So we are headed back to the States for a visit with family for Christmas, then to Denver Christmas Conference (see www.dcc2007.com), and to see some ministry supporters. We'll be "home" for six weeks or so, and the consistent topic of conversation around here is what will we bring back?.

Here's the partial list so far:

• jeans for Mark (He's down two sizes, I would guess)
• sheets (bad quality in Chile)
• cordless phone
• Good Earth and Celestial Seasonings teas
• Harry Potter book 6 in paperback. (Please don't tell me what happens!)
• Computer battery (If I don't get it for Christmas, that is!)
• sandals for Jenna and Rachel (size 5 and size 11-1/2, respectively)
• pressed powder makeup in a tone sufficiently light for my gringa skin
• computer parts (Mark's decided to build a desktop)
• craisins

And then each set of grandparents gets their own suitcase to fill with granddaughter goodies.

I'm sure I will think of other things. There are lots of things I would like to bring back that Chile's customs won't let through (New Mexico green chile, for example), but we'll just have to indulge while we are home.

Now that I'm thinking about all my favorite comforting stuff from the States, my "home" in the last sentence doesn't need it's quotation marks. And yet, while I am there, I will miss my home in Santiago, too, I know. It's complicated to always be away from home...