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.