During the HANSE Conference Women's Weekend Retreat in Hatten-Sandkrug, participants joined Olga Scharf as she explored the story of Joseph and showed how forgiveness can open new perspectives. The weekend was filled with meaningful connections, fellowship, and encouragement.
Sometimes we carry emotional wounds with us for a long time. Disappointments, hurtful words, or experiences we simply cannot forget. But how do we deal with them? What does it really mean to forgive? And can forgiveness truly make a difference in our lives?
These were some of the questions explored by participants at the HANSE Conference Women's Weekend, held October 30 through November 1, 2026, in Hatten-Sandkrug.
Already, the way to the venue was filled with beautiful autumn scenery: trees dressed in brilliant fall colors, patches of thick fog, and, finally, a warm and heartfelt welcome. The joy of seeing familiar faces again, thoughtfully decorated spaces, and many personal conversations quickly created a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Olga Scharf, Women's Ministries Coordinator in North Rhine-Westphalia, guided the women through a topic that, in one way or another, touches every one of us. With her refreshing, down-to-earth, and relatable approach, she brought the subject of forgiveness to life.
At the heart of the weekend was the moving story of Joseph and his family, found in Genesis 37–50. It is a story filled with hurt, injustice, and disappointment, but also with hope and the possibility of a new beginning.
What can we learn from Joseph's story for our own lives? Does forgiving someone mean forgetting what happened? Does a relationship have to return to the way it was before someone was hurt? And how can we find a way to deal with our experiences without allowing them to define the rest of our lives?
Olga connected biblical insights with personal experiences from both her professional and private life. Her openness made her reflections especially meaningful and relatable, encouraging the women to reflect on their own experiences as well.
One thing became clear: forgiveness is not like flipping a switch that suddenly makes everything right again. It can take time and may be a lengthy process. It does not mean minimizing or excusing the wrong that has been done. But it can open the door to a new path—one where our wounds no longer have the final say. Some hurts stay with us longer than we would like. And not everything can simply be forgotten. But I find comfort in the thought that forgiveness doesn't mean erasing the past. Rather, it can help me move forward with a greater sense of freedom.
Of course, there was also plenty of room for fun and laughter! On Sabbath evening, Olga surprised the participants with her artistic skills and talent for creating beautiful hairstyles. Along with meaningful conversations, there were fresh new hairstyles and plenty of joyful moments.
Above all, it was the fellowship that made this weekend so special. Old friendships grew stronger, new connections were made, and personal experiences were shared. The women laughed together, reflected, prayed, and took time to listen to one another.
In the end, the women took home much more than memories of a wonderful weekend. They left with fresh perspectives on forgiveness, meaningful new connections, and a renewed appreciation for the blessing of walking through life together.