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Divine Packing

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Lack of connection to my OA Fellowship is my biggest challenge while on vacation. My regular meeting isn’t available, and my cell phone doesn’t work for making outreach calls when I travel outside the country. Isolation from other OA members, minus my usual routine, is a dangerous formula for me.

My last trip to Germany was quite challenging. I was staying with friends who wanted to begin activity early in the morning. As difficult as it was for me to set a boundary, I stayed in bed long enough to say my prayers every day (Step Eleven). I asked my Higher Power to walk with me, talk through me, and most important, align my will with Higher Power’s.

Thank goodness I’d had the foresight to pack some Lifeline magazines! The articles were little bursts of recovery in my day, and the magazines are light enough for easy packing. Changing for dinner was a perfect time to squeeze in a little reading (Tool of literature). Getting ready for bed gave me another few moments when I could connect with my fellows. I’d brought a small stack of pre-addressed envelopes and blank note cards. Each night I wrote a quick note (Tool of writing) to let another fellow know where my head was and what I was doing for my recovery.

I have a vivid memory of one tough night. After a long day of social activity, food was calling my name. When I noticed a particular trigger food was on my mind for the fourth or fifth time, I knew it was time to write to my sponsor (Tool of sponsorship).

In the letter to my sponsor, I shared about the thoughts that were eating me. I committed to taking the next right action, which was saying the Third Step Prayer and the Serenity Prayer. After sealing the envelope and fulfilling my commitment, I felt a great sense of relief.

My Higher Power was with me even though I was thousands of miles from home. I guess I packed some of the divine. Thanks for letting me share.

— Elizabeth B., Santa Ana, California USA

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