One surprising discovery many first-time volunteers made this week was how easy it was to connect with global workers. They are women just like us, with the same hopes and dreams for their families. They struggle to balance ministry, family responsibilities, and finding time for themselves. Some have college-aged or adult children, or even aging parents, living in the United States, far from where they serve. They experience conflicts with coworkers, enjoy shopping and cooking, and love spending time with friends over a good cup of coffee.

And yet, their lives are also very different from ours. Many must learn another language or even an entirely different alphabet. For example, the Thai alphabet has 44 consonant symbols! Some live with little or no electricity and poor internet access, while others have no running water. They must learn to shop in different ways and cook new foods. Many choose to, or must, dress differently than they would in the US. Many need to raise their own financial support.

Perhaps the comment they dislike hearing most when they return to the United States is, “I could never do what you do.” They want us to understand that they couldn’t do it either—not without the Lord’s strength and empowerment. Each volunteer expressed amazement at all God did in just a few short days, both in the global workers and in ourselves, through the teaching, counseling, prayer, spiritual direction, and pampering options. We serve a mighty God, and He is able to take our meager offerings to use for His purposes and His glory.