Retreats have been a huge part of my college experience, and I am simply blessed that I am even able to say that.
By the time you read this, I will have just returned from my very last college retreat. It's weird to admit that it's my last one—I don't know when I'll have the chance to experience such a blessing again. Thinking about that stirred a nostalgia inside of me, and I began thinking about all of the amazing, life-changing experiences I've had with the most incredible people I was fortunate to meet through those different weekends.
To the people I shared my first college retreat with, can you believe that three and a half years ago we embarked on our college journeys together? Some of us were timid, while others were confident, but nevertheless we came together as one family during our first retreat the week before school started. Some of us stayed close while others went their separate ways, but we always found our way back to each other.
Maybe it was during a class or while we were at the bar, but it was awesome to be able to say "We already know each other!" with a smile on my face when someone wanted to introduce us. Thank you for reminding me that I made the right choice when choosing my college, and thank you for being my first friends.
To the new people I met, how weird is it to think that we may have never met if it weren't for a retreat? And even if we did meet in some other way, we may have never really gotten to know each other in the capacity that a retreat allows. I have found so much love, faith and hope through the new friends I made during different experiences, and I don't really think my life would be as great as it is without meeting all of you.
You reminded me that I am not alone; there is really no such thing as a stranger. We've comforted each other when needed, and it's magical to say that three days at a lake house created so many strong bonds. I thank God every day for meeting you and meeting you is what reminds me that everything happens for a reason. Thank you for your courage and your support along the way.
To the friends I grew closer with, isn't it awesome that so many of us shared in these unique experiences together? We're a truly special group of friends because our relationships with each other are rooted in more than sharing a dorm or having common hobbies or lifestyles.
We have a strong foundation of faith and understanding beneath us. It was always easier to dig deeper within myself because my best friends were always by my side. Thank you for sharing these experiences with me, and thank you for your unconditional love.
To the small groups I shared, isn't it beautiful how much we learned about each other in such a short period of time? It was always amazing how a group of six to eight people came together and turned into a mini family over the course of a weekend.
We quickly established trust and shared our unique stories with one another. People don't often share their true stories with people because they're too worried about what others will think, but the fear of judgment didn't affect us. Thank you for listening to my story and for telling me yours.
To the leaders who guided me, am I crazy to call you the true MVPs? Regardless of which retreat it was, you poured your heart and soul into the weekend. You worked relentless hours to create an inspiring experience for your peers. You didn't have to do any of what you did—the retreat wasn't a class project and you weren't getting tested on your ability to memorize a prayer. You did all you did simply because of the love and faith in your heart, which is truly remarkable.
During the weekend you bravely shared your life with a group of fifty strangers. You taught me so much, comforted me and helped me grow. Sometimes you may not realize the impact you've had on people's lives, but trust that you affected people as a leader. Thank you for making a huge difference in my life.
To those I guided, do you know how much you actually taught me? I feared that people wouldn't relate to my talk, but you reminded me, again, that none of us are alone. The experience I shared with you was truly humbling, and I learned so many valuable ideas and lessons through you. You are beautiful, brave and strong. Thank you for signing up for the retreat and diving into the unknown with me.
To the people I led with, isn't it scary how fast the retreat leader experience happened? It was the best roller coaster I've ever traveled on. I still remember the excitement and joy that came along with being chosen for such an honorable experience. Some of us knew each other and others were complete strangers, but regardless of our relationship prior to the retreat, we quickly turned into family.
We wiped away each other's tears and celebrated each other's accomplishments all while growing as a group. While the experience ended, the bond we shared did not. The ten of us share an extraordinary bond because of the unique retreat experience we created. While the time may pass, nothing can ever eliminate what we share. You are among the strongest, most incredible people I will ever meet. Thank you for always being supportive friends and inspirational role models.
To the people who were there for the moments that changed me, isn't it odd to think I wouldn't be the person I am today without you? Whether you were the catalyst for change or simply witnessed change occur, you're a blessing for being part of that experience. Retreats changed my life and in many ways saved me from going down a dangerous path. These incredible moments would have never occurred without your stories, reflections and support. God put you in these situations at the times He did for that very reason. Thank you for being such an important and valuable part of my story.
And to the final journey, how is this my final college retreat? Retreats have been a huge part of my life, even before college, so I guess I never thought the end would come. I know there will be different opportunities in the future, but the retreat community we have during college is truly special.
I don't think I'll ever experience something this beautiful again. Yes, the next chapters of my life will be beautiful too, but there's no combination of words anybody could create to explain exactly what I'm talking about. I don't know what I will have experienced during this final retreat by the time you all read this. But retreats always tend to come at the right time and that is true once again as I reflect on my life.
Maybe you're about to go on your first retreat or maybe it's the last. My hope for you is that the journey is everything you need it to be and more. I hope your family grows a little larger with each retreat. I hope you're open to the experience and honest with your feelings. Most importantly, I hope you enjoy it, every second of it, and when it ends, I hope you say Thank you.
Thank you, leaders and friends. Thank you, strangers and stories.
Thank you, God for blessing me with the phenomenal retreats that have truly changed my life.
