Time Away

Morgan Sayles

she/hers

SDSU Class of 2024

This year‘s fall retreat of 2025 was a time of healing, renewal, and experiences. The Agape retreats have always been very close to my heart. The first-ever retreat I had the privilege of going on was three years ago. It was our winter retreat. Well, I was a student at San Diego State University. I had never gone or done anything to that extent let alone extended myself to a community as open and as welcoming as Agape was that winter retreat, inevitably changed my life and re-wired the way that I lived and carried myself I knew from that point on that I would try to make as many Agape retreats as possible Three years later my schedule is finally permitted for me and luckily my partner to join the Agape fall retreat in 2025 now this experience being a little bit different from the first time considering I was years older my life was in a different phase and I was no longer going into this experience so I had the amazing privilege to bring along my partner as he decided to explore spirituality and peace with me by joining me on this retreat as well.

We both agreed that this was something we as individuals needed, but in the end, it ended up strengthening and reaffirming our love for each other and the love within our relationship. I immediately felt the rejuvenating effects of Camp Stevens. The moment I stepped onto the ground, the sounds of the trees, the ambience of peace that radiates from that camp, it is something that you will never forget. During the retreat, we have the opportunity to do a ropes course and archery both being an amazing community bond that I felt we all needed, though I have a fear of heights I was able to support everyone as ground support when we were doing the ropes course and being an encouraging Force for my group in the moment was extremely important to me and it made us all feel a little bit closer. Words were exchanged and emotions were shared, but ultimately, I feel everyone showed up to this retreat with an open heart and a soul longing for something, whether it be peace or clarity, or community. All of our souls arrived, and we left very fulfilled,  full, and satisfied with the love and experiences that we shared throughout the weekend. It was a pleasure to watch my partner explore social circles outside of what he is used to, and seeing him radiate among the other community members was very joyous for us, being able to have our moments of serenity and explore the land. 

The souls I got to meet and had the privilege of sharing a space with were beautiful, and they exude light and warmth, and gave me hope again for our humanity in this world. We shared meals, we sang campfire songs, and we supported each other with having met just a day before.

 I said this before, and I will say this again: the Agape community retreats will always harbor such a love and healing energy that’s given to the individuals who need it the most and needed it exactly in that moment. The universe has a way of sending you individuals or putting you in place where you were supposed to be, and that is what Agape feels like to me. So if you ever have a free weekend, give Agape a try. If you ever have a free hour, give Agape a try. If you ever have even 30 minutes to just stop by the tent, have a slice of pizza, and have a warm conversation, give Agape a try; you will not regret it.