Jun 27 - 29, 2025 - 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 Nevada
Learn MoreNevada
Our Nevada retreats are held at Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center in Zephyr Cove. Zephyr Point is nestled in the Sierra Nevadas on a half mile of Lake Tahoe’s beautiful granite shoreline, with incredible views of windswept peaks, sunsets, and pristine blue water. It is a stunningly beautiful retreat venue, and guests can easily walk right to the shores of Lake Tahoe. This event is open to both single parents and married couples. Please refer to our Purity Policy, found under the "About Us" tab. Lodging at Zephyr Point 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.
Jim and Carol Smitherman
Jim and Carol’s daughter, Sarah Elizabeth, went to heaven on December 16, 2011, at the age of 19. The Smithermans have been married for over 30 years and have two other children, Matt and Mark. They have two beautiful grandchildren, Isaac and Ethan. Jim is the program manager for the local water resources agency. Carol has her grandboys two days a week and works part time at a free dental clinic. They are anxious to represent God well in this journey and feel blessed to be a part of the While We're Waiting ministry.
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.