What began as a simple gathering of 27 young people at Agahozo Shalom Youth Village became something far deeper—a powerful journey into healing, truth, and transformation.
Over the course of the trauma healing retreat, young men and women between the ages of 16 and 25 were invited into a space many had never entered before: a space to pause, reflect, and confront the pain they had long carried in silence. What emerged was not just individual breakthrough, but a shared experience that deeply impacted every participant.
David arrived at the retreat convinced he did not have any major struggles. But as the sessions unfolded, he began to uncover layers of unspoken emotions and hidden pain.
“I realized there were things inside me I had never faced.”
One of the most profound moments for David came through the theme of forgiveness. He found the courage to forgive his father for past wounds—something he had carried for years. That decision brought him peace and opened the door to restored communication between them for the first time in a long time.
The retreat also introduced participants to the practice of lament—giving them permission to express their pain, confusion, and even their questions toward God. For David, this was a turning point. It allowed him to be honest about what he could not understand, while learning to release what he could not control.
As the days went on, many participants began to open up about their emotions. What started as hesitation turned into deep vulnerability. Together, they discovered they were not alone.
“It felt like a heavy weight was lifted… like chains were broken,” David shared.
Through learning the Cycle of Grief—moving from loss and grief to denial and anger, then to hope and new beginnings—the young people began to understand how unaddressed pain shapes their lives and relationships. More importantly, they learned that healing is possible.
For Chanceline, the retreat was both deeply challenging and profoundly meaningful. She cherished the quiet moments of connection—studying together with the trainer and gathering around the campfire in the evenings. These moments created a safe space where walls came down and trust began to grow.
One of the most powerful experiences for her came during a session where participants reflected on personal memories. As stories surfaced, so did emotions. Many found themselves crying together.
“We realized how much we had been carrying inside.”
This shared vulnerability became a turning point—not just for Chanceline, but for the entire group.
Throughout the retreat, she learned the importance of forgiveness, the courage to express emotions, and the danger of emotional numbness. Like David, she had believed she did not have any real problems. But through the process, she came to see the deeper areas of her life that needed healing.
Though difficult, this realization marked the beginning of her growth.
She also walked away with a renewed sense of faith:
“I understood that God is present and sovereign in every part of my life.”
By the end of the week, it was clear—no one left unchanged.
What started as hidden pain became a journey toward healing. What was once silence became shared stories. And what felt like isolation became connection.
Each young person left stronger, more self-aware, and filled with hope.
For David, for Chanceline, and for every participant, this retreat was not just an experience—it was the beginning of a new chapter.
