Member for

5 years 2 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, 06/26/2024 - 11:23

Join us for a day retreat with Lydia Wylie-Kellermann! Lydia is the author of the forthcoming book This Sweet Earth: Walking with Our Children in the Age of Climate Collapse. 
 
The effects of climate change are all around us. We feel it in little ways as we harvest from our gardens a little earlier each year, and in big ways as we watch fires blaze through entire towns and our streets fill with rain. Climate anxiety touches nearly everything we do, but perhaps nothing so tenderly as our parenting. What does it mean to bring children into such an uncertain future? What do we do with the fear, grief, and anger we feel? 

Join us for a retreat to put our bodies on this sacred land allowing the stones and the wind to carry our grief. There will be time for story sharing, wandering the woods, rituals around our grief and anger, silence and rest, and summoning that wild possibility of hope. 

While the future remains unknown, there can still be awe and wonder, love and struggle, gratitude and overwhelming joy. We can choose to fight like hell for climate justice and marvel at the praying mantis amidst the weeds. May we all feel the invitation to live humanly and invite our kids into deeper knowing of what it means to be alive on this planet. 

This retreat is open to all knowing that family is defined in ever-expanding and beautiful ways. If you love children and are worrying about their future in this time of climate change, you are most welcome! 

Details 

  • The suggested donation for the retreat is $70, and all are welcome at any level of contribution. Donations are payable by cash or check at the time of the retreat. 

  • Lunch, light snacks, and beverages will be provided. Please note any dietary needs when you register.  

  • We will gather in the building called WindHill at GilChrist Retreat Center, 56265 Day Road, Three Rivers, MI 49093. See the complete GilChrist FAQ for more information about the facility. Participants are welcome to come early and/or stay later to enjoy walking the grounds. 

  • For overnight accommodations at GilChrist, please inquire here. 

  • There’s no need to read Lydia’s book in advance, and the cost of the retreat includes a copy of the book. If you’d like, you can pre-order Lydia’s book here (release date is July 23, 2024). 

Want just a taste? Can't commit to a full day? Lydia will be presenting a book talk (with childcare provided) on August 6 at the Huss Project in Three Rivers from 4:30-6:30pm. Find more information here.

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

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