I Love Life (A Retreat by Feast Makati)

Since I started attending the Feast Makati, I have been hearing a lot about the Love Life retreat. I have a friend who attended it, and she said it was life-changing. I’ve always looked forward to affairs like these, as I know I need to constantly “fill my cup” with spiritual nourishment ever since I decided to pursue a great relationship with the Lord. So a couple of months ago, when they announced this, I immediately signed up.

 

It’s an overnight retreat, and thankfully, the universe gave way and fixed my schedule in a way that it will not affect any event at work. In fact, the schedule is just perfect, right after a couple of big events I worked so hard on, meaning, I knew I will really need this after draining myself in long hours of work. Thank God for such opportunities!

When I attended the YAC Renewal Retreat back in 2001, I came alone, which I found most effective because, not only did I get the chance to really be one with God, I also found good friends. So once again, I chose to go to the Love Life retreat alone. It was a quick bus ride from Makati to Don Bosco Batulao (it’s the retreat house right beside the beautiful Chapel on the Hill), and packed with activities on Day 1.

Lovelife Retreat

Love Life Retreat Journal

 

I conditioned my mind and heart to really spend time with God: hearing His words, reflecting on them, talking to Him and immersing myself in deep prayer. Having said this, I was really in a contemplative mood all weekend, and didn’t feel like opening up/talking/participating. It was fine, because they did not force anyone to share, and it was a great opportunity for me to listen and learn about others. My co-participants were in the mid-20s to late-30s, and pretty much everything everyone was going through was somewhat relatable to me.

lovelife retreat

Bus ride home: with some of the most open and awesome people I met. 🙂

I thought that, being in a relationship, since this is a singles’ retreat, I won’t be crying or feeling and dealing with any other emotion apart from gratitude. One of the main things I wanted to do was really express to God how thankful I am– I was, after all, in a happy and even “high on love” romantic relationship. Little did I know that this retreat will touch not just that aspect, but all other forms of relationships in your life. Halfway through the day, I was crying my heart out and dealing with my own insecurities, reflecting on my relationships with my family and even co-workers. Talks and activities were such eye-openers that even made me dig up issues I have covered with my happy relationship with Warren. It was unnerving to remember the things that actually damaged me… but it brought me such relief after the process.

One of the best things about the Love Life retreat was the volunteers and servants. I can honestly say that each of them are radiating with God’s love. It’s so inspiring to see a group of people who are just so passionate in serving the Lord through serving others—it’s actually contagious! So happy to have met this happy bunch.

love life retreat

The Servants and Wounded Healers of the Love Life Retreat. 🙂 Photo grabbed from Mj Bordan’s Facebook Page 🙂

 

Renewed with the time well spent with God and energized with the others’ passion and experiences: I am from Love Life Retreat Batch 10, and yes, I am ready to bless the world!

 

Love Life Retreat

Love Life Retreat Batch 10!

 

9 comments
  1. Hi Janina! I have been looking for a retreat that I could join before this year ends or by early 2015. I usually attend The Feast at PICC. I would like to ask for your help by sharing how or where we can register for the next batch?

    Would really appreciate your response. Thank you very much! 🙂

  2. Hi Janina,

    This is a very helpful article. Im just wondering if you could provide contact details as well for the February 2015 retreat as I would really love to join. Thank you so much in advance

  3. Hi Jan!

    Thank you for this article. I’ve been wanting to attend Love Life Retreat but I am hesitant because I will be attending alone. It’s good to know that there are also people who attend these kind of events alone. I really felt excited after reading this article. Thanks again! 🙂

    • Hello Jen! Thank you for your thoughts. 🙂 Yes it is worth it, even when you go alone! I hope you enjoy the retreat as much as I did. God bless you more!

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