When I first moved to Phoenix almost five years ago, I was newly pregnant in a new city. I didn't have many friends, everything was about starting over and making new. I was also a pastor's wife at the time navigating a new church and new youth ministry.

I joined a online ministry for Pastor's wives, there I was able to meet other women like me and get connected with them. Eventually I started leading an online group for pastor's wives each month. Community has always been important to me. If I didn't have it, I sought it out. I love building authentic relationships with people.

When I became a mama, I didn't have any friends around me that were moms too. There were no young moms in my church, I didn't have any young mama friends around me. I was navigating a lot all on my own and trying to find my place and figure out what kinda mama I was going to be.

For the longest time I prayed that God would bring Godly women and mothers into my life. Ones that I could relate to, share my story with, and ones that we could live life together. He's done that in so many different ways for me. Some local, some online friends, and church friends. I think the heart of community is just to do life together, to know that someone else has your same interests, is going through the same thing too and you can come together.

I'm so thankful for the friendships God has brought my way in the most unexpected ways. This is why I am so thankful for Thrive Moms. Their heart is my heart. To see mamas connected to each other. Encouraging each other, seeing them live life together and supporting one another.

Today Thrive Local launches! You guys, I'm so excited for this aspect of Thrive. It's my heartbeat! it's theirs too. You can visit Thrive today and search a map and find a group in your area just for you and other moms too!

For my local Phoenix mamas there's two in the Phoenix metro! I'm leading a group and I'd love for you to join me as we connect and share life with one another.

Andrea Worley