It was a very busy day, especially for Dan and Kathy as they prepared for and hosted Colin's first birthday party. Colin was a little cranky, but he is also teething.
I took a lot of pictures, but I haven't put them on my computer yet. I will try to post some on here if I can figure out how to do it.

Jim and I are making preparations to return to Ecuador.  We will be there from September 12 to October 10.  Jim has been spending most of his spare time learning Spanish and the rest of the time doing biblical research, as you can tell from his blogs.  

I have been busy with Ladies Bible study, teaching ESL and getting some Spanish in where I can.  Our church is studying Step by Step through the New Testament, so I am doing it both in Spanish and English.  That alone gives me a lot of practice in Spanish.  I need more conversational practice, though.  One program I have found very helpful is the Pemsluer Method.  It is really good for someone like me who has already had Spanish. 

We have arrived in Omaha, NE.  We had a great evening with Kathy, Dan and Colin.  Jim drove for 9 1/2 hours today and is quite tired, so we went to bed early.  There was a slight bit of snow coming down when we got here, but nothing stuck.  It is just cold and wet out.  

It will be our grandson's first birthday the 12th of this month.  This is the one who lives in Omaha, NE.  I spent about two years completing a cross stitch project for him.  Jim is making the frame for it, because to buy a frame would have cost $40-$45.  

This morning we went to Lowe's to purchase the wood for the frame and ended up buying a special clamp, too.  After that we came home and had our prayer time and did some Bible study.  I'm still working on the one in Spanish.  Boy is it hard.  It has a lot of words that you don't use every day.

Jim had a doctor appointment at the endocrinologist for his diabetes. He needed to increase his insulin just a little because he had gained weight when he was on some other medicine.  He'll work that off this summer.

After the doctor appointment, Jim went out to the garage and made the frame.  He did a great job on it.  I now have to wait for the glue to dry so I can paint it.  

I think hand made items are more meaningful than store bought anyway.  I am making all the grandkids Christmas presents this year.  I just hope they will like them. It gives me something to do while we watch Netflix instead of eating. And while I am working on a project I think about 

Matthew 6:33 says it all; "...seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you." Seeking God is our primary obligation. God made us to fellowship with Him. We let ourselves lose sight of our goal as Christians. We need to keep our eyes on God. When we do that, God lets us know what He has for us to do. When we are in God's will, doing the task He has for us to do, He has promised to provide all our needs. He will give us what we need individually, no more and no less. He will not give us more than we can handle. There is no need to fear the task set before us. We must stay focused on Him, not the world around us.

Jim and I are now teaching ESL (English as a Second Language). We love what we are doing. The students are wonderful and try very hard. They are a real pleasure to work with.

We are also preparing to begin an international Bible study. We will have our organizational meeting November 8th. I have already received one response to a classified ad I posted last night. I am hopeful that there will be others to respond. We will also advertise at the ESL classes.

I spent all day today, from about 7 a.m. To about 6 p.m., painting on the columns, spindles and railings for the front porch. We are painting them in an old Victorian style using baby blue, navy blue and red. I'll post a picture when it is finished. We've just about finished the door. I have some touch-up work to do on it and it will be finished.

All our company has gone and we are back to a normal routine.  Our son and his family were here to pick up their oldest boy to take back home.  We had a very nice visit.  The same day they left friends of ours from Searcy, AR, came to visit.  Their oldest son graduated from Basic Training at Fort Benning on Thursday and we all went to that.  They all left this morning on their way back to Arkansas.  We truly enjoyed our company, but it is also good to get back to our regular pattern of sleeping and eating.  

I sent an email to Lyle Rainey at Global Outreach today.  We hope to be able to partner with a Global Outreach missionary.  God sent us to Global Outreach and believe that is whom we are meant to stay.  Things could change, but I hope we are able to continue a productive relationship.

Wow, it has been a long time since i have posted anything on my "Daily Blog."  Forgive me please.