Mercy In Action’s
Resilience & Recovery Retreat for Birth Workers
Where you can earn CEUs, rest and revitalize, and share good food and fellowship
This retreat will be small in size, so reserve in advance to secure your spot
LOCATIONS AND DATES FOR 2027
Mercy In Action Headquarters in Boise, Idaho
March 12-14, 2027
April 23-25, 2027
July 9-11, 2027
August 6-8, 2027
CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS
CEU: 12 hours MEAC Accredited
Cost: $295 includes lunch, tea and snacks, and breakfast Sunday.
On-site dorm-style lodging is available for the first 7 participants to sign up, on a first come, first served basis for $45 per night. If you are interested in this option, please inquire after you register. Otherwise, there are many nearby hotels and Airbnb rentals just minutes away from the retreat site at 3018 W Overland Road, Boise, ID 83705.
Register as early as possible to save your seat; we will close registration when our venue space fills.
Refund Information:
In the unfortunate event that you are unable to attend a Mercy In Action seminar or workshop after registering, as we are a non-profit organization*, we are happy to assist you so that your fee can be either applied toward another amazing seminar or workshop in the future or converted into a donation. Thank you for your understanding that there are no refunds for any reason. If you cannot attend, please get in touch with us at trainings@mercyinaction.edu
*Mercy In Action is an independent non-profit organization that receives no government funding—support from program fees and donations make our global work possible.
Your retreat leader and instructor is Vicki Penwell, Midwife, Missionary and Ordained Minister. In addition to Masters and Bachelors degrees in Midwifery, Vicki holds a doctorate in creative leadership and master’s degree in intercultural studies from seminaries in the United States and the Philippines, respectively. A frequent speaker in conferences, churches, and mission schools and seminaries, and author of Midwifing Mercy: Reimagining Birth Culture with Strategy and Sacred Purpose, Vicki lives between the Philippines and the USA while traveling frequently to equip, support, and encourage birth professionals worldwide.
Graphic courtesy of Thrive Center
Retreat Outline
12 Total CEU Hours will be earned over the week-end, with downtime to reflect and process between each teaching session
Resilience & Recovery for Birth Workers After Birth Trauma, Disappointment, and Burnout
I. Regulation
A. Calming and grounding
B. Recognizing feelings and labeling emotions
C. Acting with integrity during challenging emotions
II. Reflection and Right Thinking
A. Identifying the “lies believed” about yourself and others
B. Using Appreciative Inquiry
C. Orienting yourself to the known and the present
III. Relationships and Social Support
A. Spending time with people who know and love you
B. Reminding yourself and others that we are not alone in our pain
C. Being emotionally present and offering practical support
IV. Respite and Rest
A. Intentionally limiting exposure to stress and trauma
B. Learning the seven types of rest
C. Taking breaks from work in a sustainable rhythm
V. Reason and Purpose
A. Reaffirming vocational calling and commitment
B. Making meaning in times of crisis, disruption, and challenges
C. Identifying our “why” for being midwives
Note: Retreat is a 5-minute drive from Boise International Airport (BOI)