Ohio

Sep 26 - 28, 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 Ohio

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Ohio

Our retreats in Ohio are held at the Charm CountryView Inn Bed & Breakfast in Charm, Ohio. Located in the beautiful rolling hills of Amish Country in Holmes County, this is a place to relax and breathe in some pure Amish country air. Each of the cozy guest rooms has its own full bath and a beautiful view of the countryside. PLEASE NOTE - This venue has stairs between the gathering area and the guest rooms. Guests who have difficulty navigating steps may need to consider registering for another location. 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 CountryView Inn for Friday and Saturday nights and all meals from Friday night through Sunday morning will be provided (including a huge Amish breakfast and an Amish wedding supper on Saturday), and there is no cost to attend.

Led by

Michael and Judy Hostetler

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Michael and Judy Hostetler

Michael and Judy have been married for 32 years and have been blessed with four children: Joshua, Kayli, Caleb, and Luke. Joshua lived a short, purposeful life and died shortly after his birth in 1992. Kayli battled a rare cancer for 13 years and ran ahead to Heaven in 2015 at the age of 21. The perspective they gained from walking through these valleys has given them a passion for helping others find the hope that only Jesus can offer. When not facilitating a monthly WWW support group, serving in the local church, and leading a marriage ministry, Michael runs his own masonry company and Judy is a homemaker. They love spending time with their family and celebrating the little things.

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. 

Register for this retreat

2025 Sep 26th - Ohio - Weekends for Bereaved Parents

Release of Liability: I agree to waive, discharge claims, and release from liability the While We're Waiting ministry from any and all liability on account of, or in any way resulting from injuries, damages, or illness (including COVID-19) even if caused by negligence of While We're Waiting. I further hold harmless While We're Waiting from any claims, damages, injuries, illnesses, or losses caused by my own negligence while a guest at this retreat site. I understand and intend that this assumption of risk and release is binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, and includes any minors and/or guests accompanying me in activities associated with While We're Waiting events.