What are you most excited about?

I cannot even keep count of how many times this question has been asked. Let me set the scene for you. I am sitting at my favorite coffee shop in the Taiwan airport. Of course I am excited to see every one and come to Texas. It has been so long. At the exact same time, part of my heart is in Cebu as I have really made that place home in many ways. This last year has changed me in more ways than I ever thought would be possible. Anyway, I won't bore you with that. I will however give you my top ten of what I am most excited about when it comes to returning to the Lonestar state of Texas. 

1. I am so ready to see my people. There are too many of you to list, but just know I am excited. 

2. My home church, BASE group and One Praise (the worship team). I am beyond excited to be able to take my shoes off and just be refreshed by being with church family. 

3. Morning coffee, walks around my neighborhood and seeing Brightstar Christian School for the first time in their new building and church. 

4. Experiencing new seasons other than rainy and VERY rainy. 

5. FRESH air. Seriously, pollution can be rough in Cebu. It does not like my sinuses. 

6. While I am on the topic of health, I am SO ready for gluten free everything. The last year I have had to become serious about going gluten free because of some minor health issues. It has made a huge difference but there are WAY more options in America. 

7. Real TEX MEX. ahhh...those killer beans from Tierra are killer. 

8. Reconnecting with relationships that were once estranged and now are restored. God is so good even when it comes from what you may feel like is falling apart. He has a plan. 

9. Liberate-IJM Global Prayer Gathering. This conference is much needed for Becca and I as encouragement and also for networking. We are also excited to see our Filipino friends! 

10. Last but definitely not least: Sharing all that God has done in Redeeming Zoe. He has gone above and beyond at parting the red seas and we cannot wait to share about that. 

Obviously there are many more things that I am looking forward to, but I will stick to the top ten so you don't get bored. Because my heart is split in two different places, it is only fair that I give you the top ten things I am going to miss about sweet Cebu. I will give you a hint about what is NOT going to be on that list: the traffic. I will not miss traffic. If you have never been to the Philippines before, you cannot understand what I am talking about because your traffic seriously is nothing compared to the Philippines. It really is on a whole new level. 

Texas friends, I look forward to seeing you.