Dearest WAVES,

Below is a question Marilyn posted on the WAVES board that I want to address.

I've been here a few months only and have not been to a WAVES convention, so I have missed much. The only thing I know is from the Native Paths site. This could take a little time, but what, how, and how much of foods and other necessities do you put away? How do you store them long-term? I have always had this done for a very short term, but am lost as to the what and how for long-term. Would you share anything else of importance Betty has told the WAVES, or give me a way to find out in more detail?

Thank you, and love,
Marilyn

I suggested at the Gathering that we prepare for emergencies by stocking our homes with food, water, and medical supplies. If you have storage space, build your supply to last up to one year and add extra supplies to accommodate close neighbors should they need your help. For many people, saving more than six months of food may be a challenge due to lack of available storage space. I suggest you purchase MREs (Meals Ready to Eat). They fit under beds or anywhere in the home. You can purchase them by going to the link below:

http://www.beprepared.com

Read through and gain knowledge of how to store food and for what length of time. I have dried foods but I also buy foods on sale that my family consumes regularly and rotate them to keep my supply fresh.

When I travel in a vehicle, I carry MREs, my medical kit, blankets, pillows, and water with me. In winter months, I add a 10-pound coffee can and place candles and matches in it. Burning the candle — with a window cracked for ventilation and air — is safe and will keep you from freezing until help arrives. These items last for years — no need to use them right away. By the way, the MREs are delicious. I made my family practice using them. It is a bit tricky to heat the food, but if it were all you had, you would not mind the effort.

For more information, search www.google.com on “preparedness”.

Purchase a book on survival. The one I mentioned at the Gathering is: SAS Survival Guide by John Wiseman.

Other recommendations:

1. Take a first aid course.

2. Keep your body exercised and fit. Even fifteen minutes of stretching each day is of help. Walk more.

3. Drink plenty of water to purify and cleanse your body.

4. Practice a simple meditation: Sit quietly, clear your thoughts, and take in three deep cleansing breaths. Imagine the love of God filling you, then radiating from you. Bathe in this wonderful feeling and experience your body becoming strong and whole.

As WAVES, we are becoming aware of all things, including life crises. We need not fear for our lives because we are in God’s hands; all his children are. However, knowledge and faith in our belief uncovers our divinity to bless us. We then gain confidence that furthers our work to aid others.

I love you,
Betty