The day is here and the attendees are arriving! There is laughter and excitement as they are greeted and given information about the next few days. They each receive a welcome gift and the opportunity to sign up for self-care options. Some women live close by and some have traveled many hours. Some have served overseas for years and some just a short time. Some come with teammates and others come alone. But they all moved far from home to serve God where He has called them. They have taken on the task of living in another culture to share the truth of God’s love to those around them.

Our speaker, Sue, shared in the introductory session how she found close community years ago at a Thrive retreat just after she moved to a new country. Many of the attendees are also looking for community. They are looking for rest. Some are struggling with burnout, or are in transition with family and/or ministry. They are looking for encouragement.

Our goals for the week mirror the needs expressed. Everything we do and say and sing is to remind these women of their true identity—that they are beloved daughters of the King. We demonstrate His lavish love with special gifts and pampering. We work diligently to provide a safe environment where women can share their joys and struggles; where we can laugh and cry with them, and where they are encouraged by what God has done by bringing them here.

As the women settle in, we start to get to know one another. We take time to talk and pray. We have our first meal together. And then we start the first evening with silly games to break the ice as they get to know more about each other. And we cap the session with a time of private reflection and prayer.

Even after a long day in new surroundings, you can hear their collective sigh of relief. We know that this time is good, and this is a place to breathe and relax, and to know that God has provided abundantly!