Chris Garfolo

 

Hi, my name is Christina Garfolo. I was born in Hamilton, Ohio in 1984, but was raised in a small town outside of Pittsburgh. I was raised and baptized as a Jehovah's Witness. While this did teach me a lot of family values that I still hold to, I have never liked anyone to tell me what to do. One day one of the elders asked me why I didn't seem to be having much success teaching other people about the bible. When I really searched my heart I realized I just didn't believe everything that I had been taught. I couldn't convince others that what I was saying was truth if I didn't believe it myself. Despite continued efforts to study and fit in to my religion I was eventually asked to leave which was really a big relief.

 

I kind of just wandered spiritually after that. I knew that I couldn't go back to Christianity as I could never wrap my mind around the concept of one God as set forth in churches. Praying would always be pointless for me. It was my wonderful fiancé Jim who found out about the UU and the Wiccan rituals held there. I had always been fascinated by paganism but could never really get reliable information or exposure to it while living with my family. I had read a few books but didn't dare bring them home. At the first ritual we attended I could tell it was something I liked. It actually stirred my emotions and you could feel the energy in the room. Then Jim said he would really like to attend one of the Druid rituals. The more I have learned about Druidry, ADF, and Whispering Lake Grove the more I love it. Worship of Deities that I can really get to know and have in my life, that is something I have never experienced. The emphasis on taking care of the earth and cultivating virtues in your life is awesome. I hope to join the Dedicant program soon so that I can learn even more.

 

Now about my personal interests: I like to read, write, and draw although I haven't got to do much of it lately. I love movies, especially anything sci-fi or fantasy. I love spending time with Jim and friend. Jim and I have one cat, his name is Ein and we spoil him rotten. I hope to go back to school soon to learn a trade but we'll see how that goes.