Jul 12, 2025 - 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 Arkansas (Hot Springs)
Learn MoreArkansas (Hot Springs)
Most of our retreats are hosted at the While We’re Waiting Refuge, a retreat facility in Hot Springs, Arkansas, which has been built and designed specifically with bereaved parents in mind. The Refuge is nestled in the midst of tranquil thoroughbred farms in a quiet country setting with a stocked pond and fifty wooded acres on which to roam. The Refuge is specifically designed for the comfort of bereaved parents, with a welcome center, a large kitchen/dining area overlooking the pond, a comfortable and cozy meeting room, a library/sitting area, an expansive deck, and ten hotel-room style bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom. This event is open to both single parents and married couples. Please refer to our Purity Policy, found under the "About Us" tab. There are no other guests present at The Refuge during our retreats, so we can fully relax and make ourselves at home for the weekend. The Refuge is also fully accessible, with two handicapped-equipped guest rooms. Lodging for Friday and Saturday nights and all meals from Friday night through Sunday morning are provided, and there is no cost to attend this event.
Janice Brown
Larry and Janice’s son, Adam, a Navy SEAL, was killed in action in Afghanistan on March 17, 2010, at the age of 36. A New York Times best-selling book has been written about Adam … “Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown” by Eric Blehm. Larry is an electrician and Janice is a homemaker. They have two other children, Shawn and Manda, and six grandchildren.
Jill Sullivan
Brad and Jill’s daughter, Hannah, went to Heaven on February 26, 2009, at the age of 17. She battled her brain cancer for one year with grace and without fear, accepting it as “her storm” … her opportunity to bring glory to God. Brad is a school superintendent and Jill is a speech pathologist. They enjoy hiking, kayaking, and spending time with their daughter Bethany.
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.
Waiting List
This retreat is full, but you may complete the registration form to be added to our waiting list.