Inside Out is a Disney movie that came out in 2015. In it a girl named Riley leaves her home in Minnesota and moves across the country to San Francisco. Along the way she is guided by her five personified emotions: Fear, Sadness, Joy, Anger and Disgust. Whenever something important or memorable happens in Rileys life it is presented in the form of a glowing orb called “a core memory”. These are the road maps for what makes Riley…Riley!
Why am I telling you about a Disney movie?
Well, besides the fact that it’s one of my favorite movies in existence, (even more so now that I’ve moved away from home) I love the idea of having core memories. The memories that stick with you and shape you as a person. I want to share with you a new core memory.
The start of any adventure rarely looks perfectly organized and tidy. So it was with my trip to Thailand for the annual Friends Network mission retreat. Jamming the few summer clothes I have into my suitcase, making sure I have my passport, and charging up my transport card, I took off for Incheon Airport. I must admit that I was a bit nervous…
When I got off the airplane I was greeted by the little Chiang Mai airport and the taxi man who waited for me. I believe my first thought was, “I’m not in Korea anymore…” (duh). As we drove to the resort I got to see a bit of the country. Motorbikes flew past, Buddhist temples dotted the sides of the road and stall after stall of street food left a spicy smell in the air. I was at the mercy of the taxi driver and the FN team who planned this whole thing out.
The comfort and familiarity I felt when I arrived at the resort and met up with my friends and fellow missionaries was extraordinary. Hugs all around and stories shared while basking in the cool Thailand evening weather. A touch of home we all needed at this point in the mission.
I wish I could tell you all every detail of the 4 days in Thailand and all the spiritual growth that happened for all of us, but I’m afraid substack might not have enough room! What encouragement. What revelation. What a treasure these people are. Riding in the back of a red truck together (no seatbelts, just hold on for dear life), exploring the night market and singing hymns drew us all closer. The resort was very beautiful, but more beautiful were the hearts and prayers of the people staying there.
We had a lot of wonderful activities that brought us closer, but one that really stands out is “A Great Cloud of Witnesses”. In this activity we went one-by-one and wrote everyones name on a little piece of paper shaped like a cloud. As we went around the room we wrote the qualities we admire about that particular person. Instead of giving the corresponding piece of paper to the person when we finished, we kept them for ourselves. This way, as we go back to our separate mission fields around the world we can remember the people near to our hearts. A reminder to pray, to connect with and help the other witnesses around the world.
The theme of this years retreat comes from Hebrews chapter 12 verse 1:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
This is the mission for all of us.
It was such an amazing experience to be in Thailand all together again. Meeting up with friends new and old and laughing together til our lungs hurt. Discussing our fears and challenges. A time for prayer and fellowship. Knowing that we are in this together.
Just like in Inside Out, we all have core memories we cherish for one reason or another. This time in Thailand will forever be a core memory for me. Looking back on it and drawing strength from the togetherness. And ultimately using the lessons and encouragement to better go into all the world and share the gospel.
“We are not always sure where the horizon is. We would not know which
end is up were it not for the shimmering pathway of light falling on the
white sea. The One who laid earth’s foundations and settled its dimensions
knows where the lines are drawn. He gives all the light we need for trust
and for obedience.”
-Through Gates of Splendor
Thank you all for your support! Until next time!
-Lauren Christman
Songs:
Blessing by Zero
I Had to Grow Up by Colony House
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