WOTH Retreat

As a woman and a missionary in Brazil I was pretty excited when I heard about the following opportunity: Four days of speaking English. Four days of interaction with other missionary women from North America. Four days of rest and refreshment at a nice hotel.(that I didn’t have to pay for!) Four days where I could worship in English. Four days of girl time. Four days that I would not have to prepare a meal, wash a dish or scrub a floor. Four days of pampering. Four days of retreat with Women of the Harvest. YES! Sign me up!!!

Women of the Harvest (WOTH) is a non-denominational ministry of support and encouragement for women serving cross-culturally. I was completely blown away by this organization, which by the way I’d never heard of before! The love and commitment of the staff and volunteers with WOTH was remarkable and inspiring. These 20+ women came from the states to pour into, love on, encourage and invest in missionary women from all over Latin America!

God used these ladies as well as the other missionaries to bless my soul, lift me up, bring me to tears and realign my heart to HIS. This included hearing from the Lord through His Word each morning as the retreat speaker talked about “our identity in Christ”. My tears flowed as I sang my heart out in worship and spent time in quiet with my Lord. Not just tears, but also laughter as giggles erupted when we heard stories of silly or embarrassing things that have happened to fellow missionaries. My mouth smiled as I sat at the table with my small group and saw just how perfectly God had placed us together. Peace filled my heart in times of prayer with intercessors. My jaw dropped at the lavish generosity of the gifts brought from the states (coffee creamer, chocolate chips, bath and body works, peanut butter!…) The nights got late as my roommates and I stayed up taking and talking and talking. My muscles relaxed under the hands of a fabulous masseuse. My doubts were laid at His feet through quiet meditation. My home was at peace with my fabulous, handsome husband there loving on, taking care of and playing with our girls. My waistline was expanded with chocolate everywhere I turned. My skin was tanned sitting by the pool chatting with new friends. My gratitude overflowed as I saw the Lord turn hurting hearts into healed hearts. My mind rested as others took care of details. I was reminded just how small the world is as again and again connection were made, “you know so and so? Really, she’s from my hometown, he was my teacher, my son went to school with them…” My spirit was refreshed and renewed through conversation and affirmation. My heart was filled with joy at His marvelous works, attention to detail and perfect timing.

I could go on and on and one about the blessing from this four day retreat. The WOTH retreat really truly was a retreat in every sense of the word. I feel like I was pampered as a whole woman. In my emotions through supportive conversations, in my body through massage and a pedicure, in my spirit though time in the Word and prayer, in my mind through rest and reflection. As I boarded the bus for the 10 hour ride home there was much to reflect upon. Not the least of which is how great a blessing and privilege it is to be a woman living the life God has called me to. Working and serving here in Brazil, praying for wisdom as we raise up our girls to know, love and follow the Lord. Learning to support, encourage and walk beside my husband. In a word the joy it is to be one of many, many Women of the Harvest!!

PS. Check out Women of the Harvest at: womenoftheharvest.com and tell all your missionary friends about this wonderful ministry!

The pictures below are from this retreat.

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