We sat in our small prayer circle, reflecting on the impact we felt as volunteers at the Thrive retreat, sharing both a joy and a burden.

My joy was being with “my people” again. After nine years in Germany and an abrupt departure in 2020, I’d felt disconnected from the expat mission community. Though I now live in my passport country, I haven’t quite fit in since returning. But here, with global women, it felt like coming home. I understand their language, tears, joy in the Taste of Home gifts, and the nuances of raising kids abroad.

In 2018, when I attended Thrive, I was in deep emotional pain. The volunteers poured love and care into me, and I soaked it up like a dry plant. I promised myself, “I’ll be back to serve someday.”

Now, six years later, invited by my 2018 small group leader, Mindy, I returned to serve. It was a full circle moment, giving these women the love and care I had been given.

One volunteer, Becky, shared her burden. She spoke of the global working women who felt like they were sent with little support, so when trouble comes, they aren’t adequately cared for. She asked, “How can we send them back healthy and whole enough to expand God’s kingdom effectively?”

Her words touched a deep pain. My departure in 2020 was due to this very lack of support. When problems arose, no one asked, “How can we send you, Marcy, healthy and whole?”

Sitting with these volunteers filled me with gratitude. They get it. They truly care for frontline workers, giving their time, finances, and energy to send women back healthy and whole, ensuring longevity in hard places. Many financial and prayer supporters partner with volunteers to expand the impact. The Body of Christ at work is another joy I’ll take with me.

Marcy Pusey, Thrive Attendee 2018, served nine years in Germany and is a first-time Thrive volunteer.