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
GilChrist Retreat Center
Department or Org
GilChrist
Email
dhaak@fetzer.org
Submitted by dhaak on Wed, 10/02/2019 - 16:23

Come to GilChrist for an end-of-the-year retreat focused on parting well with 2019 and setting intentions for 2020, with an eye toward one's true nature. Using a combination of loving kindness meditation, sharing in community, and other contemplative activities, we will clarify thoughts and focus intentions.

About the Facilitator

John Howie began meditating in 1975 when he read the book The Relaxation Response by Herbert Benson. He has continued practicing since then, including extensive training from Naropa University. John has led retreats and weekly meditation sessions and has provided spiritual guidance for GilChrist Retreat Center for over 23 years. He has also completed the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program (MMTCP), developed by Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield and certified by both the Awareness Training Institute and the Greater Good Science Center. In addition to contemplative practices, John has worked as a counselor for over 35 years and has a doctorate degree in counseling from Western Michigan University.

General Information

The cost of $225 includes facilitated programming and three nights’ lodging in a GilChrist cabin. Participants will check in between 10:00 and 11:30 a.m. on December 27 and depart at 4 p.m. on December 30, with the option to extend personal retreat by prior arrangement. Individuals are responsible for their own meals, and each guest space at GilChrist is equipped with a complete kitchen. To make a reservation, please call the GilChrist office at 269-244-1130 or use our online reservation form.

Event Type
Retreat
Start Date
End Date
Topics
Religion and Spirituality
Spiritual Formation
Slideshow
marble human figure bookend
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Event Category
GilChrist
Location

GilChrist Retreat Center
56265 Day Road
Three Rivers, MI 49093
United States

Geolocation
41.9797685, -85.7404811