Well our week here has come to an end. Thanks to Matt M. for keeping up with our Blog for us. Unfortunetly for everyone reading this, we have given Matt the night off from his nightly up dates and you will have to suffer through my not so elequent update.
Our last day started with a little extra time to sleep in followed by an inspiring testimony from Rev. Carlos. Rev Carlos is one of the first graduates from the Seminary and pastors a fast growing church in the center of the city. Not only is he growing thier mother church but quickly spreading the word to surrounding communities and starting many new churches in those areas as well.
After a closing prayer with our new friends from Venezuela we were on the road for a 7 hour trip back to Caracas. Thankfully the drive went much smoother and easier than our trip out of the city. With a quick stop at the mission house we dropped our bags and headed out to a local Chinese restaurant for a fantastic dinner.
The night came to an early close with a devotion and a group debriefing. It has been so awesome to see how God has had his hand in all aspects of our trip. We give Him all the glory and praise for a wonderful trip. We will be heading out early in the AM to catch our flight and head north to our friends and families. Thanks so much for all your prayers and support.
Friday, February 27, 2009
E-mail received from Matt Murphy~Thursday, February 26th at 11:43pm:
For the first time this week the Due West team has experienced their first sad moment. Today was our final day with our new friends. We drive back to Caracus tomorrow to spend the night and return home on Saturday. We each miss our families and desperately want to be home and share this wonderful experience with each of them. At the same time, it will be difficult to leave as we have felt touched by this week, this place and these people. Today Matt M., Molly, Ethan, Scott, Steve, Steven and Kelly spent the day finishing the wall. We completed our task once again working with our new Venezuela friends. Matt H., Peter, Rick, Stacy, Kim and John finished our work at the orphanage with a large part of the roof. So much progress was made this week, but so much more is needed at both locations. We pray for funds, enough hands for the work, and the spirit and faith to see all of this through to completion.
Tonight we experienced the true meaning of the week. A fantastic dinner made by Carol was followed by testimonies from two invited seminary students who are also husband and wife. Their stories were both educational as well as inspirational. We could see what the mission here will produce. Samuel, in charge of our week, and one of the most important reasons we have been so fulfilled, thanked us all when we owe him so much. Joey also shared this evening with us and he has become a special friend to this group. Alyhondro, talented with the guitar, led the group in song. And Willie rounds out Samuel's team and we could never have done this without them all.
The sky has been clear and the stars bright. Due West came to Venezuela this week to make a difference in the lives of many. We realize their impact on us will be far greater.
For the first time this week the Due West team has experienced their first sad moment. Today was our final day with our new friends. We drive back to Caracus tomorrow to spend the night and return home on Saturday. We each miss our families and desperately want to be home and share this wonderful experience with each of them. At the same time, it will be difficult to leave as we have felt touched by this week, this place and these people. Today Matt M., Molly, Ethan, Scott, Steve, Steven and Kelly spent the day finishing the wall. We completed our task once again working with our new Venezuela friends. Matt H., Peter, Rick, Stacy, Kim and John finished our work at the orphanage with a large part of the roof. So much progress was made this week, but so much more is needed at both locations. We pray for funds, enough hands for the work, and the spirit and faith to see all of this through to completion.
Tonight we experienced the true meaning of the week. A fantastic dinner made by Carol was followed by testimonies from two invited seminary students who are also husband and wife. Their stories were both educational as well as inspirational. We could see what the mission here will produce. Samuel, in charge of our week, and one of the most important reasons we have been so fulfilled, thanked us all when we owe him so much. Joey also shared this evening with us and he has become a special friend to this group. Alyhondro, talented with the guitar, led the group in song. And Willie rounds out Samuel's team and we could never have done this without them all.
The sky has been clear and the stars bright. Due West came to Venezuela this week to make a difference in the lives of many. We realize their impact on us will be far greater.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
E-mail received from Matt Murphy~Wednesday, February 25th at 12:22am:
It is 11:15 pm in Venezuela and we have arrived home from a long day and night. This is truly a special group, as the work we are doing during the days is as hard as we have ever done. Evening activities have gone late, having water continues to be an issue, however, not one complaint, not one bad mood. It is amazing the things we now appreciate, life's minor inconveniences that have no room to be a bother, and the honest value we place on the important aspects of life such as our loving families and faith we all share.
Today the orphanage team found out how precious water is in Venezuela. Water is supplied to homes through large containers that sit on top of, or elevated nearby, the homes and other structures. These containers are filled and once that water is gone there is no more for the day. That is, of course, if the container is filled at all as we have experienced twice at the mission house where we are staying.
Our Associate Pastor Steven, Kelly, Molly, Steve, John, Peter and Matt M. spent the morning running water down a path from the church to the orphanage by hand ,bucket by bucket. A concrete mix is being applied to all of the walls and the mix needs lots of water. The rest of the day was spent mixing, transporting sand and concrete mix and applying the coating. It is a tedious and long process and the team more likely got more on them than on the walls. Lunch was at pastor Yolanda's and the group sat around her kitchen table for quite some time. This local community has taken us in as friends and neighbors.
The seminary team had "wall" duty as construction continued. Matt H., Rick, Stacy, Scott, Kim and Ethan made tremendous progress and Thursday we should complete our task for the week as well as many other projects. The same Venezuelan crew has been working with us all week. There are so many new relationships we have developed this week and will continue for years to come.
The whole group met at pastor Yolanda's to travel to a nearby daycare where she hosts an outreach for local children. This was the highlight of the day for all of us and will be one of the lasting memories we take from the week. As Steven explains to us, an "awe" moment. About 40 kids from the local farms came and enjoyed a bible story and prayer. After, the Due West team gave them each a bible story and craft prepared by our church youth and some candies. Then, more fun with a game of soccer and experiencing an evening of smiles and laughter.
Let us all be thankful for the blessings God has given each of us, and may we never take for granted what is truly important.
It is 11:15 pm in Venezuela and we have arrived home from a long day and night. This is truly a special group, as the work we are doing during the days is as hard as we have ever done. Evening activities have gone late, having water continues to be an issue, however, not one complaint, not one bad mood. It is amazing the things we now appreciate, life's minor inconveniences that have no room to be a bother, and the honest value we place on the important aspects of life such as our loving families and faith we all share.
Today the orphanage team found out how precious water is in Venezuela. Water is supplied to homes through large containers that sit on top of, or elevated nearby, the homes and other structures. These containers are filled and once that water is gone there is no more for the day. That is, of course, if the container is filled at all as we have experienced twice at the mission house where we are staying.
Our Associate Pastor Steven, Kelly, Molly, Steve, John, Peter and Matt M. spent the morning running water down a path from the church to the orphanage by hand ,bucket by bucket. A concrete mix is being applied to all of the walls and the mix needs lots of water. The rest of the day was spent mixing, transporting sand and concrete mix and applying the coating. It is a tedious and long process and the team more likely got more on them than on the walls. Lunch was at pastor Yolanda's and the group sat around her kitchen table for quite some time. This local community has taken us in as friends and neighbors.
The seminary team had "wall" duty as construction continued. Matt H., Rick, Stacy, Scott, Kim and Ethan made tremendous progress and Thursday we should complete our task for the week as well as many other projects. The same Venezuelan crew has been working with us all week. There are so many new relationships we have developed this week and will continue for years to come.
The whole group met at pastor Yolanda's to travel to a nearby daycare where she hosts an outreach for local children. This was the highlight of the day for all of us and will be one of the lasting memories we take from the week. As Steven explains to us, an "awe" moment. About 40 kids from the local farms came and enjoyed a bible story and prayer. After, the Due West team gave them each a bible story and craft prepared by our church youth and some candies. Then, more fun with a game of soccer and experiencing an evening of smiles and laughter.
Let us all be thankful for the blessings God has given each of us, and may we never take for granted what is truly important.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
E-mail received from Matt Murphy~Tuesday, February 24th at 11:53:
Much was accomplished today in Venezuela. Our personal rewards continue for each of us on this trip, but more importantly the team experienced today tremendous progress at both the orphanage and the seminary.
The seminary team worked all day on the wall that must be built. Steven, Kelly, Ethan, Peter, Steve, Scott and Matt M. worked along side our friends from Venezuela and installed about half of what needs to be accomplished this week. The wall was put in to the point where more blocks are needed and scaffolds set up. This wall is extremely important for the property and the goal set for the week must be reached. It will still take a great deal of work. Samuel's grandmother takes care of all the cooking for the entire crew. We are treated so well. It has been interesting experiencing this culture. On breaks we are served coffee with a hot snack. Lunch is excellent and is the big meal of the day. Today the stove was not working so a fire was built outside and lunch was cooked on an open flame. We share our meals with the entire group and get to know our friends much better.
The orphanage crew also made significant progress on the projects for the week. Today was spent finishing the second floor and applying a stucco like material to the walls. Matt H., Kim, Molly, John, Rick and Stacy put in another tough day but the building has come such a long way since we arrived. Today was the last day of carnival and tomorrow the children go back to school. We will miss them during the day, however the entire team will be going to an outreach tomorrow night in a nearby neighborhood that is set up for children. Pastor Yolanda cooked lunch for the crew today as her house is essentially on the same grounds as the church and orphanage. She is seeing her dream built before her eyes and her appreciation to all of us is truly felt each and every visit. It has been particularly rewarding having two projects for the week with both the seminary and orphanage.
Both crews returned to the house for pizza. We shared a devotional lead by Kelly. Our friends and hosts, Samuel and Joey, joined us for dinner and devotional. As we talked through the scripture we were discussing, both shared some feelings on what the verses meant to them. Our team was struck by their words and feelings as they related the verses to their new American friends who have come on this trip to make this contribution. The people here continue to amaze us. If they only knew how much each of us continue to grow because of them and the work we have come here to do.
Much was accomplished today in Venezuela. Our personal rewards continue for each of us on this trip, but more importantly the team experienced today tremendous progress at both the orphanage and the seminary.
The seminary team worked all day on the wall that must be built. Steven, Kelly, Ethan, Peter, Steve, Scott and Matt M. worked along side our friends from Venezuela and installed about half of what needs to be accomplished this week. The wall was put in to the point where more blocks are needed and scaffolds set up. This wall is extremely important for the property and the goal set for the week must be reached. It will still take a great deal of work. Samuel's grandmother takes care of all the cooking for the entire crew. We are treated so well. It has been interesting experiencing this culture. On breaks we are served coffee with a hot snack. Lunch is excellent and is the big meal of the day. Today the stove was not working so a fire was built outside and lunch was cooked on an open flame. We share our meals with the entire group and get to know our friends much better.
The orphanage crew also made significant progress on the projects for the week. Today was spent finishing the second floor and applying a stucco like material to the walls. Matt H., Kim, Molly, John, Rick and Stacy put in another tough day but the building has come such a long way since we arrived. Today was the last day of carnival and tomorrow the children go back to school. We will miss them during the day, however the entire team will be going to an outreach tomorrow night in a nearby neighborhood that is set up for children. Pastor Yolanda cooked lunch for the crew today as her house is essentially on the same grounds as the church and orphanage. She is seeing her dream built before her eyes and her appreciation to all of us is truly felt each and every visit. It has been particularly rewarding having two projects for the week with both the seminary and orphanage.
Both crews returned to the house for pizza. We shared a devotional lead by Kelly. Our friends and hosts, Samuel and Joey, joined us for dinner and devotional. As we talked through the scripture we were discussing, both shared some feelings on what the verses meant to them. Our team was struck by their words and feelings as they related the verses to their new American friends who have come on this trip to make this contribution. The people here continue to amaze us. If they only knew how much each of us continue to grow because of them and the work we have come here to do.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
E-mail received from Matt Murphy~Monday, February 23rd at 11:01pm:
It is 10:30 and we all just got back to the house. Today was as physically demanding as any will be this week. The team was split with one group working at the seminary and one group working at the orphanage.
The seminary team helped get prep work done for the outside wall which needs to be built. By the close of the day the wall was a couple of rows high with the blocks. Tables for the students were sanded and sealed. Several other smaller jobs were handled throughout the day. The team worked with several pastors and family and friends of those connected with the seminary. Concrete work and the wall will be the important work for the week.
The orphanage team worked as hard as they ever had as the second floor was poured today. The concrete was mixed at the bottom of the hill and through an assembly line handed up one bucket at a time. Construction projects as a whole are all more manual and by hand than we are used to in the states. This project was as tough as they come. However, the floor was installed and looked great.
Both teams met up at the local houses by the orphanage for bible study with the local children. More games were played and crafts were done and the seminary team brought over candy and other small items for the kids. In just the short time we have been here we have made so many close friends.
As you might guess we are all very tired, but feel such rewards from the accomplishments of the day.
It is 10:30 and we all just got back to the house. Today was as physically demanding as any will be this week. The team was split with one group working at the seminary and one group working at the orphanage.
The seminary team helped get prep work done for the outside wall which needs to be built. By the close of the day the wall was a couple of rows high with the blocks. Tables for the students were sanded and sealed. Several other smaller jobs were handled throughout the day. The team worked with several pastors and family and friends of those connected with the seminary. Concrete work and the wall will be the important work for the week.
The orphanage team worked as hard as they ever had as the second floor was poured today. The concrete was mixed at the bottom of the hill and through an assembly line handed up one bucket at a time. Construction projects as a whole are all more manual and by hand than we are used to in the states. This project was as tough as they come. However, the floor was installed and looked great.
Both teams met up at the local houses by the orphanage for bible study with the local children. More games were played and crafts were done and the seminary team brought over candy and other small items for the kids. In just the short time we have been here we have made so many close friends.
As you might guess we are all very tired, but feel such rewards from the accomplishments of the day.
Monday, February 23, 2009
E-mail received from Matt Murphy~ Sunday, February 22nd at 11:08pm:
John 15:12~My command is this, love each other as I have loved you.......14~you are my friends if you do what I command.
It was an early morning for Steven, Kelly, Ethan and Peter. Steven preached at an early service in a local neighborhood. It was a truly special experience for them as the church was filled with several hundred people. Actually many more than Steven expected, however, each one of them was touched by his words and this group that came all this way to be with them.
The rest of the group went to Yolanda's church which is also home to the orphanage which we will help continue to build this week. Steven speaks of "awe" moments. This was truly one, as the open air church came alive with music, singing, praise and love of friends many of us have just met. We listened to pastor Yolanda speak of John 15, appropriate for a day where we all came together. Following the service we were treated to lunch and fellowship.
The afternoon was spent shopping at the local market searching for just the right gifts for our family and friends. We are meeting wonderful people everywhere. Samuel, Joey, and Willie continue to work tirelessly helping us navigate the area, the language, and everything else you can think of. We returned near the church where many of our new friends live. We spent hours playing baseball, kick ball, soccer and visiting with many of these families. It is amazing to see people, especially the children, with such happiness and so full of life, while having so little. Our group is humbled by our contribution which is only a small step toward something much greater.
Tonight we returned to the house for dinner together and a devotional lead by Steven. We shared in prayer a special request from each person. We look forward to hopefully getting our computer to connect so we can post pictures throughout the week. For now we need some sleep as tomorrow the real work begins. We continue to think of each of you and miss you very much.
Goodnight from Venezuela.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
E-mail received from Matt Murphy~ Saturday, February 21st at 11:16pm:
It has been a long day but of course a good one. What should have been a 5 hour car ride turned in to about 8-9 hours that also included a broken down car. But everyone was great all day and Samuel, who has been taking care of us, improvised and fixed the car on the side of the road.
We had a great meal in Nirgua which was supposed to be lunch and ended up being dinner. We ate with two pastors from the seminary and enjoyed some terrific food, but more importantly met more wonderful people.
We arrived at the seminary about 7pm and got an initial tour and learned more about what we will be working on this week. We could not ask for more in terms of our house for the week and the hospitality we have been shown. We all sat tonight and enjoyed a devotional by Ethan.
We all miss our families and loved ones and continue to thank each of them for the support, love, faith, and inspiration each have displayed leading up to this week.
Good night from Venezuela.
I also spoke with Matt M. this morning very briefly. He said they were having computer difficulties and asked that I post the e-mail he sent last night. He said everyone is great! They were getting ready for church when we spoke. They have started receiving their letters from family and loved ones and very much appreciate them.
God Bless Venezuela and the team!
Kelli Murphy
It has been a long day but of course a good one. What should have been a 5 hour car ride turned in to about 8-9 hours that also included a broken down car. But everyone was great all day and Samuel, who has been taking care of us, improvised and fixed the car on the side of the road.
We had a great meal in Nirgua which was supposed to be lunch and ended up being dinner. We ate with two pastors from the seminary and enjoyed some terrific food, but more importantly met more wonderful people.
We arrived at the seminary about 7pm and got an initial tour and learned more about what we will be working on this week. We could not ask for more in terms of our house for the week and the hospitality we have been shown. We all sat tonight and enjoyed a devotional by Ethan.
We all miss our families and loved ones and continue to thank each of them for the support, love, faith, and inspiration each have displayed leading up to this week.
Good night from Venezuela.
I also spoke with Matt M. this morning very briefly. He said they were having computer difficulties and asked that I post the e-mail he sent last night. He said everyone is great! They were getting ready for church when we spoke. They have started receiving their letters from family and loved ones and very much appreciate them.
God Bless Venezuela and the team!
Kelli Murphy
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