GriefHope REFRESH ~ Fall 2023

GriefHope REFRESH is an extension of the original GriefHope retreat for mothers who have previously attended a GriefHope Retreat or a Guthrie Respite Retreat.  

GriefHope REFRESH consists of structured and unstructured sessions to provide opportunities for fellowship, reflection, and growth. The focus of each session will explore additional topics from a biblical perspective for the unique grief associated with child loss. 

The GriefHope REFRESH retreat is still held at the Dawdy Haus, located in northern Indiana in the heart of Amish country. The rooms (each with a queen bed and private bath) at the Dawdy Haus will be filled first. If additional rooms are needed, private rooms at the main inn will be utilized. The retreat is still intentionally designed as a small group weekend experience with up to 10 women in attendance.

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GriefHope is led by Shawnda Freer. Shawnda is a wife and mother who has been a Christian most of her life. Her professional background is in counseling and education. Married for 33 years, she and her husband, Keith have two children, Meghan & Andrew. Andrew is a recent college graduate, navigating young adulthood. In May of 2018, at the age of 21, Meghan went to Heaven. Child loss opened new areas of understanding about the character of God, the hope of Jesus, the truth of Scripture, and the pain of grief for Shawnda and she now comes alongside bereaved mothers to grieve, grow, and learn together.

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Recommendations for GriefHope from former participants:

"The comradery of those who, by experience, share your grief journey is priceless. I highly recommend the retreat."

"Don't be afraid to come and share, listen and encourage one another. It is so good to be with others who understand your deep sorrow. The retreat stresses Jesus is also a man of sorrow and understands what we are feeling."

"You are not alone. There's peace to know you can reach out to another grieving mother."

"Being with other grieving mothers allowed me to grieve in a safe place with women who knew my pain."

"I was scared to share my most intimate feelings of the loss of my son. However, every mom in attendance had felt the same. I am so pleased to have attended and been open to what God had in store for me."

"This weekend has been incredily impactful as I learned to hear Jesus within my sorrow....How I could see and trust His purpose & love within this time of grief. It is not wasted...I am not alone."

"My eyes have been opened; my heart poured out to others that understand my grief. What a weekend! Thank you Jesus."

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Cost - $400** plus Sat. lunch & Sat. dinner (includes 2 nights lodging, Sat. & Sun. breakfast, and retreat materials)

**price adjusted from original 2021 & 2022 costs due to increase in lodging fees

--$200 non-refundable deposit required to secure registration / remaining $200 due by May, 5, 2023

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Our prayer is that each mom will find biblical hope, peace, and community through GriefHope. 

'We do not grieve as those who have no hope.' ~ I Thess. 4:13

We look forward to seeing you! 

If you have further questions, please contact Shawnda Freer at shfreer@msn.com.

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The fees and cancellation policy, attendance policy and release of liability/disclaimer policy are available on the event registration form.