Thrive!!

In October I had the privileged to attend the Thrive Retreat. Thrive is an organization that provides support to women who serve on the Mission field. They have different retreats around the world, and this fall they held one in Tallin, Estonia. I'd received their publication for years. It is full of articles that are written by missionary women and found them to be interesting and usually applicable. Through that publication and a few friends that have attended in the past, I'd always thought it would be fun to go. Finally, this fall I was able to attend. Jenny and I were two of the 68 missionaries in attendance from 28 different countries. There were also over 30 women there as volunteers to serve and spoil us in different ways. We had different speakers, small group discussion time, free time, socialization time, worship, prayer time, etc. It was extremely well thought out and organized and as a planner I was impressed at how well thought out and intentional each moment was. My small group how two volunteer leaders and then 6 missionaries. The youngest was 25 and the oldest in her 60s. I had the most time in the field and we were from 5 different countries. It was amazing to meet people so diverse, but yet we had so many things in common that there were instant bonds. We were able to be open and vulnerable with each other and understand each other through many shared and common experiences. I was able to attend a session on Grief and Loss. It was about the amount of loss that missionaries experience. Everything from loss of conveniences and being able to be present at events, to the amount of times you say goodbyes. Some of you may have heard that Jenny, my assistant and my house mate is leaving the field after 16 years. Her departure came quite suddenly so it is a bit of a shock and adjustment. This session for me came at a perfect time. I was also able to talk to a counselor who helped me to see that in my position in the organization I'm always helping others deal with and resolve things. Jenny's departure, for me, can't be resolved logically. I have to allow myself to grieve the loss that it represents. In the afternoon free time I had a massage and a pedicure done by extremely kind women. I also was able to take some long walks and have some time to be alone and journal. It was an amazing time and I'm so grateful for it. My church stepped in and funded this for me and I'm extremely thankful for the opportunity.