I’ve been known to register for camps and retreats without knowing other attendees...I simply love meeting new people! There’s incredible joy in finding how God connects two people in deep friendship.

However, I didn’t account for the fact that in a group of over 70 worldviews among Christ-centered, North American women, I would connect with every person I met. (What a beautiful, unexpected blessing to have!)

We have different backgrounds, work focuses, struggles, and joys. And yet we understand the many layers of it all. Often, it feels that life in overseas service is like riding through waves. Waves of cultural complications, language difficulties, friends and family management, spiritual warfare, visa pressures, and health influxes. And just when one wave is coming to a lull, there’s another ready to jostle the boat.

The Thrive retreat has been an island in these waves. A place where I can sit with others in similar situations, look out over the waters, and assess. I’m proud of the waves I’ve learned to weather; the ones God has pulled me through and built my faith in Him stronger. I also see the places where I’m learning to rely on the buoyancy and resilience of my faith and prayerfully seeking God’s guidance.

So from here on this momentary island, it doesn’t look so complicated anymore. In fact, I feel the urge to get back out and try those waves again with more boldness and deeper faith; especially after finding the support of others who have gotten their “sea-legs” through similar experiences.

Most importantly, this time of reflection and rest has reminded me that I hold the hand of the One who walks on water and calms wild waves. It gives me peace in embracing those challenges and excitement to further share His unconditional love.

Kendra Havlicek has lived and worked six years full time with youth in the Czech Republic.