I'm Cristina Blackwell. I currently live in the Pacific Northwest. This hasn't always been my home. I was born in the dry heat of Arizona. When I turned 11 my father was retiring and we moved to the Philippines to be closer to my mother's family -- culture and climate shock number 1!

I loved growing up there. Although I did my best at socializing, I was and still am an introvert. I spent a lot of time on our farm alone with the animals, nature and my creativity. It was where I felt at peace.

My desire to help and care for people drove me to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, graduating in 2012. I grew up knowing I would come back to the US but that didn't make it any easier. I moved to Oregon, alone, in 2013 -- culture and climate shock number 2!

Many moments big and small happened between then and now. I learned to stand on my own two feet, navigated the new environment *and seasons*, met and married my soulmate, adopted an amazing dog and have been an operating room nurse for several years now.

After taking an in-depth look at myself I realized I needed to change, again. Change is still scary (though, you think I'd be a pro at it by now). This time I am deciding and shaping who I want to be.

My creative skills have connected me to people around the world and I want to continue to use these skills to bring people together.