Amber’s Story

San Antonio, Texas

“You know that feeling you get when there’s about to be a storm? Not one of those ugly, trees crashing around you, Wizard of Oz, houses ripped out of the ground storms. More like a storm where the wind is blowing perfectly, it’s the perfect temperature, you can smell the sweet smell of the rain on the horizon, can see the flashes of lightning in the distance, and the grass is just so dry - so, you’re excited for the precipitation. 

If you can imagine that feeling, then you know what it felt like to meet and collaborate with Shea. When this all started, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I just knew I loved my students, and my commissions went to giving them all that they needed - mattresses, pencils, paper, stickers, breakfast, snacks/after school, food delivered to their homes.

Yes, there are other services. But, there are gaps. Huge gaps - people have no idea. I was able to show Shea those gaps during her visit and talk (over puffy tacos) about what the needs were. She listened, was able to gather information, and made me feel heard. Her visit to San Antonio helped me to see that God is working in ways that we often don’t understand. This fall, I will be not only a director of an online campus, but also the director for Fuel in the School for San Antonio. 

Her heart and spirit shine so bright, it’s hard to miss. I’m grateful and proud to have met this amazing, inspiring, and driven sister. She is the reason many students will have backpacks and what they need this coming school year. Her visit helped me to realize one thing - a thing that I have always said - and now I know it’s true - if we aren’t making an impact in this world by giving back, when we are gone, what was it for? Who are we living for if not to serve this world and the most needing?

This is only the beginning, the rumbling of the thunder. Trust that.”