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.
Our events in the Peoria area 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. We host two types of events at this location – a Mini-Retreat for Bereaved Moms (which is a one-day event) and a While We’re Waiting Weekend for Bereaved Parents (which runs from Friday night through Sunday morning). The Mini-Retreat for Bereaved Moms is open just to bereaved moms and includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Lodging is not provided. There is no cost to attend this event. The While We’re Waiting Weekend is open to both single parents and married couples. Please refer to our Purity Policy, found under the “About Us” tab. Lodging for Friday and Saturday nights 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 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.
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.