Apr 25 - 27, 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 Arkansas (Hot Springs)
Learn MoreArkansas (Hot Springs)
Most of our retreats are hosted at the While We’re Waiting Refuge, a retreat facility in Hot Springs, Arkansas, which has been built and designed specifically with bereaved parents in mind. The Refuge is nestled in the midst of tranquil thoroughbred farms in a quiet country setting with a stocked pond and fifty wooded acres on which to roam. The Refuge is specifically designed for the comfort of bereaved parents, with a welcome center, a large kitchen/dining area overlooking the pond, a comfortable and cozy meeting room, a library/sitting area, an expansive deck, and ten hotel-room style bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom. This event is open to both single parents and married couples. Please refer to our Purity Policy, found under the "About Us" tab. There are no other guests present at The Refuge during our retreats, so we can fully relax and make ourselves at home for the weekend. The Refuge is also fully accessible, with two handicapped-equipped guest rooms. 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.
Arkon and Sidney Stewart
Arkon and Sidney’s son, Gray went home to be with the Lord instantly on October 9, 2020, as the result of an auto accident. He was 21 years, 11 months and 11 days old.
They have a daughter, Morgan, a son-in-law, Patrick, and a beautiful grandson named Bronson. Arkon is a graphic designer/creative director. Sidney was in the printing business for many years, homeschooled Gray, and runs the day-to-day household.
Arkon and Sidney live in Fort Mill, South Carolina, about 15 miles outside of Charlotte, NC. They have attended Central Church for over 38 years and have been involved with children’s ministries and various Bible studies over the years.
Their hearts' desire is to point people to Jesus and serve the Lord through this wonderful ministry by encouraging, giving hope, and loving on other grieving parents.
Brian and Danna Mayhall
Brian and Danna's 33-year-old daughter, Amelia, went to be with her Lord on July 23, 2013, after suffering a traumatic brain injury from a motor vehicle accident. She was married and had a 4-year-old daughter and 18-month-old son at the time of her death.
Brian and Danna both retired in 2021, Brian from restaurant management, and Danna from medical social work. Their joy is traveling and spending time with their older daughter, Malesa, her husband and two sons, and Amelia's children.
Brian and Danna established Amelia Smiles Butterfly Garden in their local park with a yearly Monarch Butterfly release to honor Amelia. They want their lives to be a testimony of God's faithfulness, and are pleased to be a part of this ministry of hope. Romans 15:13
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.
Waiting List
This retreat is full, but you may complete the registration form to be added to our waiting list.