Family of K: THRIVE RETREAT

I was invited by some friends from Vineyard Arusha to attend a retreat for American women in ministry, held in Dar es Salaam. I was nervous to go, not knowing that many people but I am so glad I did! If you ever hear about one in your area of ministry you definitely should go! There were women from all over Africa being loved on and pampered by Thrive. It was such a sweet time.

The next upcoming retreats are:

-2015 Thailand

-2015 Peru

-2015 Colorado

-2015 Europe

I traveled up with Heidi Forrest and Jodi Swanson. We took a shuttle to the airport then flew, taxi and we arrived after registration. Debbie Barthalow was there too, and she was my roommate! It was so fun to get to be with her. There was quite a few women that I knew there, and many that knew other people that I know working in their countries of service. It was fun.

The schedule was well thought out I thought and it kept our attention well. I really think this is something our organization could do better, to give them a place to be together and relax away from normal everyday life. Would love for us to be more strategic in the women's department.

Thursday October 23rd

3:30-welcome session

6:00- dinner

7:15-8:30- Evening session with icebreaker games.

All of the ladies sat in a circle on chairs. Questions were asked (like, if you speak 3 languages please move 2 seats over or if you ever paid a bribe move 1 seat over) and if you have ever done or are what they say you have to move down a couple of chairs. Eventually there were 5 people sitting on each others laps. Gets you to know everyone really well. lol

Friday October 24th

7-8:45 Breakfast

9:00 morning session Peg forrest, small groups

12 lunch in connection groups

1-6 free time or if you signed up for a workshop or pampered service you could attend it. They had haircuts and pedicures and concealing services.

6- dinner another connection table conversations. I picked raising third culture kids teen focus. It was interesting to see what other parents are going through and what they are doing.

7:15-8:30 Evening session, with worship and white elephant gifts. Fun!

Saturday October 25th

7-8:45 Breakfast

9:00 Morning session

12- lunch tables had connection topics assigned to it.

1-6 free time / self care workshops and pampering

6 dinner open seating

7:15-8:30 Evening session- Laughter storytelling about funny things that have happened in Africa. Break up into regions to get to know who is who.

Sunday October 26th

7-8:45 Breakfast

9- morning session- Let people hear your story.

Then we left to eat at the slip way. David and Debbie Barthalow dropped us off. From there we headed to the airport.

One afternoon at Whitesands

SeaScape Hotel, across from Whitesands.

Morning view from the verandah.

Day sessions in small groups.

Peggy Forrest speaking. An old family friend from years ago. She was my brothers dorm mom at RVA for 3 years. I loved her stories.

The view from the rooftop of our building. Sometimes I really miss the ocean but its not as enjoyable without the people I love.

New BFF's. They were a hoot to watch. Its like they have known each other all their lives. I am so glad Debbie met some friends to get her out and about in Dar!

Debbie and Beth.

Rock star Heidi.

Karen Lee and I. She used to live in Lindi. Nick knew her before I did but I didn't find that out until after I returned home. She was in my small group. She had a really funny story about visiting a Chinese church in the states having the last name Lee.