Aug 28 - 30, 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 North Dakota
Learn MoreNorth Dakota
Our North Dakota While We’re Waiting Weekends are held at Hope Forest, a retreat center designed to create a peaceful, restful environment for those in need of hope. It is nestled in the trees from the Denbigh Forest in north central North Dakota. This property features short walking trails through the trees, a fire pit area to gather at, a pretty pond to sit by, and a front porch where you can relax and take in the peaceful surroundings. The property is adjacent to the Denbigh Forest where there are lovely trails to walk, wildlife can be spotted, and beautiful North Dakota sunsets can be taken in with a drive to a walk-up coffee shop right on the corner before entering the forest. It is located conveniently right on US Highway 2 and just 30 minutes out of the City of Minot and the Minot International Airport. It is just 126 miles to Bismarck, 169 miles to Grand Forks, 186 miles to Montana, and only an hour to Manitoba, Canada. Lodging for Friday and Saturday nights and all meals Friday night through Sunday morning are provided, and there is no cost to attend this event. Some lodging will be available at Hope Forest, and overflow lodging will be provided at nearby Mt. Carmel Camp or Dakota Rose Bed and Breakfast in Minot. All lodging areas will have private bathrooms and space to yourself to relax. This event is open to both single parents and married couples. Please refer to our Purity Policy , found under the “About Us” tab.
Todd and Kim Erickson
Todd and Kim’s son, Micah, went to heaven at four months of age after a tragic accident on July 4, 2004. He was the sweetest, happiest baby bringing joy to all who spent time with him. Todd and Kim spent nearly 20 years leading a children’s ministry. In 2022 they launched a ministry called Hope Forest. Their mission is to help others grow hope in Christ through outreach camps for children, grief ministry and retreats, outreach training, and developing a facility to provide rest and renewed hope for all. They enjoy road trips, camping, hiking, and anything active with their five other children and daughter-in-law; Caleb and Delaney, Noah, Elijah, Kenzie, and Kiah.
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.