18!!

It's official... we now have 18, yes 18, GCH kids sponsored to attend the private schools this next school year! This is amazing to us, as we know the economy has been hard on everyone. But praise God, several generous donors have commited to sacrifice to give our children a better future!

Since enrolling our children in the schools here, we've noticed a huge difference in the level of education they receive in the public and private schools. The private schools offer computers, art/music, English, more days of instruction, and higher academics.

We have prayed each year for more and more of our children to have this opportunity. This year, we even got one more sponsored then we had anticipated.

We thank God for those of you who are sacrificing and praying for our children! Time to rejoice...

The plight of people here...

Yesterday, as I drove over the border, I was struck by the amount of beggars I saw. It seemed like more than usual. Then I began to think about the situation so many here now face...
With the situation of the economy, those that used to commute to the US for blue collar jobs are now unemployed.
With the media hype about the violence here, those that worked in tourism before (restaurants, hotels, shops) have lost jobs left & right as these venues close. Toursim has declined drastically. The people are hit hard both ways.
As I looked at my fellow man & womankind hold their cups to ask for money or try to sell me their trinkets, I felt tremendous compassion for them. I couldn't possibly fill all their cups or solve all their needs, so I prayed and pondered.
I realized that by living down here, I sometimes get used to seeing things like this... it's a part of daily life to see desperate or difficult situations and people. But I pray I never get to the point where I don't feel compassion for the people around me.
I thank God that 5 years ago He sent our family to serve and love the people of Mexico. We've gained such a love for them & our commitment to them is stronger than ever.
Please remember to pray with us for the people here who are struggling.

My kids, gloating in the moment

I feel right now I'm the most blessed mom on earth. My husband had to run out for something, so my 11 year old (Georgie) took over the nightly reading time (Georgie's in the middle). Eric (on the right) ran to hear what his older bro. was reading. They're reading a Dr. Seuss book. Ok, going to go basque in what God gave me tonight...

Westgate Team Comes Through

Thanks to our good friends at Westgate Community Church, another major construction weekend occured at GCH. They built the walls for a needed storage area under the deck, installed another exit for the boys' home, built railings, painted, installed emergency exit signs, etc. Check out the finished product and the weary team...

The next day after the team left, the social services imposed a quarantine on our home (to protect us from the swine flu). We were not to have any visitors or go to public places. God's timing for this team was perfect, once again.

Our youth group

On Thursday nights, GCH hosts a Bible studies for the children, youth and adults in our neighborhood. Attendance has been consistent and the youth group has grown. Thanks to our faithful leaders, our GCH & neighborhood youth that are 11 years and older are enjoying a special time of fellowship and growing in the Lord.

Please pray for this group as they learn how to walk with the Lord at this critical time of their lives.

The Newest Scare Down Here...

This morning, we set about our normal Monday am routine. We dropped off the kids at school and headed over the border to buy the weekly supplies for the homes. We were delighted that the normal construction on the Mexican highways were suspended and that our crossing was short. We made great time...

Then George's mom called to ask about our kids and the apparent school closures in Baja California due to an enormous virus. All we knew was that when we dropped the kids off, the school gladly welcomed them for the day of instruction.

Over the next few hours things began to unfold. At one point I looked at George and said, "I feel like I'm in one of those Left Behind books" about the end times.

We'd also heard that the borders might be closing, which made us hurry a little more. We both wanted to get home to Mexico to be with our kids. It felt so surreal to drive through Tijuana.

When we came home, our GCH family (& our own 3 kids) was excited to see us and share with us all the details of the day. Honestly, it was so good to see them all safe and sound. The media has a way a creating panic in us, doesn't it?... until we see the truth for ourselves. At one point I said to George, "I'm so glad to be home"... he agreed.

We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has placed His angels around us and this place; And we choose to believe that the One who breathed life into us will care for us the way He sees best!

In the meantime, we followed "procedures" as mandated by the authorities. We will not be in public places with lots of people, the kids will miss out on school, and we'll wear a bunch of silly masks.

Mostly, thanks for praying! We know our existence here relies on Him and those who appeal to Him on our behalf!

GCH turns 4!

GCH just completed 4 years since opening it's doors in 2005! It's amazing to think of all the Lord has done during the past 4 years. What was once a simple prompting of the Holy Spirit is now a lively place, brimming with wonderful, joyous children!

Thank you to all who have visited, sacrificed, and prayed with us these past 4 years.... these years wouldn't have been possible without generous partners. Please pray with us for many more amazing years to come!



Recently we shared with you some prayer requests... God has answered. The GCH boy who was acting out is doing wonderfully now! He has turned the corner 100% and is back to his sweet, adorable self. Thanks for praying for him!

Also, we have received almost all the items we needed to furnish the Education Center. Many partners purchased gifts through our Wal-mart registry and things are coming along in the Ed. Center. What remains is twin mattresses for the dorms floor. What a blessing these gifts have been! It is incredible to see God answer so many prayers.

We'd like to also ask for your prayers for one of our girls, whose behavior has been inappropriate lately. Again, we see the scars of the past manifesting themselves in this young lady. Please pray with us that the chains of the past & the old patterns would be removed, and she would be restored.

Thanks for giving, thanks for praying... thanks for serving our King together with us!

Tenemos AGUA!!!

Yesterday, GCH celebrated the official turning on of our water. Up to this point, we have not had city water piped in, which meant we had to have it trucked in. It cost us at least $23 daily... sometimes double.

After 3 years of praying and knocking on doors, it finally happened. A few weeks ago while walking to school, we saw the tractors and workers digging trenches and putting in the pipes to bring us water. The work was completed a few days ago. (The white building in the background of the photo is actually the city water tanks).

We decided to celebrate this important event, so we invited officials from the government, social services (DIF) and water company. Assisted by 2 of our GCH kids, the head guy in the water company "officially" opened the water valve... then started splashing the kids with it. We rounded off the event with cake and refreshments.

Sometimes we take things for granted, like having water, garbage service, mail service or electricity. Living at Grace Children's Home has really given us a new perspective on these things and reminds us of God's provision in our lives. He truly has given us this day our daily bread (& water!).

Saturday fun

Check out what our good friends and fellow servants, Juan & Alicia Strutton, had to say about our day last Saturday...

"Saturday was a beautiful day here in Mexico. The rain has turned the brown landscapes that surround us to vibrant green and yellow. The warm sun gave us glimpses of spring while the crisp ocean breezes occasionally brought a slight chill. With no teams scheduled at GCH, we decided to spend the beautiful day outside.

Late morning the GCH vans pulled into the YUGO Ranch where we planned to enjoy the day together. Soon after, we formed a group of kids and adults who wanted to go for a hike. We set out walking on the dirt roads. When the ocean came into view we decided to make it our destination. After playing a while at the beach we called the Tíos who had stayed behind and arranged to have them pick us up.

After the long hike to the beach, peanut butter sandwiches never tasted so good. The rest of the day was filled with the kind of adventure that comes with lots of land, playful kids, and Tíos who are truly wild at heart.

As much as I try, words and pictures do not capture the wonder of that day. God is so close to orphans. There is a profound depth to God’s peace and love that I have only experienced when I am near the fatherless. Any one of the least of these children knows God more intimately than a lifetime of theological study could accomplish. As much as I ache for that kind of fellowship with God, I don’t know that I’m willing to suffer the intense pain that comes with that desperate need for God. For now, I’m content to bask in the after-glow that surrounds these children. "

Another reminder of how blessed we are!