Katrina connection

So, I signed up for WW (my abbreviation for Weight Watchers) with Kath and Carolyn on August 22, 2005 and three days later left for a National Youth Gathering Meeting in New Orleans. Supposed to come home on Sunday August 26, but Katrina said "no". Ended up getting stuck in the Sheraton on Canal St. until Tuesday morning. Survived the storm well, in a fifth floor ballroom, to which we had been evacuated (there were 13 of us stuck there from the meeting). The levees broke on Tuesday morning and we escaped by God's hand 25 minutes before our hotel flooded and we would have been stuck until Friday. I had a very emotional reaction to being rescued from the suffering that so many others experienced. It reminded me so much of how grateful I felt for my life after returning from Haiti in January 2005. I lost some weight temporarily, then, as well. Here's the deal:

1. I felt embarrassed that my weight was a liability for the group that was stuck (it was hard to fit me in a car to leave and I had a very difficult time climbing the 27 flights of stairs to my room in the hotel when the power went out). I want to be healthy and fit and able to help in an emergency.
2. It is sinful to be so overweight when so many are hungry or needy. Absolutely sinful. I know that I am forgiven and I want to live better. I want to use the body God has given me in a better way.

This experience very much fueled me and my determination in the beginning and remains a piece of what motivates me to keep going. It's a response to God's rescue. Thank You, God.

P.S. I just got an email that the suitcase I left behind out of necessity at the Sheraton was dropped off by UPS at my office. Can't wait to see what's in there!