Paula Gamble has been inviting people to slow their souls for more than twenty years. As an international retreat leader and speaker, Spiritual Director and author, Paula lives into the rhythms and values of Saint Francis and Clare. She longs to be a joyful herald of God's Extravagant Love with whomever she’s with.

Paula fell in love with Assisi the first time she went there (and for only 36 hours!) and continues to return every chance she gets. She has been practicing Franciscan spirituality for almost 25 years and is currently pursuing her DMin., with an emphasis on how the Franciscan view of creation is an important part of our spiritual formation.

Sam Mielbrecht and Paula have been friends for nearly 40 years since college. Sam loves meeting people and delights in welcoming each person she encounters to discover the uniqueness of who they are. In over thirty years of ministry she has held a variety of roles from leading women’s ministries to traveling and living internationally to companioning and learning from others in a variety of contexts.

Sam is delighted to return to Assisi to help introduce people to connect more deeply with God and their souls through the lives and stories of Clare and Francis. And if you want a pal to get gelato with, she’s your gal! She and her husband Mark love to help others flourish and often work alongside indigenous leaders in really vulnerable places.