Public transportation on the island of Hydra…no cars are allowed!
Today marked the beginning of our Azmera GREECE journey. Some of us arrived excited, some tired from travel, all bringing a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty. We came from different places and brought different personalities, gifts, and life experiences, but the Lord brought us here for one shared purpose: to love and encourage women who have given so much of themselves while serving cross-culturally.
One of our team members, Barbara Pedersen, shared these reflections from our arrival in Greece:
We all made it here to sun-kissed Greece!
The travel day was a whirlwind of introductions and reunions with kingdom-minded global worker friends at departure gates, connecting flights, and finally at our destination gate in Athens.
Seeing the blue-green sea and islands before landing, I was reminded that this beautiful view was a reward for the long travel day.
The first miracle we witnessed was all 16 of us, along with our nearly 50-pound suitcases and carry-ons, fitting into one small passenger van! I just shook my head in disbelief as the driver quickly filled the trunk space while a sea of luggage still sat outside. Well, the adage "leave it to the professionals" and trust in the Lord rang true. Mission accomplished!
The Gold Coast Resort does not disappoint. It's lovely, airy, modern, minimalist, fresh, open, clean, and spacious, with beautiful grounds. There are so many spaces to sit in solitude or gather with our prayer circles.
We were welcomed with a delicious buffet offering rows of fresh food choices.
Best of all, the women in our group were so open to meeting one another and were truly warm in spirit, with servant hearts. I knew on this first day that the retreat would be a worthwhile experience.
— Barbara Pedersen
We began where every Azmera team needs to begin: with prayer. Before organizing supplies or talking through assignments, we reminded ourselves that this retreat belongs to the Lord. We cannot manufacture the conversations these women need, heal the places that hurt, or know what each person is carrying when she walks through the door. We can prepare faithfully, but only the Holy Spirit can lead us into the moments that matter most.
Our team-bonding time was more meaningful than simply learning names. As the ladies shared pieces of their own stories, it became a beautiful reminder that God rarely calls us to serve from a place of having everything figured out. He uses the places where we have struggled, grieved, healed, and learned to trust Him. Each woman brings her own unique gifts and experiences, and it is beautiful to see how God has brought this team together with such care.
Traveling overseas often stretches our faith. It means releasing familiar routines, accepting what we cannot control, and trusting the Lord with the details. Even in the little things, like getting 16 women and all their luggage into one van, we are reminded that dependence is not weakness. It is an invitation to notice His provision more clearly.