Jun 05 - 07, 2026 - Weekends for Bereaved Parents
This is a weekend for bereaved couples and singles to spend some relaxed, unhurried time with other parents who understand the experience of losing a child. As we go through the weekend, we will learn from each other, pray for one another, encourage each other, and find out that we are not alone on this journey. Our goal at these retreats is to point grieving parents to our only true source of comfort, Jesus Christ. Anyone who has lost a child is welcome to come. You are welcome if your child has been in Heaven for thirty days or for thirty years. You are welcome if your child was stillborn and never took a single earthly breath, or if your child lived to be an adult and had a family of his or her own. 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. What will we do over the course of the weekend? We’ll talk about our kids in Heaven and we’ll pray for each other. We’ll explore the beauty of nature around us, enjoy delicious meals together, discuss God’s presence in our grief, and form lasting bonds of friendship. Our time will be informal, but structured. Certainly, we will cry together … but we will also laugh together. There is no cost to attend one of these special 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 California (Atascadero)
Learn MoreCalifornia (Atascadero)
Our While We're Waiting Weekend in Atascadero, California, will be held at the Atascadero Bible Church. Nestled in the heart of San Luis Obispo County, Atascadero boasts a charming small-town atmosphere with beautiful natural surroundings, and is located just 18 miles from Morro Bay State Park on the Pacific coast. This event is open to both single parents and married couples who have experienced the loss of a child. Lodging will be provided at the nearby Holiday Inn Express and Suites. This hotel has wi-fi, an outdoor heated pool and whirlpool spa, and 24-hour fitness and business centers. The guest rooms feature microwaves & refrigerators, Keurig coffee makers, a wall-mounted flat screen plasma television and a relaxing quartz shower with a smart shower head by Kohler.
Troy and Jana Solhjem
Troy and Jana’s son Jeremiah went to heaven September 17, 2015, as a result of an ATV accident. They have 6 children earthside- Laney, Craig, Sheyenne, Chase, Barak & Elijah as well as three grandchildren! Troy is a full-time missionary with Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Jana is the Admissions Director at a Classical Christian school. They love to travel together, hang out with their children and grandchildren, as well as ministering to hurting, grieving parents.
Our Schedule for the Weekend (all times local)
Friday
4-5:15 PM Arrival time
5:30 pm Dinner
7:00 pm Sharing Our Stories (Part 1)
Saturday
8:00 am Breakfast
8:45 am Sharing Our Stories (Part 2)
12:00 PM Lunch
1:00 pm Sharing Our Stories (Part 3)
3:00 pm Free Time
5:30 pm Dinner
7:00 Pm Topic Time
Sunday
8:00 AM Breakfast
8:45 AM Worship and Closing Time
10:00 AM Goodbyes
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.