2026 Retreat Update:
Due to unforeseen circumstances within our leadership team and family, we have made the difficult decision to pause all retreats for 2026.
This was not an easy choice, but it is the most responsible and caring decision for everyone involved at this time.
We are deeply grateful for the interest, prayers, and support surrounding these retreats.
When we are able to plan future retreats, updates will be shared here and through our email list.
Thank you for your understanding and grace.
Evening Shade Lifestyle Retreat offers a peaceful, family-style setting where guests learn practical principles for healing and renewal.
The Evening Shade Team
The Evening Shade Lifestyle Retreat is a family-based ministry led by several families who share a love for God and natural healing. Together, we create a peaceful, home-like setting where guests can learn, heal, and experience renewal through simple, practical lifestyle principles.
Our small retreats are hands-on and personal. Guests join us in the kitchen for plant-based cooking, in the garden for outdoor learning, and in daily exercise and devotion times that restore body, mind, and spirit. Many say the most meaningful part of their stay is seeing families work together with joy and unity—a reflection of the faith and cooperation that make Evening Shade a place of true healing.
Barbara O’Neill
Australian health educator and author Barbara O’Neill has been a beloved mentor and inspiration to our team. Since 2023, she has held full-week health retreats at our country home in Evening Shade, Arkansas—the only location in the United States where she continues to do so.
Although Barbara now focuses primarily on international speaking and teaching, she graciously maintains a special connection with our ministry and continues to support the work being done here.
Each Evening Shade retreat features Barbara’s powerful health lectures and demonstrations through daily video presentations, along with live classes, devotions, and personalized care from our team. Her message of natural healing, faith, and self-care through God’s principles remains the foundation of everything we do.
Lori Dooley
Lori Dooley is a wife, mother of three daughters, and follower of Christ with a passion for helping others find healing through God’s natural laws. With a background in nursing and years of study in natural health, she enjoys sharing simple, practical ways to restore health and strengthen faith.
After serving with Barbara O’Neill and her team at Misty Mountain Health Retreat in Australia, Lori returned home inspired to continue the work. Having recovered from her own life-threatening illness, she understands the challenges many face and has a deep compassion for those seeking hope and healing. Today, she works alongside the Evening Shade team, helping guests apply God’s health principles in everyday life and experience renewal in body, mind, and spirit.
Daily Schedule
Our Lifestyle Detox Retreat Teaches Simple, God-Given Principles for Healing
As guests put these principles into practice, they often find:
• Greater energy and strength
• Relief from fatigue and sluggish digestion
• Restful sleep and improved mood
• Clearer skin and healthier weight
• A renewed trust in God’s restoring power
Come experience the peace, learning, and healing that come from
following God’s plan for health and happiness.
Accommodations
The Sherbondy Home
Smaller Evening Shade retreats (without Barbara O’Neill) are held exclusively at the Sherbondy Home.
The Dooley Home
Contact us for more info
About the Location
The little town of Evening Shade is located around 2.5 hours from Memphis and Little Rock. If you travel four miles out of town, across creeks and farms you will end up at the Evening Shade Lifestyle Retreat. It sits on 80 acres which is owned by several families. Along the ridge running through the property sits several homes in which the program is conducted. A little bit further down the ridge will bring you to the future school building, farm and RV Spots. A wet weather creek runs through the lower end of the property. Several walking/riding paths are currently being constructed. If you have any more questions about our little Ozark oasis or about the program feel free to give us a call at 970-389-3848.
About Us
The Evening Shade Lifestyle Retreat is a collaboration between five families. It all started in 2021 when the Dooleys and Sherbondys purchased property from the Carters. Three years later in 2024 the Artiaga and Speidel families also moved here to help with the Retreat and various other projects. Since the beginning we have been working and praying how we can use this land for God’s glory. When we bought the property it had been logged out and was left a mess. It was abused and left barren and naked. It reminds us of the gospel. God takes those who have been broken and abused and restores them. We feel that God has led us to this very property to restore it and use it to restore others. To learn more about the various projects we are involved with please visit our Evening Shade Outpost website.