Santi and I are happy to announce that we are expecting Baby Arteaga #2!!! We are excited and thrilled and are looking forward to his/her arrival day sometime around October 1. Nathan doesn't have a clue yet, but we're reminding him daily that he's soon going to have a little sibling. We're sure he'll catch on shortly after the baby is born!
So far, everything has gone well with the pregnancy (with none of the issues that Ruth had early on with Nathan) . . . . only lots of tiredness and morning sickness! Please pray for us in the next five months as we prepare for a new little one in our home and that the baby would be born healthy. We are grateful to God for this gift!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Easter Fun
Easter is a bit different here in Ecuador - mostly because we don't have the newness and fun-time of spring and all the "new life" that brings (thinking of the North American ideas of Easter bunny, Easter eggs, and all that cute stuff).It's always interesting to explain all the North American "stuff" to my English class when Easter comes around - why the Easter bunny, coloring eggs, cute little baby animals, etc. Ecuador doesn't have four distinct seasons, so the concept of Spring is a rather new and unknown idea for my students - the flowers blooming (flowers bloom all year round here), grass turning green again (grass is always green here), trees budding out (trees never lose their leaves and bud again here), a new growing season (things grow year round here) . . . .
But the cool thing is that as we talk about this symbols of Spring and Easter in my class, we are reminded once again of the New Life we have in Christ - the true meaning of the celebration of Easter!
And in speaking of New Life - it was a joy on Easter Sunday to see three of the elderly residents at the Hogar Betania (Bethany Home for the Elderly) raise their hands to receive Christ as their Saviour! Santi decided to include an opportunity for salvation at the end of his message and 2 new ladies raised their hand to say a prayer of salvation along with another man, Luis Alfonso, who has been there for a while! Needless to say, this was a joyful time for all us! I don't have photos of the two new ladies, but here's a photo of Luis Alfonso.
Please pray for these three people as we help them to grow in their relationship with Christ!And at home, we also started a tradition of coloring Easter eggs, with some guests we had for lunch! It seems that the adults enjoyed it as much as the kids! This was the first time that Santi had colored Easter eggs (this is definitely a north american tradition) and Nathan really wasn't quite sure what to do with the eggs. We had fun!
A typical Ecuadorian tradition during "Semana Santa" (or Holy Week) is to eat Fanesca. This is a special soup/chowder made with a number of ingredients, including 12 grains (to represent the 12 disciples of Jesus). It also has potatoes and pumpkin in it. Often it is garnished with boiled eggs, a sprig of parsley and some plantain chips. Some people like to put salted cod in it as well (due to the concept of not eating red meat the week before Easter). Anyways - everyone has their own recipe and the taste can vary in different parts of the country. We had the priviledge of being invited to some Ecuadorian friends' home for a "fanesca meal" on Palm Sunday - it was delicious (although I can usually only eat about one portion as it's very filling with all those grains and stuff in it!). Here's a photo of our bowl of fanesca!
We hope that everyone had a wonderful Easter holiday with friends and family and are enjoying springtime. . . . all the flowers popping out and green grass and hopefully warmer temperatures! If you'd like to see more of our Easter photos, please click HERE.
Monday, April 6, 2009
First Kiss!
So at 15 months, Nathan had his first kiss! We were at the home of some Ecuadorian friends yesterday to enjoy some fanesca (more about that later) and they have a little girl, Nicole, who is 3 months older than Nathan! Well . . . . let's just say they had a fun time playing together (as you can see from the photos!).
Nathan is a growing 15 month old - his 1st year molars are almost all the way in and he's walking, talking, jabbering, and learning new things every day - he keeps mom and dad pretty busy most of the time! If you want to see some more photos from this year, click HERE.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
What would you like to be?
check out this latest video from HCJB Global. We are so grateful to all of you who are a part of our support team . . . you are being the Voice and Hands of Jesus in a global way. Your partnership with us is vital! THANK YOU!!!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Yes, Santi is home again!!!!
I'm afraid that I have been very remiss in updating everyone on our blog! And some of you have emailed wondering if Santi got back from his trip to Australia okay!
I'm happy to report that Santi and his co-worker Brent returned to Quito as planned on Feb. 22! All their travels went very well and they had a great trip! The returning part is probably the hardest as their bodies struggled to adjust back to the time here in Quito (after traveling across 16 time zones and spending over 25 hours in planes!).
They say it takes a day for each time zone you go through and I'd say that it did indeed take Santi about 2 weeks to get back into the groove of things here in Quito.
Nathan and I were overjoyed to see him again and be together as a family!
God really helped Brent and Santi as they traveled. They knew many people were praying for them. One example of God's provision came upon their arrival to Melbourne - their first entry into Australia. They were going through the immigrations line when the official asked them for their yellow fever vaccination cards! That came as a shock to both of them as there was nothing in the paperwork that indicated that they would need this to enter Australia!
So they were taken to a "holding room" to wait until another official could talk to them. Both of them were worried - to be turned away for a yellow fever vaccination would be difficult after all the money and time and effort that was spent on making this trip happen!
Well, Santi was sitting there and a latin looking official called him over . . . .turns out that the immigrations officer was from Chile and spoke Spanish (which was like music to Santi's ears). The guy asked Santi why he was there and Santi explained that he and his friend Brent are missionaries with HCJB World Radio - "oh" said the official, "I have listened to HCJB many times!" Well, that was even more music to Santi's ears.
The official asked why he was in the holding room and Santi explained that they had not realized that they needed a yellow fever vaccination card . . . . . the official said, no problem, we'll work this out and before they knew it, they were moving their way on to customs!
Isn't it cool that God brought just the right immigrations officer to talk to Santi just at the right time!?!?!? Both Santi and Brent breathed a sigh of relief!
They then spent a few days in Melbourne where they were able to make personal contacts with the HCJB Global staff there at HCJB's Australian office. Santi has worked with several of these people over email, so it was nice to put a face with a name and get to know them better.
Then they traveled on to Brisbane where the CVC Summit was to be held. No doubt about it, they had a lovely place to stay - right on the ocean on Australia's Sun Coast! No complaints in the accommodations department.
During the Summit, they made connections with radio producers and staff from all over the world - from the sounds of it, English was the second language for most of the people in attendance. They learned about the software and how it is a huge tool for radio stations to keep track of their listeneners and do follow-up - this is one of the most important aspects of Christian radio - in order to use it as an evangelistic tool!
Please pray for Brent and Santi as they are now working on the software to make it apply to HCJB's radio and it's partners around the world. They are also working on a presentation of the project for mission leadership to show how this tool can be valuable as radio stations reach out to their listeners.
I will post photos one of these days soon! Santi was able to do some fun things too like go to the famous Australian Zoo! Thank you again for praying! Also, some of you have sent in funds for the cost of this trip! That is so much appreciated! Funds are still needed, but more than 1/2 of the trip has been covered! THANK YOU!!! If you would still like to help in this way, please contact us!
I'm happy to report that Santi and his co-worker Brent returned to Quito as planned on Feb. 22! All their travels went very well and they had a great trip! The returning part is probably the hardest as their bodies struggled to adjust back to the time here in Quito (after traveling across 16 time zones and spending over 25 hours in planes!).
They say it takes a day for each time zone you go through and I'd say that it did indeed take Santi about 2 weeks to get back into the groove of things here in Quito.
Nathan and I were overjoyed to see him again and be together as a family!
God really helped Brent and Santi as they traveled. They knew many people were praying for them. One example of God's provision came upon their arrival to Melbourne - their first entry into Australia. They were going through the immigrations line when the official asked them for their yellow fever vaccination cards! That came as a shock to both of them as there was nothing in the paperwork that indicated that they would need this to enter Australia!
So they were taken to a "holding room" to wait until another official could talk to them. Both of them were worried - to be turned away for a yellow fever vaccination would be difficult after all the money and time and effort that was spent on making this trip happen!
Well, Santi was sitting there and a latin looking official called him over . . . .turns out that the immigrations officer was from Chile and spoke Spanish (which was like music to Santi's ears). The guy asked Santi why he was there and Santi explained that he and his friend Brent are missionaries with HCJB World Radio - "oh" said the official, "I have listened to HCJB many times!" Well, that was even more music to Santi's ears.
The official asked why he was in the holding room and Santi explained that they had not realized that they needed a yellow fever vaccination card . . . . . the official said, no problem, we'll work this out and before they knew it, they were moving their way on to customs!
Isn't it cool that God brought just the right immigrations officer to talk to Santi just at the right time!?!?!? Both Santi and Brent breathed a sigh of relief!
They then spent a few days in Melbourne where they were able to make personal contacts with the HCJB Global staff there at HCJB's Australian office. Santi has worked with several of these people over email, so it was nice to put a face with a name and get to know them better.
Then they traveled on to Brisbane where the CVC Summit was to be held. No doubt about it, they had a lovely place to stay - right on the ocean on Australia's Sun Coast! No complaints in the accommodations department.
During the Summit, they made connections with radio producers and staff from all over the world - from the sounds of it, English was the second language for most of the people in attendance. They learned about the software and how it is a huge tool for radio stations to keep track of their listeneners and do follow-up - this is one of the most important aspects of Christian radio - in order to use it as an evangelistic tool!
Please pray for Brent and Santi as they are now working on the software to make it apply to HCJB's radio and it's partners around the world. They are also working on a presentation of the project for mission leadership to show how this tool can be valuable as radio stations reach out to their listeners.
I will post photos one of these days soon! Santi was able to do some fun things too like go to the famous Australian Zoo! Thank you again for praying! Also, some of you have sent in funds for the cost of this trip! That is so much appreciated! Funds are still needed, but more than 1/2 of the trip has been covered! THANK YOU!!! If you would still like to help in this way, please contact us!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Pray for Santi as he travels . . .
We appreciate your prayers as Santi leaves tomorrow (Feb 10) to travel to Australia with his co-worker, Brent. They go first to Melbourne, Australia to visit HCJB's World Office there. We are very aware of the fires they have had and the danger and destruction. We are praying that God will provide safety for Brent and Santi and the other HCJB staff members who are in Melbourne.
Then Brent and Santi head to the Sun Coast of Australia, landing in Brisbane. This is where the week-long summit, hosted by CVC Network (a Christian media organization), will be held. They will be trained on a special software developed by CVC, which helps radio stations such as HCJB to more effectively provide listener follow-up. The cool thing is that the software is being given to HCJB free of charge by CVC; however, they required that Santi and Brent attend the training.
They are looking forward to implementing the software upon their return to Ecuador.
We thank you for your prayers while they travel and spend time in intensive training. Pray also for the HCJB staff in Melbourne during this difficult time.
We so appreciate your prayers and encouragement to us - it means a lot!
Then Brent and Santi head to the Sun Coast of Australia, landing in Brisbane. This is where the week-long summit, hosted by CVC Network (a Christian media organization), will be held. They will be trained on a special software developed by CVC, which helps radio stations such as HCJB to more effectively provide listener follow-up. The cool thing is that the software is being given to HCJB free of charge by CVC; however, they required that Santi and Brent attend the training.
They are looking forward to implementing the software upon their return to Ecuador.
We thank you for your prayers while they travel and spend time in intensive training. Pray also for the HCJB staff in Melbourne during this difficult time.
We so appreciate your prayers and encouragement to us - it means a lot!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Finally a February Update!
It's been a while since I have posted anything. I'm not sure where the month of January went to, but it's now gone! I think we spent most of the month recovering from the busy holidays! But we seem to be on track again now.
Some highlights for you:
1) Nathan is now a walking 13 month old! He prefers walking over crawling and is doing a great job with it.
2) Ruth is staying busy with Nathan (even more so now), the Kids Club at the dump on Wednesday afternoon, and teaching English on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She also works on various projects for Extreme Response from home. One of her main projects in January was gathering 2008 Ministry Reports from ER's partners from around the world. These reports were compiled and given to the ER board that just met in Atlanta. What a blessing to be a part of how God is working in lives around the world! There aren't words to explain it.
3) Santi has been working diligently in the Information Systems Department at HCJB. It seems like there is never an end to the projects that he has. Thankfully, he enjoys computers and working with people, so it's a great combination for him.
4) Santi is still taking the trip to Australia with his co-worker Brent Weeks, this month (Feb. 10 - 22). Please pray as they prepare. They were able to work their ticket to include a vital visit to HCJB's radio station/office in Melbourne. Santi will have a chance to meet many of the people that he works with via "email" - he helps to manage the FTP site which sends many Christian programs around the world via satellite. It will be great for Santi to make these connections and have a better idea of how things work there in the Australian office.
Then they will travel to Brisbane for the week-long summit on the new software that they will be implementing for HCJB Radio. . . . a software that will help with listener follow-up and hopefully, ultimately bring more people to Christ.
5) Finances for the trip - several people have asked about the finances for the trip and if all of them have come in. Funds are still needed for the trip. Both men have committed to raising the funds needed for the trip since HCJB (like many organizations right now) is without budget funds for this trip (due to a shortage of donations). I usually don't like to use this blog to raise funds, but since so many have asked about this, I've decided to include this information.
If you're interested in helping with the funding for the trip ($3,000 still needed), please send your donation to:
HCJB Global - Receipting
1065 Garden of the Gods Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Make checks payable to: HCJB Global. Please note that it is for ACCOUNT #371810 (for the RDS Summit). If you'd like more information about this, please let us know.
We thank you for your prayers and continued encouragement to us as a family! Without you all, it would be difficult for us to continue here, ministering with HCJB Global and Extreme Response International!
I will post more information and photos soon!
Blessings!
Some highlights for you:
1) Nathan is now a walking 13 month old! He prefers walking over crawling and is doing a great job with it.
2) Ruth is staying busy with Nathan (even more so now), the Kids Club at the dump on Wednesday afternoon, and teaching English on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She also works on various projects for Extreme Response from home. One of her main projects in January was gathering 2008 Ministry Reports from ER's partners from around the world. These reports were compiled and given to the ER board that just met in Atlanta. What a blessing to be a part of how God is working in lives around the world! There aren't words to explain it.
3) Santi has been working diligently in the Information Systems Department at HCJB. It seems like there is never an end to the projects that he has. Thankfully, he enjoys computers and working with people, so it's a great combination for him.
4) Santi is still taking the trip to Australia with his co-worker Brent Weeks, this month (Feb. 10 - 22). Please pray as they prepare. They were able to work their ticket to include a vital visit to HCJB's radio station/office in Melbourne. Santi will have a chance to meet many of the people that he works with via "email" - he helps to manage the FTP site which sends many Christian programs around the world via satellite. It will be great for Santi to make these connections and have a better idea of how things work there in the Australian office.
Then they will travel to Brisbane for the week-long summit on the new software that they will be implementing for HCJB Radio. . . . a software that will help with listener follow-up and hopefully, ultimately bring more people to Christ.
5) Finances for the trip - several people have asked about the finances for the trip and if all of them have come in. Funds are still needed for the trip. Both men have committed to raising the funds needed for the trip since HCJB (like many organizations right now) is without budget funds for this trip (due to a shortage of donations). I usually don't like to use this blog to raise funds, but since so many have asked about this, I've decided to include this information.
If you're interested in helping with the funding for the trip ($3,000 still needed), please send your donation to:
HCJB Global - Receipting
1065 Garden of the Gods Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Make checks payable to: HCJB Global. Please note that it is for ACCOUNT #371810 (for the RDS Summit). If you'd like more information about this, please let us know.
We thank you for your prayers and continued encouragement to us as a family! Without you all, it would be difficult for us to continue here, ministering with HCJB Global and Extreme Response International!
I will post more information and photos soon!
Blessings!
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