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Faith-Based Retreats for Bereaved Parents Get in touch

Maybe you’re thinking about attending a retreat at one of our locations, but you’re not quite sure, and you’d like some additional information. Perhaps you’d like to know more about our support groups. The FAQ list below may answer some of your questions ... but if you need more information, just submit our contact form and we’ll get back with you by email as soon as possible!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do retreats cost?

Our retreats are 100% free, though we do accept a voluntary donation at the close of the retreat. 

While We're Waiting is a 501(c)3 non-profit that operates entirely off of generous donations

Who can come to a retreat?

Only parents (and stepparents) who have experienced the death of a child are able to attend While We're Waiting events.

Can single parents come to a retreat?

Yes, single parents are welcome at all While We're Waiting events.

My spouse does not want to attend. Can I still come?

Yes, you are welcome to attend without your spouse.

It's just been a few months since my child died. Should I come to a retreat?

Parents are ready at different times to attend a While We're Waiting event. Some feel ready to come within just a few months, and for others, it may be years before they feel ready to come.  Only you will know the time that's right for you.

It's been many years since my child died ... Should I come to a retreat? 

Yes! There is still a benefit to attending a While We're Waiting event, even if your loss was many years ago, and it's possible that you could encourage others whose loss is more recent.

My child died when he or she was an adult ... Should I come to a retreat?

Yes! We have many parents who have lost adult children attend our events.  The co-founders of this ministry, Larry & Janice Brown, lost their son when he was 36 years old.

My child was stillborn or died as an infant ... Should I come to a retreat?

Yes! We have many parents who have lost babies attend our events.  We believe that every life has immense value, no matter how brief, and we understand that your grief is just as valid as those whose children had a longer earthly life.

How many people typically attend a retreat? 

The maximum number of people at our full-weekend retreats is 24, at our Mini-Retreats for Moms is 10, and at our Dads' Days is 10.  We like to keep our groups small so people can really connect and build relationships that last beyond the retreat.

Can I attend more than one retreat?

You can attend more than one type of retreat; for example, you can attend a Mini-Retreat for Moms and a full weekend retreat.  Or you can attend a "regular" While We're Waiting Weekend for Bereaved Parents and a While We're Waiting Weekend for Parents Touched by Suicide.  However, you cannot attend two of the same type of retreat due to the waiting list issues we have ... We want everyone who wants to come to have that opportunity!

What if the retreat I want to attend is full?

Please go ahead and register for the waiting list.  We quite often get cancellations, and there's a good chance you'll get in.  And if we don't get an opening for you, we will have your name in our system and can hopefully get you into the next one!

I don't believe in God ... or I'm struggling with my faith. Can I still come?

Absolutely! Just be aware that we are a biblically-based ministry and we believe that a relationship with Jesus Christ is the only source of true comfort in grief, so that will be a large part of our conversation throughout the weekend.  We simply ask that you respect the faith of the facilitators and other parents in attendance.

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