Words from the Uptons

We have been so blessed by your group so much we don't know where to begin. They are full of joy and compassion. We wish we could take the time to speak about each one of them, but there is not enough time to express the message in our hearts. Perhaps a summary of our thoughts will suffice:

First, Abby is wonderful. She has a true serving spirit. She blesses all of us with her energy and upbeat attitude all day. She has the courage to step forward and try new things and meet new people. She is always the first to try new words or phrases in Spanish, even when they are all wrong. But, her accent and her true enjoyment of the moment make every okay for everyone. The Panamanians love her and are so happy that she is trying to learn their language.

The other adults on this trip are obviously handpicked for their talents and skills. They each bring a special ability to the group. Chris has a talent to sing and lead their minds into spiritual discussions. Angie mothers each and every one with a true nurturing heart. They respect her experience and follow her suggestions willfully. Jeff has a special relationship with the team. He is full of laughter and a special talent for telling stories just the right way to keep everyone on the edge of their seat as he unfolds the tale. Many memories have been made listening to and laughing with him. Brian, [not sure about the spelling :) ] and Mallory are both great examples to all of us. They show us daily how a Christian couple can do His work together and enjoy being with each other and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Brian swings a pickax better than most we've seen and Mallory can move concrete with the best of them. Thank you so much for allowing these two to be a part of this trip.

As for the young people let us simply say they are a joy to us. Their willingness to work hard and laugh with each other is a true blessing to share. We have worked with many groups of teens in the past, but this group is special in so many ways. They are more caring and open than most veteran teams. They take on hard tasks with a smile and diligently work until the job is done. And in the heat and humidity of Panama, that is an accomplishment! We have not heard one word of complaint or concern from any of them. None of them hesitate at the suggestion of more duties or longer hours. No one fusses about the food, no matter what it is.

We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sending your children to be with us and share in our work. We know you are proud of them, but we want you to know that we see your teachings in their lives and we are proud of them as well. You have placed God in their hearts and they are actively showing Him in their behavior. They are unselfish, unassuming, and unafraid to show Christ. They help each other instantly and are quick to offer assistance to others as well. We want you to know that when we unload the buses at a hotel or restaurant, we are proud to show your children off to the world. Thank you for giving us that opportunity. We notice that the children of Panama receive them freely. And that is very telling of the spirit of each them. Children seem to sense the love being offered from another and know if it is real. You have seen a few pictures of how the children have accepted their love, but we have seen many.

The brethren from El C0pe and Santa Marta are receiving a wonderful gift, because of the sacrifices you have made to send this team to us. We speak for them and ourselves when we express our appreciation for that gift. Words will not give the message justice. We will ask the Spirit to interpret our message of thanksgiving and pass it from our hearts to yours.

In His Love and from the Uptons in Panama, Mark and Miriam....Thank you.