After many hours of travel, 14 new and 8 returning volunteers have gathered in Cape Town, South Africa, to prepare to serve and bless 35 global women. The path to this moment of service is as unique as each woman.

One first-time volunteer never imagined that a mission trip would be part of her journey—until a friend introduced her to Thrive, and God stirred her heart with an unexpected opportunity. What followed was a journey of surrender, as she watched God move in miraculous ways: asking her to release her grip on her finances, her to-do list, and her family’s daily needs. God honored her attitude of surrender and confirmed His calling. As the departure date approached and her finances had not come in, she questioned her call. She gave a final request to her community, and God provided the remainder of her financial needs within just 24 hours. She now sees how God intentionally brought her here to guide women through spiritual direction.

A returning volunteer who has served at many domestic retreats is attending her first international retreat. Although the financial, travel, and time commitments are greater than when serving in the States, she anticipates experiencing the same joy in giving. As with previous retreats, she arrives with a posture of availability—willing to engage in intentional conversations, love through the five love languages, and serve wherever God leads.

These are just two of the 22 stories represented by the women gathered in Cape Town. Each volunteer brings her own strengths, and together we are forming a team uniquely equipped to meet the diverse needs of the global women arriving in just a few days.