Christmas Visit

This morning I'm a little homesick, which prompted me to make a list of what I'm looking forward to about being in the US. I don't know if it made the homesickness better or worse...

I haven't blogged in a while, so I thought I'd share the list. Some have "I need a break from Africa" undertones, which I usually don't allow myself and hardly ever publish. But it will give you some insight into what I'm feeling these days. Remember- the list is far from complete, so rest assured that I AM looking forward to seeing you even if it didn't cross my mind at 5:30 this morning.

Things I'm looking forward to on this visit:

• Worshiping at Crossroads
  
• Coming into a warm building from the cold
• A hug from Uncle Arf
• Seeing progress on the new building (the framing was almost done at my going away party)
• Breakfast with Dad
• A backrub from Mom
  
• Chile Works
• Bobcat Bite
• Holding my new "nieces and nephews"- Ava, Ina, Olivia, Rowan, Ryley
  
• Skiing
• Visiting the Simple Lodge and Hostel
• Seeing married Lynches
• Driving in the mountains
• A McCranie/Schoenborn latte
• El Parasol
• Movies at the Reel Deal
• Power that stays on
• Target
• Wireless internet
• Knutson time
• Cars that start on the first try
• Dogs that aren't guards
• Trading the clothes I've been wearing for the last year and a half for a different suitcaseful
• Seeing who comes into Starbucks/Coffee Booth/ Film Festival
• Cheese that tastes good
• Stream-of-consciousness conversations at the Christensen table
  
• Seeing how kids I've poured into are doing
• Thomson time
  
• Seeing how tall the Gilbert boys are now
• A good African visit with Dena
• Sidewalks
• Marked lanes
• Snow
• A walk in Mrs. Stevens's canyon