The 30 Hour Famine is over. Everyone survived it and I heard no complaining this time! The kids were focused and very, very busy. We kept our minds off of our empty bellies. Our kids live in an affluent community where the kids seldom go longer than 2 or 3 hours without a snack, a stop at Sonic or the Quik Mart. 30 hours seemed like an eternity to many of them. They were encouraged, when they were feeling hungry to say aloud "God is good" as a reminder that God has given them soooo much. Those nearby are to respond with "All the time" to let them feel a little moral support. They understood that this is about awareness and learning and raising funds for World Vision's hunger relief programs. They raised over $4,000.

The fundraising was kicked off Saturday night by a Rally at the local park. Free popcorn and music. They pulled together a band that played wonderfully and did two skits as well as a very moving clip from the World Vision promo DVD.

Thursday morning the "famine" began. Around 40 kids from ages 11 to 18 were divided up into tribes for the many activities. Some of them were also given a "disability" that one might have when suffering from hunger. Some wore heavy backpacks to signify the extra burden when one is weak from true hunger and malnourishment. They spent several hours building shelters from mud huts and thatch huts to carboard boxes, to shelters made from plastic and scrap wood scavenged from dumpsters and work sites. They collected canned goods door to door for the Food Pantry and there were many other opportunities for serving. There was a Bible study and lots of games that focused on understanding what those living in Africa might be going through. They had time to journal after each activity.

One group went to Hillside Ministries which provides housing and budget counseling for 90 days for homeless people that have jobs, while they get back on their feet. They did odd jobs such as rake leaves, weeding, trimming and setting up a new swing set.

A group went to the Harvesters warehouse and helped there. They were amazed by the volume of food provided to the hungry right in Kansas City. Another group went to Feed the Need and sorted though mountains of used clothing. Several kids went to the Good Samaritan Center and painted their basement.

The group that most came back with the most stories was the one that went to reStart downtown. It was a daytime homeless shelter. People were coming and going...homeless people. Lots of men but some women and children and families. Some of the kids were a bit afraid, some were uncomfortable, they had never seen homeless people in real life. Someone asked them if they had any socks. It was enlightening indeed.

All of the groups had their eyes opened. They are not often exposed to people who are truly in deep need. It was good for all of us. It made us more compassionate. It made us truly count our own blessings. It made us recognize the responsibility that comes with our many gifts.

As the end grew near they participated in a beautiful Praise Worship service. They laid their "burdens" (disability) at the foot of the cross. The heavy backpacks and blindfolds and leg slplints were piled there as each child recognized what God can do and what we can do through God. The service ended with communion.

A feast was provided by church members for the kids to break the fast. Food never tasted so good. Part of that feeling was, well, we were hungry, but we were also gratefully aware of the fact that we were feasting while others are starving.