Retreat Experience

“Live a life of LOVE.”

            That was the theme for our retreat last September 18-19, 2013, at the Capuchin Retreat Center in Batangas. It was an overnight retreat with our teachers to renew our faith and fulfil our soul for God. So here are the happenings & my experiences in the retreat.

            All 4^th year and Grade 6 students were told to be at school by 8am on September 18 for our preparations on the upcoming retreat. My friends and I were sooo excited, so we came at 7:30am. Our shirts were given, and we were all happy with its design, and the quote that was written on it. “Live a life of love.” it said. Of course, we didn’t know the true meaning of the quote at that time.

            We left at 9am, and the journey was kinda boring, yet you can hear little whispers about the students’ excitement. When we got there, it was lunch time already. We got out of the bus and were immediately caught by the beauty and peacefulness of the place. 

We all said the same conclusion; the retreat center looked like an academy. You know, like the schools where Hollywood actors shoot at on their films. Then we ate at small cottages outside, and had fun playing and looking around the venue. After, we went into the session hall and were given the rules and regulations for our stay. We were given our keys for our rooms, which I share Sofia and Gail, then again went back to the hall.

The pastor was introduced. He was a friend of our school's CE teacher, Sir Ian Lana. At first glance, he looks like a... normal dude. He didn't look like a pastor. We even thought he looked like Bam Aquino (hihi). But when he started to speak, he immediately caught our attention. He turned out to be a nice, God-fearing but funny pastor.

 
          We had a lot of activities during our retreat. There was a game called 'Samson, Delilah, and the Lion' or something like that. Then there were lessons and and stories that made us cry and realize the importance of our parents to us. And of course, the most emotional event, our sharing about our problems and heartaches to our advisers and classmates. That even made us, made ME, understand each and everyone more. After that, students apologized to each other, hearts and spirits were lifted, and of course, it bonded us closer to each other.

          The next day, we had our final lesson about purity. It was meaningful and had been such a great impact to most of us. And then, that was it. Our retreat was over. We went home with renewed faith and happy hearts.

          What I have learned the most in our retreat  was about understanding and learning to appreciate other people. Everybody has problems, and we shouldn't judge others without knowing them first. LIVE A LIFE OF LOVE. This retreat made us be closer to each other, and of course, love each other more.