This past weekend the entire Thailand Team of 24 people took a retreat to Paradise Lake Retreat in Denver, PA. While it was only a 20 minute trip for most of us (except for Nate, which it was only 2 minutes away), it still felt like we had truly gotten away from the business of life. The retreat house was a beautiful log and stone cabin set back on a 130 acre farm. Its entire one wall was windows which looked over a "lake" (ok, so a large pond) and rolling hills and woodlands. Being a country girl at heart, I felt right at home in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature.
The purpose of the trip was to truly get away and bond together as a group. Friday was spent eating pizza, worshiping together and doing group bonding activities. While I was one of the first to bed (I know I'm not really that old, but I value my sleep) it was still in the early AM's when the chattering and music stopped and the lights went out. The guys all slept up in the loft of the cabin while we females took over the entire basement. (I'm not exaggerating when I say take over. I was one of the most organized ones there when it came to stuff... and that's not saying a lot).
Saturday morning shone bright through the mist as we ate a delicious breakfast planned by Carol Sheureman and prepared by fellow team members. After some worship lead by Ashley, and a short devotional by Ed Sheureman, we got to spend a full hour outside doing a personal God time.
I chose a bench set in a little garden overlooking the pond and just about everything else. After allowing the cool air to refresh me and the sun to kiss my face, I opened up to Isaiah 61. This passage had been really speaking to me lately through various ways in my life. While my focus had been on the first 3 verses for some time, I really narrowed in on the last sentence in verse 3.
"They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor."
This brought many new insights to me on how we are to be seen, as strong tree's that are deeply rooted in Christ, and our tall branches lifting up glory to Him!
If you would like to hear more insight for me, feel free to seek me out. I have 5 pages in my journal just on that sentence!
Most of the afternoon was free-time after lunch. A few of us went one a hike, while others played football, frisbee, volleyball, and took a swim (burr!!!). We came together then for another group bonding game, led by Josh Warren. While attempting the activity 3 times, we did not turn out succesful in the task. We gained some good insight, however, on how we work together as a whole group, as well as how the individuals in the group contribute. Much of this had been previously discussed earlier that day, as we got our "test results" back. Our last meeting we had taken a Cultural Personality Test of sorts, and now got to see what it meant. It was so neat to see different personalities in various culturally minded experiences. It's hard to explain on here, but if you asked one of us I'm sure we could shed a greater light for you!
My team (Team Tisut - meaning "The Best Team") prepared dinner for everyone, and I will brag for a moment to say it was delicious. Thanks again Carol! Dinner led way into presentations, which we had (or should have, anyway) prepared previously to this weekend. Friday night the two "more prepared" groups presented for us. Dr. Ed's team (which Nate is in, so I am kinda partial to this one) did a hilarious video on Thai cultural customs, food and transportation. Ryan Snyder's group then did a really fun game show for us, giving insight to history of Thailand. Saturday night the other two groups presented. Josh Warren's group also did a game show on Thai Money, and my group had a "living map" of Thailand to show geography and regions, as well as we did a rap and Thai dance about politics. Overall, it was a lot of laughs and great learning experience!
Sunday morning shone with another warm and beautiful day, but sad hearts as we knew we would be leaving. Worship and reflection time followed another wonderful breakfast, and soon we were all scurrying around trying to clean and pack up to head out.
Ask any team member, and we will tell you that we are all now "La Familia" (many inside jokes, involving poor spanish skills, occurred over the weekend). While I can honestly say that we had been a group to have been well bonded from the start, I think we are now truly a family in a sense. And I can speak for everyone when I say we cannot wait to be headed to Thailand!
