The Ultimate Care Package Guide

This post is for those who want to know what to send to missionaries or other people overseas whom they support... or, possibly, for the many people who will wonder why my family is bringing 114,612 bags back to Africa with us when we go. I mean, more or less that amount. 

The truth is, my family is hoarding for their next two years in Namibia, where they will be isolated from all the little luxurious things that the average American takes for granted; not us, guys. Here is a list of the many little American things that we treasure like Gollum and his juicy, sweet fish. (Oh, sorry ... a little too creepy?)

This is not me begging for anything -I promise. In fact, our family has enough, thanks to the provision of God - I'm trying to encourage readers who aren't quite sure how to bless people that they know overseas.


Candy from passport country 

Americans overseas love to receive Twizzlers, Skittles, M&M's and just about anything involving peanut butter or chocolate from back home. If the people you support are from countries other than the States, I'm sure their cravings will be much different, but those who sorely miss The Land of the Fat (also known as these-here United States of 'Murrica) would love for you to send them a carefully wrapped and taped package of glucose, carbs and cocoa madness. Please do.


Specialty foods 

Learn their health issues - is anyone in their family or on their team sugar-free, gluten-free, or otherwise on a special diet? (Our family, for example, appreciates gluten-free or corn-free mixes or pasta.) Small packages of dry things don't cost too much to send and are more easily preserved. If you need any further help thinking of things to send, consider bags of light-weight sugar-free candy, gluten-free brownie mix, milk or egg substitutes, protein powder, artificial sweeteners or even medicine they might need.


(Instant) Tea or coffee 

This one is especially for Starbucks fans, but the honest truth is that you can find lovers of tea, coffee or hot chocolate in any culture/ country of the world. It's safe to assume that the person you are sending this care package to will enjoy some kind of instant drink. Also, tea bags are really light and easy to send. Boom! Everybody wins.


School Supplies 

In case the family you support has not begged you for school supplies yet, here you go; they most likely want - no, strongly covet the school supplies you are about to send them. For those people across the globe working with children, pretty pencils, some Elmer's graft glue, colored paper, stickers and coloring books may very well sound like heaven. They probably wonder where all their erasers and pencil sharpeners have disappeared to and would love for you to save them from an eraser-less-pencil-sharpener-less fate. Please, have some compassion on the tired teachers and missionaries across the world.


Kid's movies 

Any kind of family friendly entertainment will likely do the trick, actually - particularly family films, educational shows or, generally, any entertainment with a wholesome message. Think Frozen, Barney, Narnia, Meet the Robinsons, etc. You might also send ministry movies (even if they're generally for an older audience) to help them further their cause; To Save A Life, Veggie Tales, Indescribable, the Jesus Film - ask the missionaries about their audience and what they could use for their ministry.


Letters

A  letter from an old friend I haven't seen in ages? Ooooh, please, yes. This is just as good as anything else you could send. You never know who may need a word of encouragement or a reminder that their friends haven't forgotten them! Send a little love.


Spontaneous Items

 Think of unique, mail-able things that could brighten anyone's day. Even if it's from the Dollar Store, it could be an incredible blessing to the people you support. Think fun sticker sheets, glow sticks, tubes of glitter, card games, magazines, silly putty, yarn, chewing gum - if you include bubble wrap, then hey! Some of us consider that a gift in and of itself.

The Six Things Every Missionary Needs

So I have just composed a list of things that, well, pretty much all missionaries need during their transition stage. It consists of things I had, things I wish I had had, and things my friends have had during the transition part of their move to Africa! To the missionaries reading this, if I've left anything out, please let me know! (Do keep in mind that this was put together by a teenager.)

1. Jesus is your best friend

        When a missionary moves, there are very few people who understand the adjustments they are facing. If missionaries go as a family, like mine, you do  have each other, but that can get claustrophobic and annoying - even they might not understand exactly what you are facing. Take time, every day to talk to Jesus about the pains and joys of that day (and of the move in general). He's the only one who knows the home you came from, the place you live in now, and the questions you have in your heart about moving.

2. Learn to love your new world


      Relax at first. Culture shock can get really bad if you rush things, but when you start to really take in all that's been happening, begin counting the beautiful, interesting things about your new-found world. Write about it to your friends, record it in a journal, or add it to your list of things to share with God in the evenings.

3. Candy will keep you grounded     


 This is true. American candy in particular is very powerful when you need to escape. I recommend, in particular, that you bring Reeses, marshmallows, Hershey's chocolate and your favorite bubble gum with you when you move from the States - I don't believe Hershey's or Reeses exist in any other country - bubble gum and marshmallows are not the same overseas. Trust me. All of that junk food will be a life saver when you need to break down, spend a whole day in your pajamas and watch movies on your computer.

4. PHOTOGRAPHY!!!


     I did not have a camera when we moved from the States (I was only twelve years old), but I've seen some friends having a blast with their cameras since moving here! There's something simple and moving about searching for the right perspective, some good lighting and a beautiful image to capture that will make the country you stay in seem a little more comfortable.

5. Alone time


     Everyone needs some alone time, but it's SO SO SO important for missionaries to remind themselves of that. We can get so busy and caught up in trying to save the world (isn't that why we moved in the first place?) that we burn out. Believe it or not, this can apply to missionary kids too. A person in a new environment, regardless of their age or exactly what kind of ministry they're engaged in, needs a few hours each week to digest it all alone.

6. Good friends


    On the other hand, in between the rests and quiet times, it's time to PARTY! Surround yourself with good people and that fish-out-of-water-feeling (that always comes when you are in a crowd of an entirely different culture) will melt away. This could mean get together's with some other missionaries, meeting up with friends you've made on the mission field, or doing video calls with friends back home (via 'Oovoo' or 'Skype'). Yeah, the last is probably most important. Most of all, surround yourself with people who genuinely care about your experiences - the kind of people who will ask questions and really listen for the answers.
   The kind of people who will send you care packages full of chocolate kisses and Reeses.