Member for

5 years 6 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 Mon, 04/03/2023 - 15:59

Please join us in honoring John Howie as he retires after 28 years of contemplative labor and service at GilChrist Retreat Center! John’s gentle, compassionate spirit has been a profound blessing to this land and to all who have made this place a part of their story. We warmly invite you to join us in celebrating this enormous transition with gratitude for all of the gifts John has brought into the world, and all the gifts he will continue to bring as he enters the next phase of his journey.

  • When: Sunday, April 23
  • What: Silent meditation (3:00-3:30 p.m.) followed by an open house with light refreshments (3:30-6:00 p.m.)
  • Where: WindHill at GilChrist Retreat Center (56265 Day Road, Three Rivers, MI 49093)
  • RSVP: Kindly send an e-mail to GilChrist staff by Sunday, April 16.
  • Participate from afar: Cards may be mailed to the above address to John’s attention. You are also welcome to e-mail us a word or two of blessing that we will write on a copper leaf for an installation John is creating on the land.

And, please mark your calendar for May 31, when we’ll host a virtual silent meditation from 2:00-2:30 p.m. EST on John’s very last day! More details here.

Event Type
Special Event
Partner
GilChrist Retreat Center
Start Date
End Date
Topics
Southwest Michigan
Workplace / Life
Slideshow
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Join
On
Event Category
GilChrist
Location

GilChrist Retreat Center
56265 Day Rd
Three Rivers, MI 49093-9535
United States