Sacred Pathways & 8 Women: How did this get started?

In November, my friends Victoria and Angel were arranging an event at the American Club. The Christianity Committee of theAmerican Women's Association was hoping that perhaps in 2013 they could get a women's Bible Study going again. Victoria suggested me. So I met up with Angel and as we talked, I just knew what God was putting together. I told her, "I've been thinking that a group of my girlfriends should do some kind of service together. This next year we've been thinking of what we can do besides the weekly Bible Study we've had for a number of years now. What if we were to organize amonthly spiritual wellness mini-retreatkind of thing?" The following week I got on the phone with Donna, a successful Singaporean visual artist. "Donna, I've been starting to plan something at the initiation of the AWA that I'm excited about for next year...but I didn't come to Singapore to have ministry to American Women, I came for you."  I told her about the idea and she said, "Use my studio! When can we start?" So, I'm happy to let you know that we started Sacred Pathways this past Sunday afternoon with artists, AND had our second intro session with a room full of international women on Monday morning! I'm excited to see what God has planned in both groups! In September, when I came back from leaving Cameron in the USA, I was having a conversation with God. Since our year in the USA in 2008, I've done less and less drama-related ministry. The courses I'd taught at the Christian college had been phased out, my creative energy was being spent primarily on motivational coaching for a teenager. Other than a couple of amazing trips to teach in Egypt, I'd pulled back on initiating anything and had fallen into a support and maintenance role. For the first time in my life I honestly didn't really have any passion for theatre. "Well, Lord, what do you want me to do now?" I asked. "Are you going to restore my passion for theatre and the arts, or is this a mid-life season of re-direction? I love mentoring artists and ministry with women, but if you want me to get back into doing theater, you're going to have to make it really clear." Two weeks later I was attending a football game. Normally Jim and I run the announcer's booth for the High School games, and don't sit with the fans and families. But on that night the power in the booth just happend to be out, and I found myself sitting next to the teenaged sister of one of Tyler and Cameron's former teammates. She's quite a talented singer, and has been in some professional concerts and musicals.  "Tell me," I asked, "Are you involved in any productions outside of school these days?"And we had a conversation about what it was like juggling her school schedule and full-time rehearsals.  She paused, curious about my 'insider' type of questions. "Are you an actor?" she asked. "Because the play I've just been cast in for next year has one role they've had a hard time filling.... And you are the right type for the role. Do you mind if I pass your contact on to the producer?" And to avoid making a long story even longer... The publicity photos came out this week(I think you'll recognize the blond in the poster on the right). Rehearsals start February 25th. They say it's like riding a bicycle, but I'm nervous! I'd love your prayers for memorization for a meaty role, an authentic French accent, and a good witness and rapport with the all female production. So, as always, we sure appreciate your prayers! I'm thrilled with the beginnings of these Sacred Pathways retreats, and rehearsals for theplay start February 25th. 4-10pm, Monday to Friday. With the boys thriving in their schools, it's wonderful to have this new freedom and capacity in my heart to take on new things. Jim has a trip scheduled to meet with leaders for two potential new mentoring groups (China 17-22), so we'd love your prayer support for wisdom in that. I'm not planning any big FIFTY-ONE concerts like last year for my birthday on the 23rd....It's enough that I'm trying to get these lines down, and work on developing a core team to help me with these Sacred Pathways retreats! Do let us know how we can be praying for you! Blessing. Joy. Humlity. Gratitude. Grace. K!Mberly