I need some help! I should have thought of posting this question on here a few weeks ago but I didn't so, now I am working with a short time frame. Here is the scoop, my brother-in-law and his family (wife and 3 kids) are leaving on the 31st for Africa for 2 years to be missonaries. I would like to get them something before they go but I am clueless as to what to get! They have a weight limit to what they can bring with them and that has been filled with clothes, their computer/electronics and a few favorite toys for the kids. I thought about pictures but over the last year as they have been preparing to go, they have taken TONS of pictures.
I don't know anyone else who has done this (what an awesome thing!!) but it leaves me and the whole family feeling sad. We want to give them something but don't know what. Any ideas??
Thank you!!
More info: We have donated a significant amount of money to them and also bought one of their cars so they could buy a car in Africa.
My mother moved to Shanghai, China six years ago. Now, we both thought that Shanghai was pretty metropolitan and would have what she needed. I ended up sending simple things she couldn't get (like Benadryl and dental care products) after the fact in care package.
I'd send them a care package to Africa with some of their favorite treats in it that they won't be able to get there. Maybe give them Kindle or Nook or if they already have put some books on a thumb drive for them. For kids load movies on a thumb drive.
I spent a month in Tanzania last summer. I can tell you this...electricity is sketchy at best so something electronic is not the best idea. Depending on how remote they will be, here is what we needed the most while there.
Diaper wipes might just be the handiest thing to have. We used them for so many different things. What I would suggest you do (for weight issues) open the bags and let them dry out. They can find bottled water to reconstitute them after they get there. Those will come in so,so handy!
Pens and pencils. Also permanent markers. These are a high commodity there and are hard to come by, especially in remote areas.
A couple of good, heavy bottomed pots. They are very expensive to buy there and many times we ended up cooking over direct fire which can burn a pan out fairly quickly.
Chapstick. Tampons. Toothpaste. Deodorant. Small hand-held fans. It gets hot there and fans are great.
I hope this helps!
I buy all friends going on missions a special journal (something fancy and leather bound). One friend even turned her journal into a book about her experience on the Ivory Coast with Doctors Without Borders!
Cash.
Amazon gift cards.
Money. Missionaries don't always get paid money for their work. They rely on Faith.
Batteries for all that electronic stuff! Letters from each one of you letting them know you love them and will be praying for them. A promise to send them care packages regularly when they let you know what they need.
A car door - so they can roll down the window when it gets hot! bwahahahahaha
A small journal. Electronics fail, and writing down a thought at the end of each day will be something tangible they can look back on later in life.
Reusable water bottles? Journals for the kids.
Do they have a layover in a US airport for the flight on the way there? If so, how about a gift card to one or two of the restaurants at that airport so they can have a good sit-down meal in between flights? Also, maybe some activity books that the kids can use on the flights.
This is the first thing that came to mind, however may not be suitable for the environment there, or worth the weight, or even close to what you're looking for is one of those electronic photo displays that flashes/rotates pictures. That way they can put family and friends' pictures from back home on it, it's one frame but can display multiple photo's and can be updated electronically with photo's sent to them over the internet from friends and family back home. Include an extra battery/batteries. But like you said, they took a ton of pics, so they may just have them all on their computer.
God Bless them as they do His work preaching the Gospel. How edifying.
They probably have a bank acct to deposit money in to help support them while gone. You could make a donation now, or let them know you will donate every month. They dont really need more stuff to pack and carry around, but the financial end will be there for the duration of thier stay. I have friends who are missionaries in the Philippeans and they have an acct thru their church/job, and that is the only way they are supported. other than with prayers. (o:
How about a small booklet with thoughts & prayers(inspirationals) You can find small ones at the bookstores. It would not take up much room and you can write a small note in it to them. They will remember you when reading through it. They will appreciate when going through tough times as all missionaries do when first setting up their new home.
Today's the 30th so my suggestion might be too late. I've had several friends who've done missionary work in Africa. They always tell me that MOSQUITO NETS (the kind you put around your bed at night) are CRUCIAL. (And lightweight to ship too!)
My friends would bring bug nets for themselves and several extras to give away to the villagers. Kind of a goodwill gesture that quickly won several friendships from the get-go.
How about some stationery and stamps to send letters back to their supporters, or a prepaid phone card? If they like to take photos, maybe some extra memory cards for the camera? Just make sure you know which card their camera uses.
Both my brother and my sister-in-law were in the Peace Corp in Africa (two different countries). Like someone else said, you cannot count on the avalability of electricity and I would add computer/Internet and phone. And if is available, it may only be available at certain times of the day. So I would be careful about giving them electronics that need to be charged and probably not anything that needs a constant source of electricity. My brother lived for two years with no electricity or running water.
I also wouldn't give them too much that they would be torn about leaving behind. After living there for two years they will have accumulated so many things that you can only get in Africa. When my brother came back to the States he really had a hard time deciding what to leave behind. He actually ended up leaving behind almost everything he had originally taken with him.
The things he appreciated the most were the things that be could not get in Africa--food items, pens/markers, personal care items, new reading materials, socks. I like the idea of a really nice journal for each family member and the promise of care packages. Once they get there they can let you know what they miss and you can send it to them. A friend of mine who is a missionary loves to get her hometown newspaper, recycled magazines, and seasonal treats like jelly beans.
A couple of cautions about care packages to Africa. Postage can be very high, so don't promise a monthly package unless you are sure it fits into your budget. Packages are likely to be opened by customs agents and things may be taken, so don't send something of high value. There are some items that may have import taxes applied to them for example fabric. So be sure to check on that. Finally, be honest on the customs forms you fill out at the post office. If the box is opened and they find discrepancies the entire box may be confiscated.
The best gift you can give them is the gift of daily prayer!
This is awesome. My family is actually planning on doing the same thing in a few months. One suggestion i have would be an Amazon or itunes gift card. They can download music or movies while overseas, or before they go. Plus it takes up no weight or space!
A book of 'forever' stamps.
