The volunteers have all arrived, and it is so exciting to see the enthusiasm of this group of women who have come to serve global workers in Prague. We are young and older, from many different areas of the United States.

This retreat feels a bit different, as it has been two and a half years since Covid impacted the world and shut down the ministry’s ability to encourage these women in person. Many of the volunteers have been waiting and praying as they have anticipated a return to international travel to serve with Thrive. The reunions are sweet, and the excitement to finally be here is palpable.

We love to talk about how God has moved to bring together each team of volunteers. One story stood out today. Nathalie is here to serve for her fourth retreat, her third international. Her schedule was full, so she didn’t think it was her time to serve overseas. But God nudged her so she looked at the two upcoming retreats…one in Prague and the other in Rome. But the volunteer spots were full. She even emailed Megan, Thrive’s retreat coordinator, to be sure, but she was too late. Why did God nudge her only to find out that there wasn’t room on a team?

But only 2 1/2 weeks before the retreat, another volunteer had to cancel, so there was a spot open for a volunteer. Megan reached out hoping that it wasn’t too late for Nathalie to come. After discussing it with her husband, she said yes! In very short order, Nathalie made arrangements with her husband to re-arrange schedules, harvested her garden, booked flights, organized her church to gather gifts for the attendees, and packed. Nathalie came to Prague because God opened the door and she felt it was a gift from God for her to be here. So, what does God have in store for Nathalie this week? We know He made a place for her on this team for His purpose. Nathalie told us He is already doing something in her, but she is also praying that He will do something through her in this time. And we can’t wait to tell you about it.