Starting up again . . .

It's rather embarrassing that our last post on this blog was back in April! We have lots to catch up on - including tidbits about our time in the US from May 13 to July 20. Hopefully, we will add some posts which will show some highlights and photos from our time in the US. For the moment, we can say that we so enjoyed visiting family, friends and our supporting churches and the time went by way too quickly!

We returned to Quito on July 20 and jumped right back into things. We are grateful that both Nathan and Isabella did well traveling (relatively speaking - depends on if you really enjoy traveling with a 2 1/2 year old active little boy and a growing baby who changed a lot during the 2 and 1/2 months we were in the states!). We are also glad that they both adjusted quickly to our life back in Quito.

Once back in Quito:

1) we adjusted to the altitude again - even Santi (who has lived in at over 9,000 ft altitude his whole life) noticed the difference this time.

2) we unpacked 7 suitcases and one car seat (for Isabella) - full of things that were given to us while we were in the US (thank you, everyone) - clothes for Nathan and Isabella, tools for Santi to use (on Ruth's to-do list for the house! smiles), fruit snacks for Nathan and goldfish for Isa, and well . . . .let's face it - items we picked up during several Walmart runs!

3) we enjoyed getting back into our ministry and work . . . . Santi returned to the Information Systems office at HCJB and picked up the slack during the next month while most of his co-workers were still on Home Ministry Assignments in their home countries. Ruth has been coordinating details to start up the Kids Club at the dump again (1st club will be on September 22) and all the preparations to accept a new group of high schoolers to help with the club.

4) Isabella worked on cutting her four top teeth (looking quite pretty, if I might add) and learning to go up and down the stairs (it took her about a day to figure this out and she would literally spend hours going up and down if we let her). Otherwise, she's just a happy, smiley baby who loves to be around people - it's hard to be grumpy around her as she always has a smile on her face!

5) and Nathan gave up his pacifier (or "mimi" as he liked to call it) and is learning not to harass his sister too much! The giving up the pacifier was actually not as hard as we expected - he did pretty well with it and is now talking up a storm (now that he doesn't have something in his mouth all the time!). He's talking in both Spanish and English and we're amazed at his comprehension in either language.

6) we also have been to the Hogar Betania (Bethany Home for the Elderly) several times on Sunday morning (and one time during the week with a team that was here) . . . . . and we are impressed more than ever with the importance of sharing with these dear, elderly, needy people. We ask God for wisdom as to how to help them. One of our latest projects is looking for funds to re-pave the patio where they sit and hang out during the day. The ground is very un-even making it difficult for them to walk or roll around in their wheel-chairs. If you'd like to help with this project financially please let us know - send us an email or contact us on Facebook.

That's the latest from the Arteaga family - we will soon share more photos and high lights from our time in the US - so keep checking back! We are grateful for all your prayers and encouragement and all the wonderful visits we enjoyed while in the US. WE APPRECIATE YOU!

Blessings from Quito . . . .