Hi! My name is Brooke Appleby (Apple-bee) – yes, like the restaurant. But no affiliation… it does occasionally score me a free dessert though! Here is a little bit about my life to help you get to know me:
I grew up in a small town in Central Florida with my single mother and an older sister, Nicole. I have 3 additional half-sisters and 2 half-brothers that grew up within just a few hours of me. All that adds up to several beautiful nieces and nephews for me to enjoy now! I’m a hands-on Aunt who looks forward to having children of my own someday, but for now all these little ones fill up my heart!
Growing up I was very active in cheerleading… I had always wished I continued this throughout college. This was a strong passion of mine in my youth–I loved the energy exhumed and the community among team members! I’ve recently fulfilled this passion as an adult with crossfit (the next best thing to cheerleading)!
After high school, eager to get out and experience the world, I moved to Gainesville, FL and attended the University of Florida. Go Gators!!! Shortly after graduation I was offered a job in Dallas, TX working in the buying office of a large department store. I lived the high-life of fashion – attending fashion week, setting market trends, and purchasing first-hand designer clothing for stores across the nation! A few years later I relocated to Nashville, TN to develop a private label brand launched by an A-list celebrity. Needless to say, I love fashion and I found great worldly success in it! However, I’ve realized that all the worldly possessions I can gather/experience won’t bring me the love and enjoyment that God will. I am thankful that I was given the opportunity to travel the US throughout my career; but, I’m even more excited that my primary passion will be taking me all over the WORLD while serving the Lord. I have decided to go on the World Race – serving in 11 different countries in 11 months, to lay a new foundation for my life by living for God first. I will be working with orphans, widows, sex trafficking victims, and building churches. I’m not only looking forward to impacting the lives of others during this time, but anticipate the changes God has planned in my life through these experiences! I recently have been ridding myself of all of my worldly belongings… I can hardly wait for July! This verse is especially encouraging to me as I prepare for my journey abroad, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Luke 18:22
Just a Few Fun Facts About Me:
I have very small feet – I fair well with the clearance sections!
I have a 135lb Rottweiler… he’s bigger than me!!!
I’m ALMOST a vegetarian (my sister is a vegetarian and I grew up eating mostly vegetarian meals).
I’ve been on more spring breaks then any other college graduate in history… I really liked UF.
I prefer salty over sweets.
I’m good at math, and I don’t like writing – writing literally gives me hives!
I love being in large groups–I get a rush being around and talking to a lot of people. Funny… I don’t like public speaking.
Might be the only one left who still owns an Iphone 4… upgrade-what?
I love the outdoors – anything on the water is even better!
