finally . . .

. . . a note from Ruth in Ecuador. Congratulations to Kristin, Robin Ann, and Jen for all the hard work you're doing and the results you are seeing! That's totally awesome! The effort you're making is definitely paying off.

As far as me reporting in, I will admit that I have not gotten brave enough yet to weigh myself. However, I have been trying to concentrate on making healthier food choices (not always successful in this) and trying to get some exercise in . . . only somewhat successful. It seems that every time I get geared up to take a walk outside, Nathan either starts crying or it starts raining (we have been having tons of rainy cold weather here in Quito). So the walking outside hasn't been too successful. However, I have gotten out almost every day to take a walk with Nathan through the new mall that's out by our house (El Condado - right at the circle to go out to the Middle of the World - nice new mall with Megamaxi and lots of walking possibilities).

So anyways - working at eating healthier and getting some walking in. Keep up the good work girls and keep inspiring the rest of us who are lagging behind!

And Kristin - in regards to the dump - basically a bunch of the families who live near the dump (and whose children come to our Weds afternoon Kids Club every week) had their homes (basically shacks) bull-dozed over by the municipal of Quito a couple of weeks ago. It was/is a really sad situation and hard to see the families we have worked with for so long be affected this way. Many have stayed in the same area, rebuilding shacks and trying to make a home again, which we don't understand as they must know that as squatters, their homes will eventually be destroyed again. And it's hard to know how to help them as we don't want to encourage them to continue to be squatters, but yet we want to show some gesture of love and help them. The high schoolers (from Alliance who do the Kids Club) have done a clothes drive and Extreme Response has given them food baskets. So anyways - that's the deal.

And Robin Ann was asking about our new baby and family - you can check us out at our blog - www.thearteagafamily.blogspot.com. We put personal stuff on there as well as ministry stuff . . . so if you have a bit of time feel free to take a look. Lots of photos of Nathan on there!