Anyhow, as we all know from basic science classes, an experiment/research project begins with curiosity about an idea, which turns into a question/hypothesis. Depending on the research, this may involve several questions, which are often at least somewhat open-ended, especially in the social sciences, where there would be little point in doing a research project if you already know exactly how it’s going to turn out before you even begin collecting the data.

And then the data-collection phase begins, allowing room for unexpected results and adaptations based on whatever findings may come up, which are then analyzed, interpreted (objectively and/or subjectively), added to the collective knowledge, and fine-tuned for future experimentation.

In the process of all of this, I believe that a good, successful (and interesting) experiment will open even more curiosities and research questions than what we had to begin with, which is exactly what I see happening here. So, even though this may not be what you were expecting when beginning this experiment, ending your eating plan now is not necessarily “the end.” What you have here is useful data, and, quite frankly, I think this turn of events makes your experiment all the more compelling than it would have been had it run its course without any detours.

Like I said before, I believe a good research project will conjure up even more relevant questions for the original researcher and for others reading his/her research, which can then be developed into opportunities for further research. With that in mind, from the time since you’ve started this experiment, it seems that some interesting findings and considerations are already at hand, based on what you’ve said so far and several comments to your posts.

I know this has certainly stirred my curiosity and creativity just from reading about it, and now my mind is full of questions and ideas prompted by this turn in your experiment. Either this is the mark of a successful experimental endeavor on your part or I’m a total geek (or both, most likely). But, I think this could very well continue on in different, unexpected ways. . . ways that don’t involve you continuing to put your well-being at risk.

It sounds like perhaps you’re thinking that the main goal behind this experiment–to only spend $30 on 30 days of food and donate the difference to charity–could be fine-tuned to incorporate more calories, overall, and therefore actually be doable without the serious health risks. And that may very well be possible. If so, you could try again another month, once your body has fully recovered (which won’t take long at all if you’re stopping now).

Or you might come up with another way to fine-tune this into a new approach, which I know your creative mind is fully capable of doing. Regardless, I look forward to seeing what you have in store.

I can see your delimma though. There are a lot of people that don’t have the ability to just ‘end the experiment’ and that is a terrible reality. I think it is important for people to become aware of what is happening and to truly know what hunger is and how rampant it is, even in the US.

But I feel that you already possess that awareness and putting your physical well-being in jeopardy unnecessarily may not be the best use of the gifts and talents God has given you.

Plus…your friends don’t want to see you hurt yourself.

Well, you know that old saying, “Co-workers don’t let co-workers starve themselves to death.”

I feel an Italian grandmother coming out in me. I want to stuff you with pasta… but only while you’re alive… not like taxidermy.

This weekend I’m selling in a neighborhood garage sale a lot of the stuff I have around the house that I really don’t need (I have a lot); therefore, in solidarity with your idea here of less materialism/consumerism, I’ll donate a decent percentage of what I earn from that to World Vision.