"I always seek out Vanessa’s retreats as she leads them skilfully and manages to discern God’s particular message for the individuals attending and gently shares it with us. She is particularly good at guiding complete beginners into the practice of silence and reflection, putting everyone at ease with her warm personality and well-chosen content.
She brings a rich variant of materials to enable everyone to explore 'retreat' and spiritual thinking from their own starting point, allowing us to enter in at our own level. She listens with care and guides any group discussions with respect and skill, creating a safe space and valuing everyone's input. She helps me to discern God's voice amid the clutter my busy life."
- Signed J.
"I came away from the retreat empowered to make real change in my everyday life: shifting around previously entrenched and unhelpful priorities and gaining healthier balance in how to feel more purposeful and fulfilled in how I spend my time.
Vanessa's gentle, warm, and informed manner quickly established a small group atmosphere of respect and trust. There was time to be quiet and to speak, without pressure to do either. It all felt so easy to be there, but it was clear that a huge amount of preparation had gone into planning the event. I valued the discussions, which led to lightbulb moments (for me and others present) that were inspired by artworks and quotes from many diverse sources. Vanessa really got me thinking!
I valued the carefully structured sessions, including quiet times for self-reflection, some meditative space, and, of course, prayer, plus creative activities. There was a lot of laughter, too. I felt I was given personal permission to live more freely due to a casual statement Vanessa made, paraphrasing a bible quote that impacted strongly upon me, AND practical information about online resources that brought the practice of prayer newly and easily into my daily routine."
- Signed H.
"Fruits of the Spirit - love, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, - these abide in Vanessa. Her hands are ‘safe’. Her retreats are an oasis of serenity and calm where you can release, receive and refresh. I highly recommend taking any opportunity you have, to join her and refresh your soul."
- Signed J.
"Vanessa is the kindest, loveliest person I know. She’s intuitive, compassionate, and encouraging. I’ve attended 2 retreats with Vanessa. Both have been well run and inclusive. I’ve been able to be open and raw with my emotions in a safe space. Spiritually, Vanessa has a heart for God's ministry even through her own struggles. And I really look forward to connecting with her again going forward."
- Signed D.
Testimonials
"I always seek out Vanessa’s retreats as she leads them skilfully and manages to discern God’s particular message for the individuals attending and gently shares it with us. She is particularly good at guiding complete beginners into the practice of silence and reflection, putting everyone at ease with her warm personality and well-chosen content.
She brings a rich variant of materials to enable everyone to explore 'retreat' and spiritual thinking from their own starting point, allowing us to enter in at our own level. She listens with care and guides any group discussions with respect and skill, creating a safe space and valuing everyone's input. She helps me to discern God's voice amid the clutter my busy life."
- Signed J.
"I came away from the retreat empowered to make real change in my everyday life: shifting around previously entrenched and unhelpful priorities and gaining healthier balance in how to feel more purposeful and fulfilled in how I spend my time.
Vanessa's gentle, warm, and informed manner quickly established a small group atmosphere of respect and trust. There was time to be quiet and to speak, without pressure to do either. It all felt so easy to be there, but it was clear that a huge amount of preparation had gone into planning the event. I valued the discussions, which led to lightbulb moments (for me and others present) that were inspired by artworks and quotes from many diverse sources. Vanessa really got me thinking!
I valued the carefully structured sessions, including quiet times for self-reflection, some meditative space, and, of course, prayer, plus creative activities. There was a lot of laughter, too. I felt I was given personal permission to live more freely due to a casual statement Vanessa made, paraphrasing a bible quote that impacted strongly upon me, AND practical information about online resources that brought the practice of prayer newly and easily into my daily routine."
- Signed H.
"Fruits of the Spirit - love, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, - these abide in Vanessa. Her hands are ‘safe’. Her retreats are an oasis of serenity and calm where you can release, receive and refresh. I highly recommend taking any opportunity you have, to join her and refresh your soul."
- Signed J.
"Vanessa is the kindest, loveliest person I know. She’s intuitive, compassionate, and encouraging. I’ve attended 2 retreats with Vanessa. Both have been well run and inclusive. I’ve been able to be open and raw with my emotions in a safe space. Spiritually, Vanessa has a heart for God's ministry even through her own struggles. And I really look forward to connecting with her again going forward."
- Signed D.