Dec 06 - 08, 2024 - 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 South Carolina
Learn MoreSouth Carolina
Our South Carolina While We’re Waiting Weekends are held at Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center, located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the town of Cleveland. Asbury Hills features cozy private accommodations in their two lodges and over 2000 acres of mountains, hills, creeks, waterfalls, forests, and lakes. 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 Asbury Hills 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.
David and Tracie Freeman
David and Tracie Freeman are from Pickens, South Carolina, where Tracie works as a licensed practical nurse and David works for Lockheed Martin as a structural aircraft mechanic. Their 32-year-old son Nic died from an accidental fentanyl overdose in December of 2020. They have two other sons, Luke and Drew, and are very involved with serving and teaching in their church. They have a passion for ministering to other hurting moms and dads.
Sean and Heather Ellis
Sean and Heather Ellis are the parents of Michael, who stepped into Heaven on July 4, 2016, at the age of 14, one month short of 15. He was on a Polaris side-by-side ATV with four friends when it overturned and fell on him. Sean is employed with FedEx Express in the Air Ops Division and Heather is a stay-at-home mom. They enjoy the outdoors and spending time with their daughter Abigail and supporting her horse barrel racing.
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.