Welcome to Thrive’s 19th furlough retreat! The hotel lobby was filled with the excited voices of women as 39 attendees representing 28 agencies and 24 countries arrived in Beaver Creek today. Many of them persevered to get here despite flight delays, road construction, and other travel complications. 

J. had a short three-hour drive here, but she is not accustomed to driving US Interstate highways. This created a high level of stress, but she played worship music and realized the Lord met her there in the car and brought her safely here. 

The arriving women were enthusiastically greeted by the volunteers who have looked forward to this moment for three days now. Each attendee was greeted personally by our director and individually escorted by a volunteer to the area where they could sign up for self-care options.

Many of this year’s attendees serve in undisclosed locations. We don’t publicly discuss where they live or post their pictures anywhere as it could jeopardize their work as well as that of their colleagues.

Most of the women coming don’t know anyone else here, but they quickly establish points of connection with each other as they recognize how much they have in common. But some came with friends, including one group of four coworkers who traveled together. 

B. came because her organization offered to send her to accompany a colleague. Other women are here because generous supporters provided a “scholarship” so they could attend.

Each woman is unique, but each will be pampered, loved, and ministered to over the next few days. We know that our Heavenly Father will meet each one as they allow Him to fill them.