Noelle is one of Rachel's dear sisters, fellow country music fan and dog lover. Rachel and Noelle have been known to be the quiet observers in the room, quietly whispering to each other and laughing at simple amusements that no one else notices. Rachel can always count on Noelle to cuddle with her or give her a long hug, and ooh and ah over cute baby animal pictures. One of Rachel's favorite memories of Noelle is the visits home, when Noelle and Rachel would talk about life, jam out to country or worship music, and wash the dishes. And of course road trips to Canada, trying to navigate directions, windows down and music blasting, and always many, many rest stop breaks :D

Pat has been a close friend of Nick’s for many years, dating all the way back to Nick mistaking Patrick for being Chinese. He traveled the world with Nick, been on mission trips with him, and lived with him. Nick and Pat both enjoy electronic dance music, trying new beers and restaurants, and interacting with each other using non-sequitir jokes.

Charis is one of Rachel's dear sisters, fellow lover of singing, and baby lover. Rachel can always count on Charis to have many stories about kids to swap back and forth, and a wise word of encouragement and truth when struggling. One of Rachel's favorite memories with Charis is being beach bums together while camping, talking about life and getting a tan from the sun (aka sunburn). And of course many many nights reminiscing about the past, talking about the present, and laughing about the quirky family they feel lucky to be a part of :)

Dave has been a mentor, a, church elder, and accountability partner to Nick. Dave is very gentle and patient and has imparted much wisdom in life to Nick, both inside as a whole and with respect to relationships. Dave is married to Julie and has four children.

Hannah is one of Rachel's dear college friends, aka "kindred spirit/bosom friend," (as their beloved Anne of Green Gables says). They met for the first time at a school retreat, and in their first interaction, had a long, deep conversation about their life stories. Hannah and Rachel were both RA's at Kuyper College (different years) and supported each other through the process. Rachel appreciates Hannah's unconditional love, willingness to be real and honest, and her gracious and loving spirit and her unconditional love for others. They share a great love for exploring the great outdoors and having late night talks and eating ice cream in their own specific booth at McDonalds. One of Rachel's favorite memories with Hannah is when they camped in the UP (upper peninsula of Michigan), got lost on the way to the campground late at night, the car filling up with bugs from the open sunroof, and hiking all the way into Pictured Rocks.

John has been a mentor to Nick and has encouraged Nick by his self-discipline and commitment to grow in his faith. John is also a very compassionate person who has a desire to help those are in need, as evidenced by his creation of a business to employ those who are impoverished by giving them work skills. John is married to Christina and has five young daughters.

Aaron and Nick go all the way back to junior high/early high school days, when the two of them played homeschool basketball together, though it was really not until 2012, when Aaron came to Second RP Church and began living at the church, that Nick and Aaron began a friendship that continues to this day. Nick and Aaron both enjoy trying new craft beers. Aaron is married and has two young sons.

Ellen is one of Rachel's dear college friends. Their parents were close friends at Kuyper College before they were born, and they have pictures of Ellen and Rachel together as young kids. Little did Rachel and Ellen know, that when they chose to attend Kuyper College 20 years later, the school would choose to place them together as roommates their freshman year! Rachel and Ellen immediately hit it off and became close friends. They share a love for deep conversations along with a good cup of tea and going on long walks. Rachel can always count on Ellen to have a caring listening ear, give honest, godly advice, and laugh and find joy in small moments and difficult days. Rachel's favorite memories with Ellen include many late night talks freshman year as roommates, trips to Big Rapids to spend time with Ellen's family (aka Rachel's family away from home), and watching Ellen and Austin's relationship start and develop, until being a bridesmaid in their wedding. And of course every night freshman year with Ellen, one of them asking the other, "Does it feel really hot in here to you?" and the other immediately agreeing, opening the window to let the frigid Michigan winter air inside for a few minutes before closing it and going to sleep. :) As they always tell each other, "Where would I be without you?"

Ethan and Nick have known each other since their earliest days. From trading basketball cards to playing homeschool basketball together to going to India together to living at the church together to graduating from the same renowned Kelley School of Business, Ethan and Nick have lived many parts of life together. Ethan has been married since 2014 and has recently joined the ranks of homeowners.

Emily is one of Rachel's dear college friends, the first friend she made freshman year. Through the ups and downs of freshman year, they supported each other and endured the dreaded merge class together. Even when Emily left Kuyper for a while, they never lost touch and maintained their friendship. Emily and Rachel have been known to talk for hours about boys, social work, family, and their dreams for the future. Emily's hospitality and intentionality in friendship is a great source of encouragement for Rachel, particularly after graduation; Rachel has enjoyed numerous holidays away from family by spending time with Emily and her family. One of Rachel's favorite memories with Emily is the weekend spent camping at Sleeping Bear Dunes, hiking into a part of the beach where they saw one person all day, and exploring the wonderful Cherry Republic. And of course getting tea and coffee at the cute little coffee shop in town. Most good conversations happen over a cup of tea or coffee :)

Courtney is one of Rachel's dear college friends. They got to know each other through Rachel's friend and bridesmaid Ellen, when Rachel was first assumed by Courtney to be an "awkward homeschooler." Quickly she realized this was only partially true, when Courtney, Ellen, and Rachel spent many late nights laughing until crying on the floor and creating all kinds of freshman shenanigans. After losing touch for a few years, Courtney and Rachel reconnected and became roommates for several years, developing a deeper and stronger than ever friendship. Courtney and Rachel have been known to have many conversations about healthy eating, exercise, faith, and family, and Rachel appreciates Courtney's honest and insightful questions. One of Rachel's favorite memories with Courtney is the trip to the beach to walk around with Malory, Courtney's sister, where they drove all the way back home just to get their bathing suits, so that they could go hiking and swimming with some other friends. And of course nights watching many episodes of Parks and Rec :)

Sterling used to stay at Nick's house when his parents would go on vacation—which meant having to put up with living with Nick! In more recent years, Sterling has helped support Nick through some difficult times and has always been willing to lend a listening ear and encourage Nick to the best of his ability. Sterling now lives in the Pittsburgh, PA area.

Serena is Rachel's youngest sister, favorite and longest roommate (so far :D). Whenever Rachel calls home, you can count on Serena to update Rachel on everything going on in her own life and the family's life. She never fails to make Rachel laugh, and shares a love for exploring and the great outdoors. Rachel's favorite memories with Serena include the nights spent tucking Serena into bed at night, cuddling and reading books together, and then talking late into the night about life. When Rachel visits home, they still do this to this day :)

Phil has been a roommate and a partner in crime with Nick. After growing up in the same church and living together for three years, Nick and Phil consider each other brothers. Phil has helped Nick with everything from finding a new headlight at a junk yard to kayaking with Nick on the White River in Indianapolis. Nick had the pleasure of being a groomsman in Phil's November 2017 wedding.