Today is the day we’ve all been waiting for—praying, planning, and preparing for—83 women serving in 33 different countries with 41 different agencies arriving by planes, trains, and automobiles for THE Thrive Retreat. And by afternoon the lobby was filled with happy reunions of old friends, sweet hugs between sisters, and warm introductions to new friends.

This is Alissa’s first chance to attend a Thrive retreat for global workers. Alissa, her husband and young son serve in France. She heard about Thrive nine years ago, even before they started serving from her pastor’s mother who was a volunteer with Thrive. She’s been waiting for this opportunity for God’s timing. And this was the year she could take the much-needed time and come with a friend.

Alissa and her husband love living and serving in France. It is a lifetime commitment for them. She shared how juggling ministry and a young child in another culture, was harder than she ever imagined. They’ve felt opposition wading through mounds of government paperwork, harassment, health issues, and initial language barriers, without a break. (Home assignments are not vacations!)

Alissa shared this with her small group as they met for the first time today. They are all young mothers and acknowledged the common struggle of always caring for others at home and in ministry so their hearts connected almost instantly. And they all voiced the same desire for this week…refreshment and rest to listen to the Lord.

The speaker for all main sessions, Amy Galloway, encouraged the group at the very start by saying that every obstacle and discouragement they’ve been encountering was a divine appointment. “Don’t check those at the door,” she said, “bring it in.” Amy emphasized the goal for this week is for each woman to be seen, heard, and loved. She said, “Let’s gather like chicks sheltered under the wings of Christ’s love.”

"Keep me as the apple of your eye: hide me in the shadow of your wings." Psalms 17:8

(Photo: Alissa on the left and Jackie (me), a small group leader.