Arise Retreats

Before you spend a weekend with Christi, there are a few things you should know: she loves Jesus deeply, has a tendency to find meaning in just about everything, and may or may not turn an ordinary conversation into a life lesson. Christi is a wife, neurodivergent mom, devoted friend, teacher, and lifelong ministry girl who has learned that some of the sweetest joys in life are often hidden in the middle of the hard and ordinary places. She has been married to her husband, a military veteran, for 22 years, and together they have moved many, many times—including a season of living in an RV with their two kids while traveling across the country. Their story has included adventure, beautiful memories, uncertainty, loss, and plenty of moments that didn't exactly go according to plan. Through it all, she learned to lean into her favorite Scripture, Philippians 4:8, particularly the reminder to look for “anything worthy of praise” and focus on that. For Christi, finding the good doesn't mean pretending the hard things aren't hard. It means being honest about the mess while still looking for where God is present, faithful, and good—and discovering the hidden joys tucked into an honest life. Christi has served in ministry for much of her life, and when she isn't serving, you'll likely find her with a book, near a fire pit, or surrounded by the people she loves. Ultimately, though, her heart is simple: love people well, serve those around her, and point them toward Jesus.