My journey into retreat-life began in 2007 when I attended my first ACTS Retreat. I didn’t know then that God was planting a seed. What started as a personal encounter with God became a lifelong calling.

 

What I experienced in those days was profound and life changing. The stillness, conviction, renewal, and the quiet nearness of the Holy Spirit stayed with me long after the retreat ended, a quiet flame that God would nurture over time into faithful obedience.​

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I've attended several throughout the years, to currently  being on the teams that facilitate, steward and support retreat structure.

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My work is grounded in faith, prayer, and years of personal and team-based retreat experience. I've witnessed firsthand the transforming power of the Holy Spirit when we step away from the noise of everyday life and draw near to God.

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These experiences shaped not only my faith, but my understanding that retreats are not just an event, they are divine appointments.

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Paloma Retreats approach is firmly grounded in Scripture and shaped by the Word of God. The vision for Paloma Retreats was born in prayer. There was a growing hunger around me, I wanted and needed to share the magnitude of the God we serve, people are longing for more of God, more depth, more stillness. All the Glory to God.

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When I first announced I would begin hosting and facilitating retreats, the response was immediate. Within 24 hours, an entire month was fully booked. By December, I had to gently reschedule participants into the new year so I could prayerfully steward what the Lord was unfolding. How great is out God?!

 

"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

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I am an ICF (ICCE) certified coach and retreat facilitator, offering Christ-centered retreats and Holy Spirit-filled meditations, trusting fully in what God is preparing and unfolding through each retreat experience.

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Sylvia Ybarra

Founder & Lead Facilitator,

Paloma Retreats