It’s been a day of much laughter, many tears, lots of hugs, and crazy photos. The final session with our speaker, Peg Forrest, reminded each of us of our identity in Christ. We can only truly serve when we are secure in that identity. Thanks to WhatsApp, many of us plan to stay in touch across the globe.

The women appreciated the comfortable environment created so that they felt safe to share what was happening in their lives. Here are some comments: “I felt known, loved, seen, and understood. I realized, ‘You “get” me!’ I didn’t have to perform or do anything but just allow the Holy Spirit to wash over me. Thrive has a powerful culture.”

J was going home a different person than the one who arrived on Monday. She never felt so safe to unpack her wounds as she did here at Thrive. She mentioned, too, the exponential impact of the retreat. She left refreshed and renewed so that she could freshly pour into those whom she serves.

M never felt so blessed, pampered, and cared for. She’s had a rough several years of having to be away from her country of service so that she could provide care to her aging parents. Through just one counseling session, she was able to put to rest a ten-year-old burden that had been weighing her down.

K said that her entire life in ministry has been about making room for others at the table. At Thrive, we made room for HER, which was a refreshing change.

There are so many ways the Lord met these women in an individual way, again demonstrating His great love for each of them. They left here basking in that love.