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.