Mrs. Rene's Big Family

Sep 25, 2023

AUBURN, AL - A 15-year wedding anniversary requires a certain level of celebration. Although Rene Waldrop and her husband Mike rarely splurge on fancy occasions, they decided this night should be the exception. In the midst of brainstorming, Mike suggested 1856, a new five-star restaurant downtown Auburn. Rene smirked knowing the perfect response. 

“Yeah, but it costs expensive,” she said. 

While most people would frown upon this incorrect grammar usage, Rene and Mike laugh. Ever since 11-year-old Tyrese exclaimed that his new tennis shoes “costs expensive,” the phrase has become a regular part of the couple’s vocabulary. 

Tyrese is one of the many students that Rene considers her own. Mrs. Rene, as her students call her, is the director of Our House Auburn. The nonprofit organization is a part of By Our Love ministries and provides after-school care for children living in Ridgecrest Public Housing. By creating long-lasting relationships with her students, Mrs. Rene is changing not only their futures, but the entire community’s as well. 

Each day, she welcomes her students home to the big green house on Bedell Avenue. The blue walls and high wooden ceilings resemble those of a cozy winter cabin. The fully stocked kitchen constantly prepares snacks, and pens and pencils cover the long dining room table. Mrs. Rene sits “criss-cross-applesauce” on the sofa like the last piece of a puzzle. 

“We dress to play around here,” she said. Her gray t-shirt, shorts and tennis shoes match her dislike for sitting still. Every few minutes, she glanced down at her wrist. Ms. Nashanda from the neighborhood needed a ride, and Mrs. Rene is always willing to help. 

Being constantly on the go is nothing new for Rene. Before becoming the director of Our House, Rene attended Auburn University where she earned a degree in business. She then attended Tulane Law School and began her 20-year-long career as an attorney. Soon enough, Rene was practicing part time and teaching Advanced Business Law at Auburn.

Despite her success, Rene’s servant heart still searched for something more. 

Rene’s life of ministry began on Dec. 16, 1971, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Her childhood consisted of her and her mother singing Christmas carols to nursing home residents and packing brown bag meals at church. While most little girls dreamed of being a princess or the president, Rene dreamed of only two things: serving others and being a mom. However, Rene found herself without both of these things, as she continued her law career without any children of her own. 

“I wanted to be a mom and a wife and have a bunch of kids, and I was 31 and divorced,” Rene said. Therefore, it was no leap of faith for Rene to quit practicing law and become the director of Our House. Like any working mother, she was ready to stay at home with her kids. 

While Rene sat in the Auburn High School football stadium on May 25, 2023, her heart exploded with pride. K’Nyah, Tamiyah, Tamya and Shaniyah walked across the stage with their heads held high. As they walked, however, Rene did not see four high school graduates. She saw the fourth graders walking into Our House for the first time and the sixth graders meeting for Bible study. Seeing the principal hand her girls a diploma meant Rene’s ministry had come full circle.  

“This ministry is built on John 13:35 which is ‘By this they will know you are my disciples, if you love one another,’” Rene said. “I want to be known by my love.”

Today, Rene’s love impacts over 100 students and their families. When after-school care has extra snacks, Rene sends a plate home to the parents. When Ms. Nashanda needs a ride to her children’s school, Rene is the first to volunteer. 

Ouida Lawrence, Our House’s director of operations, said, “Rene will jump in and do whatever is needed.” 

One evening during recreation, the students were unsure about a new game called “human foosball.” To no surprise, Mrs. Rene was already on the court ready to play. Watching their leader dive for the ball gave the students courage. Soon, the entire gymnasium was diving. The next day, Rene hardly noticed her black and blue elbows and knees. 

Mike Waldrop laughs at his wife’s dedication. “I had simply prayed for God to send me a girl running after Jesus,” Mike said. “And in His time, here she came full sprint.” 

Despite Mike’s best efforts, he knows his prediction for this evening will come true. He will sit on the couch facing the front door, tapping his foot. He will take a sip of his wine while the glass on the table remains untouched. Right when he is about to lose hope, the door will swing open. Rene will burst through the doors in her t-shirt and shorts frantically reciting an apology. But the smile on her face and artwork in her hands will say otherwise. Although these things have not yet happened, Mike knows they will. After all, Rene is known by her love.