YACC’s program director, Karine Chalifour, posts daily recaps on Facebook during Retreat Yourself and Survivor Conference. Here is a compilation of what she saw and felt during Retreat Yourself British Columbia based in Abbotsford, BC from December 1-5, 2016.
The very beginning
After a sweet evening preparing for the Retreat with an amazing team of peers and facilitators, packages are done and we are ready to welcome everyone tomorrow! I can’t wait to connect and reconnect!
Too much love in one picture!
Keeping up with traditions!
It has begun — well almost! Edenvale, we’ve missed you.
Day 1
Day 1 complete: Once again, we find ourselves with a group of pretty incredible human beings! The day started at the Radisson where we got to bond over some Tim Hortons and their urban bagels (you had to be there). It continued on the bus ride to Edenvale and closed with another powerful opening circle. Lots of stories, wisdom, and true desire to process all the shit that comes with cancer. We have already witnessed some of the most meaningful blah blah blah ever, and it’s just day one. Getting ready for bed with a full heart.
Day 2
Feeling grateful, humbled, content, and so fucking privileged to share the weekend with such amazing people! We’ve talked about emotions, relationships, listened to Amber and Brandy share their stories in such a powerful way, and closed the night with some heartfelt karaoke. Can’t ask for anything more. Thank you for the honesty. Thankful for today. Excited for tomorrow!
Day 3
It still amazes me how quickly we become comfortable with each other at Retreat Yourself. This group has such a gentle way to be together, relate to each other, listen to one another. They can navigate between laughter and tears, silence and stories. They are grateful to be here. I am grateful to know them. Can’t believe tomorrow is Sunday. I will take in every moment and cherish these connections so I can go back home feeling full and renewed. You guys fucking rock my world! You make me feel like I can do my job “two fingers in the nose.”
Day 4
Heart expansion, heart explosion! What a retreat! Hannah and Reggie shared their story. We cried, we laughed, we cried some more. Closing circle was a pure demonstration of love, listening, and caring. Talent show was over two hours of awesomeness. Finishing the day tired, but so full of good! Thank you to everyone who helped make this retreat possible.
HUGE THANK YOU TO TEXAS 4000; you CHANGED lives this weekend.
