Jun 06 - 08, 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 North Dakota
Learn MoreNorth Dakota
Our North Dakota While We’re Waiting Weekends are held at the Nome Schoolhouse, a newly renovated 100-year-old school building which includes a boutique hotel with 11 private tastefully-appointed guest rooms. Floor to ceiling windows allow our guests to experience the beautiful outdoors while enjoying all the indoor comforts available at this unique location. Nome is located in rural southeast North Dakota, about 70 miles from Fargo, 280 miles from Minneapolis, 275 miles from Sioux Falls, and 270 miles from Winnipeg. 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 the Schoolhouse 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.
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.
Larry and 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.
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.