PENNY BAILEY:   If I had to describe myself in a few words it would be that I am a woman on a journey - of faith and encounter. A lifelong Catholic I spent most of my  life living my faith on the margins, living as a Catholic in name only.   6 years ago I had a deep reversion to the faith, ending that long, spiritual dry spell.  Today, I have a much clearer understanding of what God has called me to do and who He has called me to be.  This journey has taken many twists and turns over the years.  Looking back, I'm so blessed that by my side through it all have been my husband and our two beautiful, high spirited and deeply devout daughters. 

By day I am a service manager for Gardiner Outdoor Products.  When I'm not working,  I am an active member in my parish, Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Morganza, as well as an active member of Saint Mary Catholic Church, Bryantown, serving on their Evangelization Committee and teaching Life in the Holy Spirit classes at various Catholic churches throughout the Southern Maryland region.

Launching Encounter Grace is another step along this path the good Lord has seen fit to put me on.  It is always my prayer that my encounters with and witness to others, women especially, will encourage them to take a fresh look at how God sees them, embracing the gifts they have and finding a way to say yes to God's plan for their lives.

LAURA ROLAND: I am a cradle Catholic who has recently landed in Washington DC. In my former life as a college student I earned a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services and a Masters in Reading Education.   An educator for 22 years, 14 of which were in Catholic education, I have recently taken some time away from the education field to discern what God has in store for me next.   

While I (patiently?) wait for the big reveal, I continue to exercise my my real superhero power-  that I am the wife to my husband of 29 years.  We have three amazing grown children (key word grown because that = independent of our bank account) and one amazing son-in-law. Their wit, intellect and love for good cinema comes from their dad and their need for direct flights when traveling and great books to read comes from me.  

These days my heart lies in women's ministry, writing on my blog and speaking on the topic about life in the faith and living an authentic life in this crazy world. It is my strongly held belief that we all should share the beauty that is this life one sweet conversation at time.