Last November 13-14, one of the most memorable experiences in my life happened. I had my retreat with 3B. It was so much fun and I really felt at home and loved. I never knew they appreciated the little "congrats" Post-Its on their tables when they arrived in school when they would win awards or my never-ending good morning greetings. It felt really good. It made me love each and every classmate more. People from other classes sometimes talk about me, how I'm so into my class, how proud I am of my classmate, how I get retreat hangovers, etc. At first, it hurt me and it made me want to stop being too attached to 3B. But then I realized, they haven't gone through what I experienced with my class. Maybe their classes are not as bonded as 3B.

     It also felt good reconciling with God. After dinner, I was wondering what the "big event" was for this retreat because it usually comes after dinner. In seventh grade, we were in a circle and if the candle was passed to you, it was your turn to say sorry, to thank, or whatever. In first year, there were two circles. One small and the other was bigger. The small one was in the bigger circle and it turned clockwise while the outer circle turned counter-clockwise and you hug and say whatever to the person in front of you. In second year, you give a candle to the person you want to thank or reconcile with. I was expecting something like that. That was why I was wondering why Sir Marlo took so long explaining things and to think "big events" took really long. I was surprised when we were asked to go to confession then we were permitted to read our palancas. In the first place, confessions are usually held during the second day of retreat and palanca reading is usually reserved after the "big thing." Then I realized that if the past three retreats were meant for patching things up with other people, this one was reserved for reconciling with God. It felt really great to be forgiven. Finally, I have come home--- again. I guess that is the problem with me. Whenever there is a retreat, I come home. That is why I make it a point to go to retreats whenever I can- because it's soooo hard to stay home! Once you're back in Poveda, brace yourself. Welcome back to the real world. That's why I wanted to say in PHP for at least a few more days just to strengthen and prepare myself a little more. But as the song "Mountaintop" said, I have to go down and get back so I can tell everyone of my experiences with God.

     Another moment I will never forget was when we were asked to tell everyone "God loves you and so do I." I cried there. I guess there was just too much love lurking around the place. I cried really hard when Adie hugged me extra tight and extra long. One time when we were on the rooftop, I remember Nina saying "Guys, don't you think it's so romantic?" I thought it was one of those prom date things but then she added "Nakaka-inlove si God, noh?" I was touched by what she said. Another time was when most of us were on the rooftop, sitting on the railings while singing "Trading My Sorrows" with the actions. It must have been really beautiful looking at us from the other side. There are a whole lot more experiences that I have gone through in the retreat that I will forever cherish but it would take me at least two more pages to do so. All I can say is that this is the best retreat that I have had! I love 3B and I love God!

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