Jeism Jianne A.
Pamplona
Stem 12- St. LTG
The retreat that we had last February 19 and 20, 2026 at Betania Retreat Center left a
very special memory in my heart that I will always carry with me. It was my first time
joining a retreat. Before going, I honestly thought that a retreat was only about praying
all day. I also felt worried because we were not allowed to use our cellphones. I thought
I would not survive without my phone and that the retreat would be boring. But I was
wrong. As the days went by, I truly enjoyed the experience.
During the retreat, I learned that it is okay to give time to yourself. In our busy lives, we
are always surrounded by noise, social media, schoolwork, and many responsibilities.
We rarely stop and just breathe. In the retreat, I had time to reflect about myself and my
actions, my feelings, my dreams, and even my mistakes. Because of this, my heart felt
light and not heavy anymore. The quiet atmosphere helped me slow down, breathe
more calmly, and become more aware of my thoughts and emotions. For the first time in
a long while, I felt real peace inside.
The retreat also helped me reconnect with my faith in God. Through the talks, prayers,
and silent moments, I truly understood how much God loves me. I realized that even
when I make mistakes or feel lost, God is always there guiding me. This gave me
comfort and strength. I learned to trust Him more and to remember that I am never
alone in my struggles.
The natural environment of Betania also played a big part in my reflection. Being
surrounded by trees and greenery, and being away from technology and distractions,
made me feel calm and relaxed. I appreciated simple things like the fresh air, the quiet
mornings, and the peaceful surroundings. I realized that peace is not something
complicated. It can be found in simple moments when we allow ourselves to pause and
be present.
This retreat gave me not only memories but also lessons that I will always remember. It
changed the way I see quiet time, prayer, and even myself. What I first thought would
be boring turned out to be one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. The
retreat at Betania Retreat Center will always have a special place in my heart.