We arrived at the English Village at about 12pm and found out that we could not go to our rooms until 4:30. That's a lot of time to wander around and entertain yourself when you don't really have a plan. So we played mini golf, went for some walks, climbed a roof, played ping-pong and watched some soccer. And before we knew it they told us we could now move into our freshly cleaned rooms. The rooms were like dorm rooms and the buildings were called dormitories. It felt kind of like being in high school or camp meeting. Christina and I were placed in Purple Coneflower. We shared a room with two other girls and slept on bunk beds with plastic feeling blankets that made a terrific amount of noise every time we moved.
The first meal seemed to smell like something delicious and silly people that we are decided it would be amazing to have haystacks... but alas it was only rice. Of course! After supper we had a vespers-like program with Pastor Hillary Baatjies. Who is a South African man who used to work in Korea. He was amazing. He had very funny stories and illustrations but more than that he had a very fantastic message. It was all focused on Psalms. A great deal of it had to do with forgiveness and how we cannot ask God for forgiveness unless we have stopped making excuses for the sin. He also talked about how God takes care of us and how God is real. I wish I had taken some notes, but it was powerful. I think we all really needed to hear it. I know I listened with every part of my soul the whole time.
After the first meeting we broke into groups and had some prayer time, praying for the Language program and Korea and the world. Then we all went to bed. But not to sleep. The beds were extremely hard, even harder than I have become used to over here. Combined with people talking in the living room area of the dorm, doors opening and closing, our toilet that sounded possessed and the heat, it was a restless night.
Sabbath morning came really early. Breakfast was at 7am. Which is earlier than I have gotten up this whole year. Sabbath school was pretty good. Some of the teachers from other schools did skits about pride and how Satan tries to trick us into sinning using various methods. It was humorous and very powerful at the same time. Then we had a very chaotic lesson study time where everyone just tried to yell over everyone else and no one heard anything.
After sabbath school we had church. Another excellent message from Pastor Hillary. This time I think he focused on Psalms 51. All about David and Bathsheba and how David is crying out to God to forgive him, with a contrite heart.
Then we took a group picture. And got in line for lunch. The exciting news that we were actually having haystacks for lunch, spread down the line like crazy. Everyone was really excited about it. After we ate there we went back to church for another worship thought and then communion. Christina's institute was in charge of communion. It was the first time in a really long time that I participated in communion, and in the foot washing. Normally I skip that part. But I got thinking about it and why do I skip it? Usually because I can't be bothered to find a partner and actually do it. Too much work. WHAT? Once a month, or whatever its too HARD for me to get out of my comfort zone, get down on my knees and wash some girls feet? What is wrong with me. So I thought it was time for a change. Sarah and I were partners and it was actually quite nice.
Then we had reconnecting time. Which was code for, free time! So Sarah, Kenton, Arron, Christina, Matt and I decided to climb one of the mountains surrounds the village. So we did. IT was a pretty much straight up climb and I don't know what came over me but I almost just ran up it. My legs and lungs were on fire, but I couldn't stop. I think maybe my body was just overjoyed with the idea of being outside, in the sun and fresh air, that it didn't care that I wasn't used to such an intense hike. But we made it to the top and back down safely. And even had fun!
Then it was time for supper and another wonderful surprise, spaghetti. I wasn't even hungry. Climbing should have left me famished, but it left me feeling tired and not hungry instead.
After supper we had another worship thing and then it was off to game night. SO MUCH FUN. I found Dutch Blitz in the pile of games that were out to play and I found some other people and then the MOST intense games of Dutch Blitz happened. I almost lost my voice from it all. It was really really fun. We probably played for an hour or so. Then I also played some other group games and then it was time for bed. Except not really. I think some people stayed up the entire night. Which is understandable. We never see each other and it is super fun... but I was so tired. But, again the stupid bed and noise made my night... terrible.
Woke up again, super early for breakfast. Packed up all our gear and headed down the hill. After breakfast had another fantastic worship thing, which my dead tired brain somehow absorbed. At the end we all stood and sang Side by Side. Awe!! I remember at camp when we sang that song, always trying to get next to the guy I liked so I could hold his hand for a couple minutes... haha.. Not so much this time. This time it was just nice to be with other people, singing... and standing there, together. For a minute I actually forgot I was in Korea.
And then it was time to say goodbye and head home. And the same feeling of sad empty that comes over you at the end of camp meeting, came swooping over me. Back to real life again. Out of the happy English Bubble we were having so much fun in. =(
And that was the weekend, summarized... of course.
I'd like to think that I am ready for this coming week and the weeks to follow and even the months. But truth is I am tired of being here. No amount of retreats can make up for being at home. But there are only four more months to go. I know I can make it. And I will be glad I stuck with it, someday.
Sometimes God has to take us through something, to get us TO something. And that is my closing thought for this blog.
~Michelle
Glad you had such an amazing retreat!
ReplyDeleteLove you,
Mom