Father's Day

We hope you had a good father's day with your families. We had a special day, as we relaxed at the pool with lots of good friends. We spent the day at our friend's place (the Cannings), in front of the ocean. The kids (& dad's) enjoyed the hot tub, as you can see.

One of the highlights was watching the dolphins give an amazing show in the waves in front of us. It was incredible to watch so many of them jump and play... a clear reminder of our Father who created such beautiful things.

Graduation Day for Jennifer

Jennifer is our first GCH child to graduate from elementary school (which goes through 6th grade). Before coming to GCH 2 1/2 years ago, she had received little education and she could barely read.

Since that time, Jennifer has attended school regularly and has worked hard in her studies. It was our joy to celebrate with her as she graduated! We look forward to many more from GCH to follow her footsteps.

In the photo is Jennifer (middle) with Tio Hector and Tia Vicky (GCH volunteer workers).

CONGRATULATIONS JENNIFER! We're so proud of her.

Our July Prayer Letter

In the photo: George (left) with Pastor Martin (right) and some of our kids at the Father's Day event at school.

June, 2008

To all our friends:

I am GRATEFUL to God for all that is happening at Grace Children’s Home. I tell people that I am privileged and greatly honored to be a part of this place. I feel that God made me for this, and there’s no better place for me to spend my time. I enjoy it so much that I don’t even call it “work”. I also feel the responsibility of being sponsored by so many of you that believe so much in us that you would send us here. I want to honor that trust. The first thing I must do is to surrender my life to the One we call “Lord”, Jesus Christ, our Savior. Secondly, I must work hard to take care of the present needs and future plans for this wonderful place.

I see our kids blossoming in school, both academically and in their behavior. I see a staff that, although as heavily burdened and tried as anyone, is joyful and unified in Christ. I see kids, teenagers and adults from the community being introduced to Jesus, and many of them giving Him their heart. I see us being blessed within and without. For all these things, I say “Thank you, Lord Jesus!”

In II Corinthians 9:11, Paul, speaking to the Corinthians who gave generously to the needy churches in Jerusalem, reminded them that “through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” That’s what I see happening here in Tijuana. I see people being blessed by the love and the generosity of you, our supporters, and they in turn are giving thanks to God. I thank God for you, because without your willingness to help, we couldn’t do any of this.

Yesterday I was reminded of one of my most important roles here: to be a Dad to those who don’t have one. The private school near us, made available through your generosity, hosted all daddies to come and spend some time with their kids at school. All together, I brought with me four daddies: Martin, Jerry, Glenn and I, making this indeed a very special time with our kids.

Construction work on the Education Center and the water storage tank continues. It’s nice to see progress in those areas that will allow us to better care for the kids we have now, as well as those that will come in the future.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity toward us. Thank you for making it possible for us to be here. Thank you for dreaming with us, planning, working and giving of yourselves. I am greatly encouraged when I see how God has blessed me with a team of friends like you.

Sincerely,

George Palau, Grace Children’s Home

P.S. If you haven’t updated our mailing address, it’s 4492 Camino de la Plaza #1236, San Ysidro, CA 92173-3097. For packages, it’s 266 Coralwood Dr., San Diego, CA 92114. Thanks!

Having fun... wish you were here.

Just having fun playing soccer with some of our GREAT kids! (I'm sure I probably have one of the best jobs in the world).

Update on our neighbors in rehab.

Last week, brother Jaime went to visit Jose Manuel and Leonardo, our neighbors from our Bible study who recently went into rehab. (that I wrote about earlier). Jaime was beeming as he reported that both men are doing very well and look like completely different men. As they quoted scripture to Jamie and expressed their appreciation for being brought there, Jaime saw they were transformed -- something only Jesus can do, but we had the joy of being a small part of it and seeing what God did! How awesome is that?!

Prayer Requests

If you are able to pray for us, we'd appreciate prayer for the following:

1. Staffing and transitions - We're in a time of transition, again, where some people are leaving and we need more staff to fill specific roles.

2. Finances - We need more sponsors to help fund the monthly costs of running GCH (water, electricity, food, education, gasoline and vehicles, local staff, etc). We also need one time gifts to help complete the Education Center so that we can use it.

3. Spiritual protection - As God continues to do incredible things in and through GCH, we see the trials and attacks on every level. Pray especially for the spiritual protection of our staff.

THANKS FOR KNEELING WITH US IN PRAYER!

Lionel & Helen

Tio Lionel and Tia Helen (aka, Grandpa and Grandma) are an important part of our GCH family. Like most grandparents, they're good at spoiling our kids, along with all the work they do here.

Since Lionel and Helen are going back to Canada for the summer, the kids planned a going away party for them. It's hard to say "hasta luego", but they do plan to return in the fall.

Please pray for Lionel and Helen and all the Tios and Tias that give so selflessly to our children! The work they do is truly amazing and a huge blessing to all of us!

Eric got baptized!

For over a year our middle son, Eric, has asked to be baptized. Eric asked Jesus into his heart when he was 7, and he has already led 2 friends to Christ as well. He has a heart of compassion for the lost and needy. So, he finally did it!

This past May, Eric was baptized by his dad (George - on the left of the photo) and our local pastor (Mike - on the right of the photo) in the ocean in Rosarito. When Pastor Mike asked Eric why he wanted to baptized, Eric replied, "it's because I want everyone to know I have Jesus in my heart".

It was a wonderful day for us and we are so proud of him!