Sheepish Ramblings: Spiritual Retreat

February 14-16th the Word of Life Portugal interns traveled to a farm for a spiritual retreat. It was meant to be a time of team building, learning about each other, and learning more abut working cross culturally.

History of Mãos Sujas

The program, then called "Servo" (meaning "servant") was started about 40 years ago by a Dutch couple Jan and Elizabeth who had a heart for recovering drug addicts. They began their work in partnership with other ministries, but are largely independent now. They would house recovering drug addicts, teaching them about God, giving them time to experience Him through nature, and instilling a work ethic through chores on the farm. Over the years, Jan and Elizabeth turned their focus from recovering to at-risk persons and families.

A few years ago, Peter and Annie, another Dutch couple, took over. They have changed the program a bit, in that they now invite groups like us to come and experience their program. It is now called "Mãos Sujas" (meaning "Dirty Hands").

The actual farm has changed as well. They have always milked cows, but only recently got into the cheese business.

Our Experience

We were the first interns from Word of Life Portugal (Palavre de Vida) to be a part of this program. It is unanimous: every group henceforth should do this!! It was absolutely wonderful.

Going off the Grid

Wednesday evening, after having dinner and relinquishing our phones, we walked into the back fields away from light pollution to look at the stars. It was absolutely gorgeous!!! Words cannot begin to describe how beautiful the night sky is, and we had the added benefit of a clear, moonless night. After spending time meditating on God's vastness, we ventured into the woods - without lights. We had to use all my sense - except my sight! - to navigate. At no other time in my life have I relied so much on the people around me to keep myself and the whole group safe and together and moving!! It was definitely a huge lesson in trust. We had to be aware of everyone around us, working together and making sure everyone knew what was coming up on the path. It was very difficult, and there were some moments I wasn't sure we were going to make it out, but we did!

Communing with my Creator

Thursday morning we spread out around the farm for our personal Quiet Time. It was a beautifully sunny day and I so enjoyed being outside in God's creation!

Psalm 19

    The heavens declare the glory of God;
    And the firmament shows His handiwork.
   Day unto day utters speech,
    And night unto night reveals knowledge.
   There is no speech nor language
    Where their voice is not heard.

Their line has gone out through all the earth,
And their words to the end of the world.

    In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun,
   Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
    And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.
   Its rising is from one end of heaven,
    And its circuit to the other end;
    And there is nothing hidden from its heat.
   The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
    The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
   The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
    The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
   The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
    The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
   More to be desired are they than gold,
    Yea, than much fine gold;
    Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
   Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
    And in keeping them there is great reward.

   Who can understand his errors?
    Cleanse me from secret faults.
   Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;
    Let them not have dominion over me.
    Then I shall be blameless,
    And I shall be innocent of great transgression.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.

Later that day, we spent some time talking about adapting to other cultures and working with the Body of Christ. We talked about how people relate to others in different cultures and how certain things (like lack of greeting) are perceived. God created div ersity, and uses our differences to unify us in the Body.

Face to face with emotions

Friday's events were aimed at our personal relationship to God and to others within the Body of Christ, as well as our emotions. We talked about being comfortable being ourselves, making that "normal" versus trying to impress those around us. Then we all picked a phrase that described how God viewed us. It was different for each of us, something that the Lord had laid on our hearts, something we were striving to remind ourselves, something that the Lord was teaching us. We stepped into the middle of the circle of the interns and met each person's eyes as they repeated our phrase to us. "You are loved" "You are forgiven" "You are wanted" Each person individually encouraged and lifted up by their family of interns. It was a sweet time of complete vulnerability, and the moment we began to understand each other on a much deeper level. This is such a rare occurrence within the Body, and I truly appreciated everyone's openness and honesty. There is something truly special about crying together, reminding each other of truth, praying for one another.

Moving forward

This was wonderful timing for a retreat for me. Losing my great-grandfather last week, still processing my move across the ocean, struggling to communicate here, and other things have all been weighing on me a lot. Those two and a half days were so needed. To just step back and relax, to spend time one on one with the Lord in the midst of the beauty of His creation, and learn with the other interns. I am so thankful for that time and I feel so refreshed.