2025 Student Mission - San Antonio - Day One

San Antonio Day ONE!!!

Day one! It was a HOT one, but we've finished our first day at Ms Betty's home. We removed broken siding and demolished the front half of her roof. Below, Stephanie and Yadira share about their first day!

Today marks the first day of our hard-working week repairing this sweet lady’s house!! My name is Stephanie, and this is my first-ever mission trip. At first, I was so focused on how much hard work it was, I was tired and hot. But my mindset began to change as I began!! My job was to remove the old shingles and dispose of them in the trash, as others removed them from the roof. I used a wheelbarrow for the first time!! Next, I went on the roof and collected nails using a magnet.

Along with other small jobs, I realized I was experiencing so many new things and learning how to be HANDY!! The absolute best part of my day was getting to know the homeowner. 80-year-old Betty is just the sweetest, and I loved hearing stories of her childhood!! She expressed that she took a trip down memory lane when sharing her story with us. Just from day 1, I’ve already felt an impact come from this, through lessons learned and stories heard!! Great week ahead!!

Stephanie Rennie

Today we went to Ms. Betty's house. She is partly blind and can no longer drive, but even under her circumstances, she was very inviting and friendly. When we came inside to get to know her, she said, “Come on in. I'm an open book”, and we started our conversation.

We discussed many things, including her early childhood, her current life, her children, her grandchildren, and even her great-grandchild. Growing up, she had seven siblings and loved to play outside with her older brother. She moved into her house in 1979 when her first child was only 2 years old. She has had two husbands who have both passed away, but she doesn't let that stop her from living a happy life. She currently attends church every Sunday and participates in Bible study every Wednesday evening.

Betty loves her grandchildren more than anything. When we asked her what the secret to a happy life was, she said that to be happy, you must “be thankful for what you have because even if you don't feel satisfied with it, other people would love to have it.”

We were working on the roof the whole time we were there. We were working on the roof and shingles. Overall, I think it was a day filled with learning and forming new bonds.

Yadira Stepney-Quezada

Grace and Peace,

Becca Rivas, Director of Congregational Life