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.

Fall Fun

September is also an interesting month for us. It is the transition from summer ministry to fall ministry. We go from getting the kids in vacation to having to work around the school schedule and their academic needs. Figuring out the logistics is an game of dominoes. We can't make our schedules official until the schools have their schedules official. So we are making schedules and figuring out curriculum and waiting for the schools to get their things in place. So we plan, wait, have meetings, adjust, plan, wait, have meetings, adjust. As the director, everyone asks me questions that I can't answer until others make decisions. Balance and patience are the key to the fall! But we made it and the programming is all up and running! Here are a few of the fall highlights: Sanda, one of our Romanian staff and Sandel, one of our Transition Graduates got married. I was asked to help coordinate so it was a busy time, but turned out well. Ruthie turned 9! She's grown up so much in this last year. She is third grade, plays tennis, loves to sing and dance, is a great great big sister. We had two baptisms to celebrate. Marian graduated 3 years from the Boys Transition Program. He's living and working near Bucuresti and attending the church we attend. It was great to see him take this step. Alex also was baptized. He grew up in the Rosiori orphanage but never really attended our programs by his choice. After he came to Bucuresti he stayed close friends with Marius, who is a graduate and very involved. Through that friendship Alex came to Christ. It is also amazing to see how God works! We started a new group in the Transition Program. This year is a bit different in the fact that the 5 boys that we have in this program are still wards of the state and live at the orphanage. We are bringing them to the boys house for special projects and are trying to teach the some of the transition skills at this point. So far, it has gone well.