Back in November of 2010, I put myself (and my dear, sweet husband) on what we called our Congo Challenge. My naming skills may be a bit lackluster, but I promise you the concept more than makes up for it.
What is it?
For one year, we are on a pre-made sweets and fast food hiatus. What does this mean? If we want that junk, we have to make it ourselves. The reason behind this is that we likely won’t want to make these items ourselves very often, and when we do indulge it will require us to think about it and appreciate such luxuries a little more. Additionally, we’ll save a whole bunch of money every month by giving up these items.
Why do it?
The money we save by not purchasing so much junk food is being put toward our Congolese sister’s sponsorship in the Women for Women International program. Inspired by Lisa Shannon’s A Thousand Sisters, I realized that the atrocities that these women endure are beyond unimaginable for me sitting here in my American bubble. The least that I can do is show my support through encouraging letters and by providing a mere $27 to fund a one-year education for a woman who doesn’t have the opportunity to attend university, as I have; who doesn’t have a safe and comfortable home, as I have; who doesn’t have easy access to hospitals and doctors, as I have.
I think Yvonne's life is worth a whole lot more than a trip to the drive-thru.
Do I think you should try this?
Absolutely! Does it have to be a sponsorship with WfWI? No (though I do strongly encourage it!). Does it have to be giving up sweets and fast food? No. In the interest of making this whole venture a little more adaptable to suit everyone’s tastes and interests, I thought of a more inclusive name for our mission. You are now officially invited to participate in Operation Honeycomb!
Are you up for the challenge?
I’m willing to bet you’ve got some luxuries that cost you some amount of money each month. I’m also willing to bet that some of those luxuries aren’t doing you any favors, and in fact, might not be healthy habits (smoking, overindulging at bars, eating high calorie and expensive meals, etc.). So here’s the challenge:
- Choose a cause.
- Set a monthly dollar amount that is roughly equivalent to a luxury you’re ready to give up to help someone else live a little easier.
- Commit to a period of time (a year is really great if you can do it!).
- Jump into action, and remember the reason for giving up your luxury whenever you feel tempted to cheat.
Don’t be intimidated: do something that will challenge you, but for a reason that will inspire you. Make a realistic goal, and stick with it. It may seem like a big step to you right now, but when you start to count the wonderful things you have in your life, you’ll find that you can stand to part with one or two of them, at least for a little while, in order to help others.
If you decide to participate in Operation Honeycomb, share your cause and sacrifice with us, and add your drop of honey! While you’re add it, grab our badge and help spread the word!
Aaaa!!!! This is so awesome!!! I’m still trying to think of a luxury to give up. I can’t wait to participate, though!
Excellent!! The best part is, I’ve found that after a few months, I’ve really realized that I don’t even want what I gave up anymore. Every time I think I do, I remember Yvonne, and she makes me so much happier than a bowl of ice cream ever could!
I think this is wonderful! We just spoke today about trying to get all our meat from the butcher or market and although it will be more expensive, we’re ready to cut down on our meat consumption and impact! We will be eating smaller portions of meat, adding in more non-meat products (nuts, tempeh, tofu) and make sure to utilize as much of the meat as possible!
As I always say – Thanks for inspiring me!
Whoo hoo! I have a post on this very topic coming soon – love that you and Pete are making some adaptations!
Pingback: The Panzi Women’s Hospital | Dose of Honey