Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Mid - February Update

We are grateful to all of you for praying for us this year! We certainly need it with all the activities and life happenings going on . . . . here's a little update for you today!

Santi is home sick in bed today - we figured it was better that he didn't spread his germs around at the office and perhaps a day of rest will help his body recover more quickly.

Ruth is enjoying getting into the office about four times a week - just two hours or so each time, but it feels good to be more involved. Mostly she has been working on monthly calendars and updates for our staff around the world. And coordinating the crafts for the weekly Kids Club at the dump.

And then we are working on details and preparations for the annual ministry trip with our high school group. This year, our trip will be March 5 - 8. We will travel to a small coastal down called Pacoche (near Manta) and do a Kids Club for approximately 150 children in this community. This is our fourth year going to this village and it's amazing to see how the local church has grown as a result of this Kids Club which is now running on a regular basis every Tuesday afternoon . . . . and another one on Sunday morning with 100 regular attendees! Can you believe that? I'm looking forward to sharing photos after the trip. Santi will be staying home to take care of Nathan & Isabella while I go with the group.

Santi continues to stay busy with technical support for HCJB's radio staff. He enjoys his work as he is able to use his computer skills while also helping people out! He has joined me this year on Wednesday afternoon at the Kids Club at the dump and we have enjoyed doing that ministry together.

Nathan and Isabella are growing up! Nathan is now three and talks all the time. He likes to report to daddy all the things that mommy did during the day! He keeps me on my toes, that's for sure! Isabella is a happy little girl - usually waking up with a smile and she's happiest doing whatever her brother is doing at the time. (that is, if he lets her!). Our normal activities include going to play group at another missionary's house on Wednesday mornings, using water color paints (Nathan does well with this, Isa is still trying to figure it out), playing with PlayDoh, and watching Veggie Tales. They sure keep mommy busy!

We continue to go to the Hogar Betania on Sunday. One dear lady, Rosa, recently passed away. She suffered for a long time after a stroke that she had a couple of years ago. We know that she loved Jesus and is in heaven enjoying seeing Him face to face.

Well, Isa is awake now, so I must close. Thank you for all your prayers, love, concern, words of encouragement and faithful monthly support! We are very grateful!

If you want to see more family photos, be sure to befriend us on Facebook!

3 comments:

Tim said...

You have a beautiful family, Ruth. I really enjoy keeping up with what you're doing in Ecuador.

The Arteagas said...

Thanks, Lorrie - for your sweet comment (even though it looks like it came from Tim!). We sure miss you guys in Ecuador - I see so many familiar names/faces on FB and think about the "old days" often . . . scary to think that I'm becoming one of the older-timers!! :-)

Laura Gaunnac said...

I really enjoyed this update on the four of you! You are a beautiful and God-glorifying family!