DI Families: Meet the Thomases

This week, we sat down with newlyweds, Tracey Thomas (formerly Lengyel) and husband, Patrick Thomas. Tracey works full time for Young Life in Charleston and is the Director of Wyldlife here on Daniel Island. Patrick, a former Young Life leader, and now a Business Development Representative at Blackbaud, frequently volunteers in support of Wyldlife groups on the island in his free time. Over the past seven years, Tracey has persuaded scores of skeptical middle schoolers that life can shine brighter when they mix in faith, friends - and a whole lot of fun. Tracey’s optimism, empathy and fun-loving energy have made her as popular with pre-teens as she is with parents - many of whom have opened their hearts and living rooms - in support of Wyldlife. Tracey and Pat may see themselves as a couple right now - but they are certainly part of a wider - and might we say ‘Wylder’ - family.

Where are you from originally?

I’m from Pittsburgh, PA and Pat’s from Jacksonville, FL. I came to Charleston about seven years ago, to attend Charleston Southern University. That’s when I first got involved in Wyldlife. Then four years ago, I met my husband Pat at Southwind, a Wyldlife Camp, when we were both working as leaders there.

How did you get involved in Wyldlife?

In middle-school, I was involved in a similar faith-based program led by an amazing group leader who turned my life around; I was a shy, insecure girl who discovered that I really did fit in with my peers and I grew into a confident, compassionate young woman. I wanted to help other girls and boys to experience this same transformation. I had heard about the Young Life program for High Schoolers and its sister program, Wyldlife, for Middle School-aged kids, when I came down to the area for college at Charleston Southern.

Why did you choose to live on Daniel Island?

When I graduated from college, I realized I wanted to stay on Daniel Island. It had slowly become my home. I wasn’t ready to leave. Fortunately, Young Life offered me a full-time job as Wyldlife Director and I found an apartment for rent on the island.

What do you love best about Daniel Island?

I love the families on Daniel Island who’ve grabbed some of the many opportunities to support our groups and have remained very involved in Wyldlife and Young Life. They’ve become like an extended family to me and a big reason I wanted to stay here. I can honestly say that I almost feel more at home here on Daniel Island than I ever did in Pittsburgh.

Do you plan to stay on Daniel Island for the near future?

We live in an apartment community on the island but we hope and pray that we can buy a house here someday.

Where do you like to hang out?

Daniel Island is just so beautiful. Pat and I walk and bike around the island a lot, especially on the Parkside. There are so many beautiful houses to look at all over the island. We also love to go to the beach and we are looking forward to learning how to paddleboard!

Do you and Pat have any special traditions?

Every Christmas, we love to go biking around the island and look at the Christmas lights. It a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday and spend time together.

What are some of your favorite restaurants - on-island or off?

We love to go to Orlando’s. The staff there has been so sweet and supportive of Wyldlife. Pat and I also like going to Dragon Palace. They have the best egg rolls. Off-island, we enjoy Shelter at Shem Creek. And of course, we love going to Jeni’s ice-cream downtown.

Do you like to go out to eat or cook at home?

We do prefer to cook at home. One of our favorite dishes is the chicken-stir fry from Trader Joe’s.

Do you ever go out of the Charleston area? If so, where do you go?

When we do find the time to travel, it’s always to go visit family. Either mine in Pittsburgh and Boston or Pat’s family in Atlanta and Jacksonville.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

You find true life when you give it away to others. Our family and relationships benefit tenfold when we serve. We are thankful to have other families on Daniel Island who have so clearly demonstrated that to us.

If you had three words or phrases to describe your life on Daniel Island, what would they be?

Bikes. Family. Sweet friends. We feel lucky to be able to live and work in such a great town.

Daniel Island Publishing

225 Seven Farms Drive
Unit 108
Daniel Island, SC 29492 

Office Number: 843-856-1999
Fax Number: 843-856-8555

 

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