Jul 24 - 26, 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 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. Clinton National Airport is only an hour away. 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.
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.
Kurt and Denette Schaer
Kurt and Denette are from Tampa, Florida, where they lead a marriage ministry called Broken for Better. Their 17-year-old son, Logan, and his beautiful girlfriend met the Lord on May 30, 2022, in a tragic single-car accident. That loss reshaped their faith, family, and ministr,y deepening their commitment to helping marriages thrive.
They have 2 other amazing sons and daughter-in-loves. Alongside their family, Kurt and Denette have a passion to help others "Make It Count" and long to help other grieving parents live with heaven in mind.
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.