Gretchen Pacheco's blog

I’m Sorry, Albert…

Thanks to Joy FM and Deidre Pujols for taking the time to share her family’s point of view on her husband signing with the Anaheim Angels.  She did not owe that to our community, nor did we deserve it – especially considering how many people have been spewing hatefulness lately… Read more »

This is a follow-up to my previous post Adoption Update and Thanks.  It was originally an email to supporters of the REAP Team.

Adoption Update and Praise    Read more »

Adoption Update – thanks    

Carlos and I want to thank everyone who has been praying for us and helping us through our adoption journey.  As you may know, last December we were approached by my cousin about adopting her baby to be born in July.  We met some obstacles along the way and so many people stepped up to help us.  In May at the REAP picnic many people contributed to a “money tree” for us.  That was such a surprise and blessing, especially because we had a couple of expenses looming that we weren’t sure how we were going to cover.   Some great friends arranged baby showers for us so we would have everything that we need.  It seemed like everything was falling in to place and God was sending us all the help we needed.   Read more »

What are you afraid of?

Is it spiders, heights or perhaps the zombie apocalypse?

Honestly, none of those things have really ever bothered me, especially since my husband Carlos is a zombie escape expert.  The thing that I’ve been most afraid of, though, is failure and not making a difference.  There have been times in my life when I have operated out of fear, and there have also been times when I have chosen to do nothing rather than risk failure. Read more »

This year, in addition to making a sacrifice and “giving something up” (Diet Coke and all other soda, btw – pray for me!) I’m going to really try and focus on what I am thankful for.  I want to spend this Lent focusing not on what I am missing out on - but on all that the Lord has so graciously given me.   Read more »

There are few things more challenging than coping with the loss of someone you love and care about.  That loss is often times magnified by factors like, age, relationship, cause of death.  I once again find myself lost in anguished grief over a young person who ended their own life.  Over the past few days I have read (and re-read) something that has been very helpful.  It’s a flier we put out on REAP retreats that touches on the healing process after the tragedy of suicide.  I’m including an excerpt in hopes that it will be helpful to others.
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