2012, you've been good to me

Since this year is almost over, it would probably be fitting to write a "Best Memories from 2012," "Regrets from 2012," or "Goals for 2013" list, right? I have always liked to be different and I try to stay away from cliches so instead of doing one of those lists, I chose something different. As I was making the long 8 hour drive back to TN, I looked back on what made my year so great and I realized it was the unexpected moments, relationships, friendships, and dreams that made 2012 such a fantastic year. Drumroll please......

The Top 5 Most Unexpected Things 

Sounds simple and slightly dumb, but here we go...

1. Katie Wood.  

Last January, I went to the Passion conference with Northstar Church and it was a definitely a defining moment for 2012. On the bus ride to Atlanta, I happened to sit behind the one and only, Katie Wood. My first impression was that she asked a lot of questions and had lived in a million different places.  We became fast friends and later that semester, she ended up leading a group of freshman girls with me. She encouraged me, taught me how to love well and while I worked at camp (more of that later) she poured into me more than anyone else. She has been such a blessing to me and even though we don't see each other or talk as much, when we do, I am always thankful for that bus ride to Passion. 

2. The Circle of Caleb 

It sounds weird and it probably is. Caleb Thurman was a unexpected blessing this year. We went from being great friends to dating and finally back to great friends. Yeah, it's weird. It doesn't happen, ever, but we somehow made it work. I never would have thought that I would have dated someone for months, only for it to end with us being even closer as friends. However, I am extremely thankful for it. Thank you Caleb for adding to my unexpected adventures this year...here's to many more in our friendship. 

3. Krazy, Kanakuk Kamp

I wanted to work there so badly. Then, one day I got the phone call: We would like to offer you the job. The adventure began. 6 weeks in Lampe, MO, where I knew a total of ZERO people. Kanakuk Kamps...a place filled with joy and Jesus, laughter and love. I have never grown so much in my faith, or as a person. I also gained a close friend in my co-counselor, Diana Barns. I have never trusted anyone as fast as I trusted her. I miss her. I miss singing with her while our girls were getting ready, and causing everyone in our cabin to think we were crazy. Even though we don't see each other or talk everyday like we did this summer, the time I do get to talk to her is such a blessing. I never thought that in the small town of Lampe, MO, so many memories would be made, so much joy would be found and such great friendships would be built. 

4. Unique, New York 

Rach: "Someday, I really want to go to New York during Christmas time"

TJ: "Why don't we?"

And that began the adventure of Christmas break 2012. A trip to New York. I never in a million, billion, trillion years would have believed you if you told me that this was going to happen, especially with the people I went with. I met TJ Earl for the first time in August, and apparently, according to him, I did not make a very memorable first impression. I also first met Lizzy in August. Alex and Kristi also joined this adventure. These 4 folks and I drove to New York and spent 2 days taking in the sights. I wouldn't trade that experience for the world. Our friendships grew tremendously. We laughed until we cried (literally...Lizzy). There was not a single argument. We built a stronger trust with each other. I didn't expect such a spontaneous trip to make such an impact on me, but I am thankful it did. 

Last, but most definitely not least...

5. Grace

Rach: "Spice, I really want to learn about grace this year."

Sarah: "Me too! Let's do it"

We had this conversation a year ago almost exactly. Last year at Passion, on the first night in Atlanta, outside our hotel room, this is what we talked about. Grace. My life has never been the same. Sarah and I went though so much last spring, (and this summer, and this fall, and probably still now) struggling through our mess, climbing out of pits, accepting grace, realizing the depth of grace, learning to show grace to other, as well as to ourselves. I didn't think that the one comment I made to Sarah could literally change the course of my life. I started off this year simply wanting to learn about grace, and I am ending it by trying to live in it.

December 2011, I remember sitting with Sarah, discussing our goals or dreams for 2012. I could probably find that list if I really wanted to. I know that nothing on that list was on this 'unexpected' list. This list of unexpected things far exceeds anything I could have imagined. I am apart of such a great story, written by the most beautiful storyteller, and I want nothing more than to rest in His presence and enjoy where I am, knowing that whatever is happening, expected or unexpected, is just another chapter, another page, of the great story. 

Most of the time, our greatest joy comes from the unexpected.

Wherever you are, be all there. 

Jesus, I can't wait to see what 2013 has is store.

Christmas from the Apelts

This Christmas, I had the privilege of writing the Apelt family Christmas letter. I thought I would share.


Go Army, beat Navy, Bow-wow Bulldogs, Go Vols, O-H-I-O, and Merry Christmas.

We rang in 2012 the right way by surrounding ourselves with friends and family, laughter and good food and from there, 2012 only got better.

One of the first major events of the year was Jacob Benjamin Apelt's high school graduation. My little brother is growing up. He now attends Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama where he pretty much runs the school. He is a part of the freshman forum (a student government association for freshman), the freshman representative council, multiple intramural teams and he helped re-start the "Red Sea," which is the rowdy section during football games. One of his biggest dreams is to become Moses, the 'head rowdy' who happens to be in charge of parting the rowdy section..."The Red Sea." He is a Business Management major currently still indecisive on what exactly he wants to do.

Dad (Doug) normally is a man of routine, but that definitely was not the case this year. He has started a new job and the Apelts will be moving in the next month or so to Memphis! (The Apelts moving...big surprise, I know.) He went from making people hot and cold working at Trane to taking people up and down, making elevators at ThyssenKrupp, in Memphis, running operations for the United States. He has been there only a few weeks, but he thoroughly enjoys it and excited about the upcoming move. And as always, Dad loves the months of August through December, cheering on his favorite football teams or really anyone that plays Michigan.

Mom (Lisa) is highly anticipating the move as well but in the meantime, she continues to do a excellent job at caring for all of us, making sure that we are happy and healthy. She did not return to teaching preschool since she was unsure when we would be officially moving. She has made a graceful transition from bustling household to empty nester with Dad. They are adjusting and making many trips to Birmingham and Knoxville to visit Jake and I.

As for myself, I am now a junior at the University of Tennessee. (Where did the time go?)  I am an English major, minoring in Secondary Education. My dream: to be a Freshman English teacher. I have been traveling a lot this semester going to football games or just for fun; Atlanta, Athens, GA, Nashville, Paris, TN and the most recent, New York City for a Christmas weekend away with friends. I am still leading a group of sophomore girls at my church in Knoxville and they bring so much joy to my life. Overall, I am still enjoying the college life.

As I am writing this letter, an impromptu trip to visit Mickey Mouse in Disney is being planned.  We are leaving on December 21 and will be returning on Christmas Eve. It will definitely end up being a highlight of this year.

We want to wish you all a very merry Christmas, reminding you to remember the gift of love that God sent down in His son Jesus on Christmas Day. Keep Him in your hearts during this season and everyday this year.

With grace and love,

Rachel