Once upon a time… in the quaint town of Downtown Willoughby, Ohio, a young woman named Cristi Goldfuss, found herself immersed in the bustling energy of her college town. Despite calling Ohio home, Cristi was a true nomad at heart, always seeking new experiences and adventures. She was a student at Ursuline College in Mayfield, Ohio, where she pursued her passion for learning and personal growth.

One fateful day, Cristi stumbled upon a thought-provoking podcast called Experience Emerge (ExEm) while listening to an episode on trauma. This encounter sparked an insatiable curiosity within her and she found herself deeply inspired by the stories and wisdom shared by individuals like Rachael Denhollander, Diane Langberg, Simone Biles, and her own family. The ExEm Podcast and Diane Morgan’s “Give Grief a Chance” left a profound impact on Cristi, shaping her perspectives and guiding her through her own personal journey. Cristi has been inspired by many authors such as, “Gentle and Lowly” by Dane Ortlund because it shows Christ’s gentle heart. “Nothing Wasted” by Kasey Van Norman reminded her that no one is too far from grace, and He loves everyone of His children. “Jesus Through the Eyes of Women” by Rebecca McLaughlin highlights Jesus’ love for women, and “Love Does” by Bob Goff speaks to how our actions are powerful to reflect love.

Throughout her life, Cristi had often felt misunderstood, driving her to be the person her younger self had needed while reflecting the gentle and loving heart of Christ. Despite her internal struggles, she has learned to cherish the simple joys of life like her surroundings, relishing in the tranquility of being just 10 minutes away from the peaceful lake. There, she finds solace in hiking, reading, swimming, and spending quality time with friends. In addition to her scholarly pursuits, Cristi had a deep passion for artistry, particularly in flowers and pottery. Having been a florist in the past, she poured her heart and soul into adorning her two best friends’ weddings with exquisite floral arrangements. Her love for pottery, especially throwing on the wheel, stemmed from her upbringing in Mexico City, where she had been exposed to the rich tapestry of art and culture. Above all, Cristi treasured the simplicity of life’s gestures—encouraging notes, a thoughtful cup of coffee, and the warmth of a friend’s embrace continue to be the true treasures that filled her heart with joy.
As the sun sets over the horizon, Cristi’s heart is filled with gratitude for the myriad experiences that has shaped her. With each passing day, she finds herself embracing the beauty of life’s journey and the profound connections that has enriched her world.

The end?
Or just the beginning?