Ninety-four women serving in 27 countries, traveling to Phuket from five different continents. 

The Thrive attendees have arrived. 

Some have come not knowing exactly what they hope to get from this retreat, knowing only that they desperately need it.

Others know exactly what they’re hoping for. For most, this looks like rest…connection… encouragement…or maybe simply a break. 

Many of them are mothers who have left children in the care of others. They and their families have sacrificed for them to be here. 

A good number are single, looking forward to meaningful connection with women who understand their particular brand of challenge.

Quite a few find themselves in a very low place, deeply discouraged and confused. They’re not sure how much longer they’re going to be able to stick with it.  

Some are serving from a place of many joys, and several are doing all right, but not one, even among these, is without challenges—and often there are many. 

One said simply that she desires to be somewhere she can meet with Jesus. 

More than one talked about needing conversations with others about what trauma-informed care really looks like. 

Probably every single woman here is tired. 

And that’s okay. It’s all okay. Thrive gets it. 

Which is why it really doesn’t matter whether an attendee knows why she’s here or what she hopes to get from the retreat. After 26 years of ministering to women, Thrive has a pretty good idea of what will bring hope and replenishment to these global workers. 

These are the reasons Thrive retreats exist—to refresh and replenish, and more, with the resources God has generously provided through the service of its volunteers and in the beauty of this space. 

The retreat has begun, and we are excited to see what God has in store!