Written by Karen Graham
Photo by Karyn Ward
The volunteers are all on-site and training has begun! Everyone is excited to be here, but many are still recovering from hours of travel and adjustment to the time zone. We have a good mix of returning volunteers and first-timers, and it is fun to see both old connections renewed and new connections being made.
The volunteer team has used our pre-retreat time to get to know one another, pray together, and prepare the gifts for the attendees. Each activity is designed to build unity and encourage us to set our focus on those we are here to serve. During day one, we took time to sit quietly before the Lord and allow Him to prepare our hearts.
Thrive brings together women from many different places and backgrounds to form an amazing volunteer team where incredible bonds of friendship are developed. We spend time learning about one another and working side-by-side. We have meals with different members of the volunteer team, we pray together, we work together, we love and build up one another. Our hoped-for goal is to reflect Christ to the hotel staff and our guest attendees while we serve well together by loving and encouraging the women who will come to the retreat.
When it comes to training and preparation for the volunteers, nothing is taken for granted. We train on each aspect of the retreat (small groups, self-care options, prayer, fun evening activities), and have many opportunities to ask questions and work through any anxiety or uncertainty. The by-product of all that we do to learn, train, and prepare is a team that fully enjoys serving God together and growing closer as a team!
Our early days here are not all work. We are fortunate to be a block away from Tallinn’s Old Town, a beautiful medieval village filled with stores and restaurants. Getting to know one another over meals has the added fun of exploring and finding unique local places to eat and enjoy!!
©2019 Thrive