Greetings from Panama!

Today was the second day on the work site. As we started off construction, we were all quick to realize we were definitely a little run down from yesterday's hard work. However, as the examples of Christ we are, we followed WWJD to get us through the day. That is, What Would Jeff (Webb) Do. Haha. But on a more serious note, watching my fellow mission members was a true blessing. I have never seen more hard working and determined people. It is truly amazing just to sit and watch them work. The guys did a tremendous job digging stairs. Seth, Daniel, Bryan and Heath really went to town with the pick axes. As for the girls, I'm pretty sure we sifted at least 30 pounds of sand. All the Southwest team members along with Abel (Ah-bell), Peto, Solomon, and some children who will attend the church we are building got so much accomplished. I am truly in awe. Not once did anyone complain. Instead, everyone was constantly lifting each other up, whether it be by taking over someone's job when they got tired or telling a funny story (Trust me, Jeff had plenty of them).

After the construction, we once again showered, went to dinner, then went to the church in El Cope. Chris Taylor, the missionary we are supporting, led the sermon. His lesson was about Jesus washing the feet of his peers and how similar our mission trip to Panama is to that. We were so uplifted and encouraged to hear him speak of us in those terms. I feel like I can speak for all of saying his message really put us in high spirits.

This whole mission trip so far has been such an incredible blessing. I feel like I keep repeating myself saying that, but it really has. I feel like I am being equally if not more blessed by this trip in comparison to those we are helping. Every one has been such a joy to work with and I cannot even put in words the feeling it brings to see the faces of the people we are helping whether it be from the little children we brought sandals to Sunday or those who have seen the construction of the church. God has really worked wonders.

Everyone back home is missed and loved! We enjoy reading everyone's comments at night during the devotional! We ask, however, that you keep our Panamanian friend Peto's wife in your prayers. She is having serious surgery tomorrow in Panama City. We ask that the Upton's friend Cagrada in your prayers as well. Mark and Miriam told us tonight that she is a single mother with four children and two grandchildren living in impoverished conditions and was recently diagnosed with Lupus. Also, our friend Abel is not a Christian and we are really hoping our work will help him come closer to Christ!

Gracias,
Jameson Murrey

P.S. Mom, this is Chelsea, the story is totally cool and i will explain it all when i get back BUT i need you to text Logan Aunt Marie's phone number. Miriam and Mark used to live in Belzoni and Miriam's sister went to HA and Aunt Marie was her best friend and she has been looking for her for years!! Totally cool right!! Please and thank you! oh and i can check facebook, so thats how i will get the number from Logan because i know you were wondering! I love and miss you :)