Antonio, San Texas -- Day 4, January 25, 2023

It’s been an exciting day reuniting with Isabelle after her Coining Ceremony. It was also quite nostalgic for Bob as well … it was 60 ½ years ago that he too graduated here at Lackland Air Force Base as an Airman. Having a granddaughter follow that same path merits a special pride.  Isabelle knew that her parents and we were coming down, but she did not know about her two brothers … there were many tears of joy!  So Airman 2^nd Class Isabelle Peach was able to spend the rest of the day with us … breakfast with her favorite, doughnuts, catch-up with everything that’s gone on the last almost 2 months and games at the house; and then we ventured out to explore a piece of San Antonio together.

There are four Mission Communities in the San Antonio area, established here by the Spanish since the early 1700s, and still very active today. This was all Spanish colonial land at that time, and through these missions the indigenous and Spanish cultures gradually melded together. We toured the mission of San Jose with its very large center area that houses the Church along the northern edge, the granary in the northwest corner and living quarters completely surrounding the central courtyard.  Ranching was done outside of the walled area.  The entrance to the Church had a large bell tower to one side (with the bells ringing at 3 p.m. when we were there). Surrounding the main entrance to the Church were several statues and ornate carvings, with both a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe and of Our Lady.  The sanctuary itself as well as the Chapel were both very beautiful … very reverent places to pray. 

We then headed into town to find an Italian restaurant … Dough Pizzeria was open, so we ventured in and thoroughly enjoyed not only their delicious pizzas and homemade mozzarella cheese, but drinks (wine flights for Suzanne and me) and great family time together before having to take Isabelle back to the barracks … until tomorrow’s graduation ceremony!  Words do not adequately express our gratitude for His many Blessings bestowed upon us!