Oct 04 - 06, 2024 - 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 Minnesota
Learn MoreMinnesota
The Gibb Lake Home is nestled in the beautiful lakes country of Minnesota, only an hour from Fargo, North Dakota. The home offers a spectacular lake view from the large deck, surrounded by woods and walking paths. The cozy inside area is a great place to relax, spend time in thought or connect with others. A gazebo is available to watch the sun go down at the end of the day. This event 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 and all meals from Friday night through Sunday morning are provided, and there is no cost to attend this event. Lodging will be provided at the Premier Best Western Lodge on Lake Detroit. It features comfortable and spacious rooms with lake views, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, in-room refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers, and an indoor pool and available spa.
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 other children- Laney, Craig, Sheyenne, Chase, Barak & Elijah as well as two grandchildren! Troy runs his own fencing business and works with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Jana is a homeschool mom who works part time as a Guardian ad Litem in the Juvenile Court system. They love to travel together 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.