Leigh Pete is a retreat coordinator with Thrive and I’ve asked that she introduce herself to us-the volunteer team. The up-coming Middle East Retreat will be her first exposure to our wonderful volunteer team!
I was born in New Jersey but spent most of my life near Tampa, Florida. I was raised in a loving but void-of-God home. My spiritual influences came in the form of a God-fearing Grandmother with a servant heart and exposure to the college-aged Christian workers of the SummerShine ministry each summer in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. God showed Himself to me in very personal way through the love of His followers. I came to know Him personally the summer I turned 14 and learned to lean on Him as the one who could take away the deep fears I experienced as a child.
January 2012, after a difficult year, God called my husband and I to Uganda with the very clear purpose of loving on His children there. This trip expanded my worldview, introduced me to the true life realities of a special woman who serves there, and forever changed my heart. The year following this trip, I struggled with a desire God placed in me to align my heart with my occupation. I am solely supporting my husband as he is completes medical school and did not feel that left me with a lot of options. In the summer of 2013 God made it extremely clear that He was asking me to step out in faith and obey. I did so, resigning from my position and trusting in Him for where to go next. God perfectly orchestrated every detail of the next couple months – leading me clearly and directly to Thrive. I have been so greatly blessed since and am beyond thankful to be able to work for this ministry.
I am married to my high school sweetheart, Mike and I have a sweet yellow lab named Summit. We enjoy hiking, traveling, and trying new culinary experiences together. I have a background in Graphic Design and Photography and freelance both in addition to my work at Thrive.
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