Dear friends,
I didn't get a chance to update the previous week's note; I had gotten into a new volunteering routine. I spent about half of last week helping at home, including quite a few tasks of repair and maintenance in addition to cooking and cleaning, and went out to volunteer at the office of a Catholic church 3 days. I couldn't reject the request of a friendly pastor to take charge of his office work (including weekly bulletin, accounting & payroll) until he finds a replacement for the staff member who left last week. This work should keep me busy for the next few weeks. I'll also be moving this Tuesday - to another Missionaries of Charity house in the Bronx. I hope to be there for about 3 weeks. As I'll have to travel a lot between the new home in Bronx, the church in mid-Manhattan, and the old home in lower West-side, I'll be having a tight schedule that can be maintained only by using public transportation.
Thanks to the availability of wonderful nutritious and healthy food at my present home, in just 2 weeks I have regained much of the weight and strength lost during the 7 weeks of fasting.
I have caught a glimpse of what some concerned friends have done on my behalf, and in the coming week I should definitely spend some time to read the details, thank and comment. Thanks again for your concern and support!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Greetings
Dear friends,
Last Sunday, I was so physically overwhelmed that I didn't have the energy to give details. This is what happened leading up to last Sunday: On the 42nd day of the fast, while sitting in silence alone, I came to the realization that the fast may be getting to be too long. (Medical help was not forthcoming, even as of the 43rd day.) By an interesting coincidence, the same day, a small group of concerned friends had decided to come to the place that I was staying, looking for me. But they failed to find me until I called them to inform of my decision to suspend the fast on the 45th day, when I'd be going to the Quaker worship. I also contacted a group of Missionaries of Charity nuns and received their welcoming permission to come stay at their house of hospitality while I recuperate. As I was cleaning up and packing my stuff in anticipation of moving out, I reached the limits of endurance. On the 45th day, my heart was too overwhelmed to provide me with the needed energy. But I still managed to make it to the Quaker Meetinghouse and break the fast there, but needed a gracious friend's help to accompany me and my stuff to my new temporary home.
After getting much needed bed rest, I felt much better in a few hours, and was feeling back to normal the following morning. ( I have been gradually eating - now eat everything - will edit this and write more details in a few hours. Feeling very normal and strong - even walked 30 minutes easily this morning. So don't worry; be happy. Thanks Friends!
Last Sunday, I was so physically overwhelmed that I didn't have the energy to give details. This is what happened leading up to last Sunday: On the 42nd day of the fast, while sitting in silence alone, I came to the realization that the fast may be getting to be too long. (Medical help was not forthcoming, even as of the 43rd day.) By an interesting coincidence, the same day, a small group of concerned friends had decided to come to the place that I was staying, looking for me. But they failed to find me until I called them to inform of my decision to suspend the fast on the 45th day, when I'd be going to the Quaker worship. I also contacted a group of Missionaries of Charity nuns and received their welcoming permission to come stay at their house of hospitality while I recuperate. As I was cleaning up and packing my stuff in anticipation of moving out, I reached the limits of endurance. On the 45th day, my heart was too overwhelmed to provide me with the needed energy. But I still managed to make it to the Quaker Meetinghouse and break the fast there, but needed a gracious friend's help to accompany me and my stuff to my new temporary home.
After getting much needed bed rest, I felt much better in a few hours, and was feeling back to normal the following morning. ( I have been gradually eating - now eat everything - will edit this and write more details in a few hours. Feeling very normal and strong - even walked 30 minutes easily this morning. So don't worry; be happy. Thanks Friends!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Ended fast on the 45th day
Dear friends,
Thanks very much for being concerned. I ended the fast this morning, after 45 days. I didn't have time to update in the morning. Taking only juice today, and hope to gradually update food types over the next 7-8 days. Feeling pretty tired & weak. Will update next week.
Thanks very much for being concerned. I ended the fast this morning, after 45 days. I didn't have time to update in the morning. Taking only juice today, and hope to gradually update food types over the next 7-8 days. Feeling pretty tired & weak. Will update next week.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Made it to the 38th day
Hi friends,
I indeed made it to this 38th day of the fast, in fairly good condition. I'm gladly looking forward to accomplishing the 40th day, as it's a spiritual milestone in fasting. But since it would not be safe to go on much longer, after the 40th day (this Wednesday), I hope to inform the medical personnel at the shelter. It's not clear whether I'd be immediately hospitalized or not, but either way I'll be prepared for the uncertain and painful next few weeks. Thanks again for all those who have held me in their thoughts and prayers.
I indeed made it to this 38th day of the fast, in fairly good condition. I'm gladly looking forward to accomplishing the 40th day, as it's a spiritual milestone in fasting. But since it would not be safe to go on much longer, after the 40th day (this Wednesday), I hope to inform the medical personnel at the shelter. It's not clear whether I'd be immediately hospitalized or not, but either way I'll be prepared for the uncertain and painful next few weeks. Thanks again for all those who have held me in their thoughts and prayers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)