09/29/2024
Let me tell you a story.
Last spring, I made the very difficult, emotional, bitter-sweet decision to head back home after just one year in the 5th grade classroom. I can still see those 26 faces looking at me, eyes wide, as I taught them daily about how to find the light in paintings and how to rest in Jesus.
From that point on, I felt like I was standing on a path covered in mist. I couldn't see a thing. It was the first time, probably ever, that I didn't know what was next. It's a terrifying feeling.
But I knew ONE thing. I wanted to, needed to, longed to get back into the Word of God on a daily basis. I had no answers about my future, but I had a solution to my morning routine: Scripture first.
For a while, I thought maybe the Lord was leading me in one particular direction. And I was kind of, sort of, excited about it. I was also exhausted from filmmaking as a solo artist. It grieved me to think that He might lead me away from it, as I have no desire to produce films on my own anymore.
But then one day, I was standing out in a field at Blue Saddle Farm LLC filming a few of our remaining scenes for . Scott Kent and Amy Wilde Kent brought me two people who I never, in my whole life, expected.
Over the last several weeks, these two have changed my life. They have wrapped me in my arms, encouraged me, led me, answered my silly questions without flinching, invited me to their home, introduced me to their sweet pups, and have said to me, "You're not alone anymore."
Producers Artie Malesci and Barbara Peterson-Malesci of Films of Alchemy & Grace have welcomed our film into their schedules, made a way for this sweet project in their circles and spheres. They even spent our last day yesterday at Rollag with us, not batting an eye at our crude and simple setup but encouraging us and loving on us for hours.
Artie (2nd unit director, student coordinator, and stuntman for many major motion films) assisted Chad Amour as we shot what is now officially my favorite shot in the entire movie (you'll have to wait to see it). Barbara (set designer) even kept an eye out for obstructions.
Oh my gosh, you mean I don't have to do ALL of that myself??
This weekend we head to the Duluth Film Festival. I'm overwhelmed, filled with gratitude, and terrified.
But you know what's funny. Whenever I feel SO scared because all of this is the Big Unknown, I imagine myself standing on that path covered in mist. And I find a HUGE amount of comfort there. Because, His big hand has taken mine and he says: "Here I am."
I don't need a clear path. He's just giving me people to walk it with.
I'm so grateful for that, and I'm so grateful for ALL of you who have given of your time and resources to help see this project through. You are 100% a part of this journey, and I couldn't have done this without you.