their efforts in the 40-hour famine. It was awesome seeing a whole community get together and really get behind the famine – doing something so real for those who need it. Last year the community raised over $60,000 – and this year are hoping to crack the $100,000 mark.
I heard they are so close to reaching their target so good luck – you are amazing!
Shout out to all the schools I visited in the past week:
- Riverland Christian School
- Glossop Middle School
- Renmark High School
- Berri Primary School
- Loxton High School
- Waikerie High School
- St. Peters Girls
- Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College
- Urrbrae High School
- Aldinga Beach Primary School
- Christies Beach Primary School
- Eden Hills Primary School
- Torrens Valley Christian School
- Walford College
Congratulations on your efforts in this year's 40 Hour Famine!
Now gather up all the funds you’ve raised, hand in your books, and know that because of you giving up, you have given hope, you have given freedom, and you have given life. You have given out.