There Are Encounters That Can Change A Life…

This retreat gave me the time, space, and silence to look closely at my spiritual journey and to find ways to tweak it. Away from my daily routine, I was able to focus on deepening my relationship with God by discovering areas to be improved in my life and seeking the grace to do this. The wonderful trees, the lawns and the water surrounding the Villa made me understand the interconnectedness of Creation, God, and me.

This retreat gave me permission to stop and start life again. It helped bring me back into God’s presence and to be aware of all the things that distract and confuse me. I relearned how to be quiet and listen to the Holy Spirit.

I felt I was in God’s home at the Villa. I felt Him all around me. I felt safe and content surrounded by like-minded people.

This was my first-ever retreat and my experience has made me realize how much I needed this. It fed my mind, body, and soul.

It was spiritually nurturing to meet others who were loving, humble and ready to share themselves. This retreat was a breathing space amid overwhelming feelings. It was a privilege to be in a place for LGBTQ+ churchgoers.

It gave me time to look back at how God has touched my entire life journey especially the last 20 years of retirement. In spite of nagging health issues this weekend, I heard the Lord encouraging me to trust in him, to let him love me and be with me as I celebrate my 80th birthday. Gratitude is my main emotion as I face the future., the unknown and the last chapter of life with confidence in the One who loves me and promises not to leave me.

I came to the Villa to be taken care of. The ISCM retreat team did God proud. I have been nourished beyond my needs and wants. He spoke to me in the wind, the trees. I am full of gratitude and am going home with a clearer idea of how to enrich my relationship with God.