Fasting Dreams

So, it has almost been a week since the fast started, and it's not going too bad if I do say so myself. Our mornings have involved an efficient process of waking and going to the kitchen where each of us takes one side of the stove. Here, Nick makes himself porridge with sultanas, and I cook up some eggs with dates (don't knock it till you try it, thanks for that one mum) - enough for mostly me and a little bit him. While doing this I try to down some glasses of water. I really dislike drinking while eating or closely afterwards. We might also munch on nuts and/or fruit. We then say some prayers and return to the sack for some final moments of warm sleeping bliss before the day begins.

It is at this time that the fasting dreams begin. What I mean by fasting dreams, is the fun dreams one has when sleeping on a full stomach. Many of you have featured in these dreams. But the best was this morning. It was very simple, but gave me the warmest, fuzziest feelings of elation I have been yet to experience in my fasting dreams.

Okay relax. It was not some life-changing dream with some amazing person sharing wisdom.

It was about the weather. Oh yes. And it was good. I dreamt that I looked at The Hague's forecast for the next few days and to my shock and joy it was 19 - 24 degrees for the next five days, with only sunshine. In my dream, I even thought about how I could wear my jandals (thongs).

Couldn't have asked for a better dream.

Then Nick woke me up with a "Lev! It's sunny outside!" ...which was possibly the best way to wake as well.

Now, since then, I have discovered the weather will do no such thing as in my dream. But, there is some sun. I'm satisfied with that. Better than the last 2 days where it has been raining so hard that I have had to walk with soaking wet shoes, socks and feet, both to and from my volunteer job.

Anyway, how did this turn from fasting to the weather?

This fast I have not so much been feeling really physically hungry, but more noticing the joy that comes with having something to eat/drink during the day. A warm cup of tea on a cold day. This has made me acutely aware of those people in this world who don't have such luxuries. Perhaps there is something we can do? Organise a food box for a food bank or something.



PS. Nick will write a blog soon so keep your eyes peeled (he has mentioned it a couple of times this last week.. oh my gosh, could we be so lucky?!!)

PPS. For anyone wondering about the slow or fast burning energy debate on dates. A few of us here in Den Haag have looked at this in depth. FYI depending on what variety of date you buy (there are about 6000) they can either be digested very quickly, or very slowly. One slowly burning variety is Khalas.