Member for

5 years 7 months
Photo
Cover Photo
bergamot blooms in a summer field
First Name
Deborah
Last Name
Haak-Frost
Biography

If you make a reservation for a retreat at GilChrist, you will most likely see my name on the email signature, talk with me on the phone, or see my face when you arrive. I’ve always delighted in being able to connect people with the natural world in ways that allow them to experience their environment deeply and meaningfully. My undergraduate degree in psychology and environmental studies paved the way for this beautiful integration of two passions of mine. The principles of permaculture – earth care, people care, and fair share – also shape my approach to my work. Making rest and retreat more accessible for all is something I try to work toward.

I also do a lot of the behind-the-scenes logistics and administrative work at GilChrist: working with group retreat facilitators, handling billing, managing social media, keeping the website up to date, cataloging the library, and also pitching in with cabin cleaning and feeding the goats.

When I’m not at work, you can find me volunteering in my Three Rivers community, cooking and baking in my kitchen, taking in thought-provoking television and movies with my husband, or daydreaming about grand garden plans for my backyard.

Job Title
Caretaker for Community Engagement
Cover Caption
Bergamot blooms in this summer view from the GilChrist office
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Staff Department
Department or Org
GilChrist
Email
dhaak@fetzer.org

Dear friends of GilChrist, 

During the month of October, the extended GilChrist community has observed 25 days of healing in honor of the 25th anniversary of the dedication of GilChrist on October 15, 1995. Together, we’ve logged miles and miles in the labyrinth, as well as hours and hours in silent meditation. We’ve shared both practices and requests for healing, and sent them out into the world on the breeze from WindHill. We’ve channeled our longing into visual art and audio recordings and poetry and video and ceremony. We’ve lighted candles, told stories, wept, prayed, and remembered. 

Our 25 days has come to a close, but our work in the world continues. 

The need for healing takes many forms, and in our current moment, our individual and collective wounds run especially deep. As a place for healing healers, grounded in the steadiness of the Earth and in traditions of contemplative practice, GilChrist continues to hold vigil for peace, from the inside out. In collaboration with the Fetzer Institute, we seek to do our part to support “awakening into spirit for the transformation of self and society.” 

As we stand at the edge of the future, those of us who steward GilChrist offer a blessing (below) from the land we tend to you, wherever you find yourself. We hope to welcome you here in person before too long, and in the meantime, wish you an abundance of deep rest to renew your spirit for our collective work of healing, which the world needs now as much as it ever has. Take good care of yourselves and each other, friends! 

With gratitude, 

The GilChrist Caretakers 
Deborah, Erika, Gail, John, Jonathon, Kirstin, Nancy 

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