Saturday, November 29, 2008

Missionary Christmas Packages

My husband has a nephew serving a mission in Madagascar. Elder Livingston has been out for nearly a year and is doing such a great job. It is easy to tell from his e-mails that he is focused on the work and loves the people there.

Unfortunately sending packages to Madagascar is a little more difficult than other places. His parents said the best way is to get a pre-paid priority mail box from the post office. So last week I stopped by the post office and grabbed one. They are free for the taking, but when you go to mail it (no matter how heavy) it will cost $39. (Yikes! But he is definitely worth it!)

So I called my SIL and MIL and asked if they want to go in with us in providing items and paying the postage. They were happy to contribute. Here is what the package contains so far:

  • Post-it notes
  • Bag of Bic pens
  • 5 x 7 notebook
  • Cookie mixes
  • Brownie mix (removed from the box/instructions written on the bag)
  • CTR rings to give out
  • Stickers of the Savior
  • Gospel oriented postcard pictures to hand out
  • Mini basketball hoop toy
  • 60-piece puzzle of Jesus in a card size box
  • Candy canes
  • Mexican food seasoning packets
  • Noodle mix

The goal was to send him items he could not get over there, but that he would not have to cart around in his luggage for the next year. A missionary's luggage gets pretty cramped. We still have a little space left in the box. Does anyone have an idea or two to share before we send off the box next week? Please share!

Scripture of the Day: D&C 26:1

7 comments:

  1. Whatever his favorite candy is. I have had tons of nephews serve missions and they always want candy/candy bars, etc. Great idea, btw, to send off a pkg to him. You are a sweetie!

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  2. We sent him a 4x6 photo book with a few pictures of the family, I am sure he would love if you had some of your kids to send to him. It was fun to see you guys yesterday! Tell Steve we say hi! I felt bad we didn't get to see him!

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  3. yes, I would say empty a bag of those candy bar minis into there. STuff like snickers, twix, reeces, etc. are not found outside of the U.S. Maybe some gum, too.

    p.s. I got your book yesterday. Thank you!

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  4. i think if you can find a calendar with pictures of home (or make one even) that's a nice idea. Maybe that's just me though, coming from New Zealand where it's really easy to get an NZ calendar. It's sentimental AND practical

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  5. My brother loved getting red licorice. So did all of his comps.

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  6. How about a copy of the Conference Ensign and a hilighter? Candy is a MUST like many have said. A new tie is like a new outfit for an elder, too. It's always nice to have something new to wear. My brothers adored the photo calenders, but I don't know how much time you have to get it done. Another idea is just to assemble several photos in one of those little photo albums for him to browse.

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  7. We always sent a new tie, or a tee shirt. What about some inexpensive children's books for him to give the kids there?
    You are awesome!

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Comments are much appreciated!