Things are a bit quieter now that the attendees have returned to the 26 different countries where they live and serve. We miss the lively chatter of those extra 73 women, but it is time to process all that we have experienced. There is much joy over what the Lord has done this week, but there are many other emotions as well. We have listened to the burdens the attendees carry. We didn’t come with answers, but to let these global women know that they are not alone as they walk in obedience and live in another culture. Those struggles are the same that we experience stateside, but living cross-culturally adds a layer of complication. Yet also, we heard that living cross-culturally heightens their joy as they know they could not do this without God.

We started today to explore this beautiful city we’ve been in for the week. The team headed out early to tour the beautiful Prague Castle, and then to have lunch and a walk. Some shopped to gather gifts for family and friends, some chose to rest and relax a bit before we began our time of reflection.

In the afternoon we gathered to reflect in our shared experiences. Our lead counselor, Cathy, led us through a session to express our own responses to the time we spent with the attendees.

We identified those stories that have had the most impact on us, how they have affected us, how we should process them and then share them when we return home. We talked about the things that surprised and challenged us. The range of emotions went from surprise and confusion to awe and thankfulness—and everything in between.

One observation a volunteer made as we discussed the stories these beautiful women shared with us was that “God is not about giving us crumbs.” What an accurate description of the way that God reminds us of His lavish love for us—just as He has used us to remind these global workers of the same.