Dec 02, 2023 - One Day Retreat for Bereaved Moms
Mini-Retreats for Bereaved Moms are one-day events held on Saturdays. Moms who attend will be treated to a day of pampering, delicious food, and some much-needed fellowship with other bereaved, but believing, Moms. Each event is beautifully decorated according to the season of the year. We have found so much comfort from drawing near to other women of faith who understand what it is like to lose a child. We believe you will, too. We also believe that life-long friendships will be formed as we support and encourage one another in a way that no one else can. Our groups are small and intimate, with a maximum of ten moms at each event. There is no cost to attend one of these events.
Come, knowing you will be surrounded by people who care, who understand, and who will pray for you. This will be a safe place, a place where we can honestly discuss our struggles, knowing we will not be judged, because every one of us has been there at one time or another. We will also share our victories, and rejoice with each other as we move along the road toward healing.
Hosted in Illinois (Peoria)
Learn MoreIllinois (Peoria)
Our retreats in Peoria are held at the beautiful Freedom4Life House in Edwards, Illinois. The comfortable and cozy gathering area has a wall of windows overlooking a small lake with gorgeous sunsets. This event is open to both single parents and married couples. Lodging will be provided for our guests at the nearby Holiday Inn Express. All meals from Friday night through Sunday morning will be provided at the Freedom4Life House, and there is no cost to attend.
Rosie Siebenthal
Rosie is married to Ryan and is the mom of five children ... Caleb, Benjamin, Jeremiah, Taliah, and Levi. Her youngest son Levi went to Heaven in March of 2019 due to a driveway accident. She is anchored in hope and grieving with faith, and has a passion to share the love of Jesus with other hurting moms.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Only parents (and stepparents) who have experienced the death of a child are able to attend While We're Waiting events.
Yes, single parents are welcome at all While We're Waiting events.
Yes, you are welcome to attend without your spouse.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.