Saying goodbye to the kids at Cicrin was extremely difficult. Even though we were only there for a little over a month, it felt like we were there for a lot longer. I am going to miss waking up in the hammocks looking out over the lake, spending the afternoon working in the kitchen with either Tia Lila or Tia Idez, spending the evening playing with the kids, and having late night chats with the "muchachos" and our translator, Natalia (who I also had to say goodbye to).

And, I have to confess, leaving Cicrin made me extremely homesick. After saying goodbye to the kids and Natalia, it felt like it was time to head back. And, not knowing what was awaiting us in Masatepe made me miss home all the more.

I am happy to say, however, that has changed entirely. Sure, I still miss home and my family, but I am more excited to be here and to see God move.

What made things change so rapidly?

The hearts of the people here.

Just spending time with the caretaker of the grounds and his family, walking around town with one of the pastors here, and talking to our contact, I have been consistently amazed by the servant hearts of the people here. When we asked if the fridge in the house worked, they immediately offered to bring a new one. Despite their meager finances, they offered to buy us a cellphone to use here, and were willing to make two relatively long trips to the house to the place for dinner because they wanted to keep us comfortable.

I am so grateful and amazed by how hospitable and protective they are over us. Everything they do, from offering to climb trees to cut us fruit to moving our chairs from one room to another so that we can be more comfortable, is so intentional. I was so touched when the pastor that walked around with us today told us that he was honored to be in our presence and that it was a pleasure. Their attitudes have encouraged me to develop a servant's heart as well. To be willing to serve even when it is difficult, uncomfortable, or costly. To treat others with endless amounts of respect. Not just occasionally - all the time.