Missionary Teacher

Hello,

I would like to suggest a phone card so she can call home. Maybe you can mix it up with some hard candy and some of the things that the others have suggested and just make it sort of a going away package for her.

M.

You could get a few moms in the class together and give her a homemade gift certificate for "school supplies to be sent to her new address" for her new class. It would be fun to collect things that are not redily available where she is going and send them directly to her once she is settled.

Stickers, pencils, little things she can give her students. Have you asked her if there is anything she needs?

For a special gift, maybe have the class make her a blanket or frame a nice class picture?

I'm not sure if she will have access to a computer (the Missionary team we support does). If not, what about stationary with postage paid evelopes (you can go to the post office and ask them the cost to send a first class envelope). If that doesn't work out...how about a Journal so she can document this incredible time in her life. An everyday small backpack would be nice too...she can carry all her materials in it as she travels through the villages.
This is an incredible opportunity and I can't even imagine the wonderful plans God has for her. Please wish her well for me...

Maybe phone cards for calling home?

Hi, How exciting and what a wonderful opportunity for your child to develop a real interest in missions since someone he knows and loves will be going.

I was a missionary in Thailand, and I loved anything that reminded me of people I loved. SHe would probably love a framed picture of the class. But, the best, most practical gift I got was an alarm clock. My (future at the time) mother-in-law got me a nice, small battery operated clock, that would light up when you pushed the snooze. It wasn't a travel clock, so it looked nice. The plugs will probably be different when she gets there, but she'll need to wake up from the first day she's there, especially with the jetlag.

Also, if you wanted to get something expensive, like as a whole class, a portable DVD player would be great. ALso, with it a set of her favorite TV show. If she's single, it can be VERY lonely, and it really helps to have some familiar shows to watch at night. I had a set of I love Lucy shows that I watched probably a million times and they helped me feel "normal" just having them playing while I cooked my dinner alone. She can also watch them on the plane. SHe can get a converter when she gets there for the plug in. Just ask her if she needs this, as she might have already gotten one, or her laptop might play DVDs.

Perhaps she'd appreciate some gifts for the children she would be visiting. This would show your support of her mission.

Whatever it is, it should be light and portable as she will not have a lot of room in her luggage for extraneous gifts. Instead of a gift now, I would suggest getting her address and periodically having your son put together "care packages" with candy or other "treats from home" that won't melt or spoil, pictures, a handwritten letter, etc. That way, she has a link with home that is alwasy welcome for someone working in a strange new country.

Stationary, stamps (I think you can get some kind of prepaid international certificates at the PO), envelopes, pens, and a pretty journal for her to document her journey. Wrap it up in a big basket with a tag that says "We will miss you so much - here are the tools you need to stay in touch."

Or something like that. *laughing*

A. <><

I myself went a mission trip to Africa a few years ago. I was very greatful for gifts that I could use for my trip. She may need special clothing like drsses or skirts. I tooks lots of skirts that I could donate to others or use to barter to get other things. Hand sanitizer and batteries were pracitcal things that I really never had enough of. I know that money is not a very fun gift to give, but most of the time missionaries need sponsorship in the form of money. A travel journal can also make a nice gift.

How about a first aid/supply kit - band aids, Kleenex, Tylenol, bug repellent, hand sanitizer, pre-paid phone card, granola bars...

How fun! My husband has got to go on some mission trips to other conutries but I am yet to go with him because of the kiddos!:) (but thats ok) One thing I know for sure is that it takes a lot of money to do a mission trip! When my hasband went to Ukraine it was upwards of $2000. And also some times depending on where they are going they like to buy things and provide for people while they are then which again is more money. So I think the best thing would be just to give her a nice card and give her some money and tell her to use it how ever she needs to. I promise it will go to good use and then God will bless you for sowing in His kindgom!:)

2 inflatable neck pillows (target for about $5)
One for her neck and one for her rear. When we travel on 5-20 hour flights we each sit on one with the opening facing the back of the seat. Without it, after 4 hours your tailbone aches for the rest of the flight. They are a lifesaver.
You can also order affordable phone cards at speedypin.com

Hello, my name is S.. I personally know an African missionary. they are amazing, giving and selfless people! I know that they are quite limited in what and how much they can bring without having to pay extra.My recomendation is either a monetary gift. (they always need more money for these trips) or if you don't like that idea how about a gift certificate to get her nails ,toes or hair done before she leaves? She probably won't have that luxury for a long time!

MONEY and any amount will definitely be appreciated. I've learned that only they know what they can take and often have to leave behind friends' well-intended gifts. Often there are expenses missionaries must cover themselves. A card with a check will be the very best gift you can give.
J.

DEFINITELY ask her! My SIL & family are leaving in Jan. to go to Papua New Guinea, and they have been preparing, mostly by deciding what to sell/give away for over a year (they planned to leave about 6 months ago, but a new baby delayed them!). Money is always appreciated, as well as pledges of prayer (maybe commemorated with kid-made cards, one for her, and one for each child as a reminder to pray). Also, a throw-away book for the trip might be appreciated.
God Bless your family!

A leather-bound journal is always a nice gift.

I would ask what she needs. She might have children and they might need diapers she has to pack for a couple of years worth of needs..
I just was a part of a friend going on the field... It touched my heart big time..
Its a good teaching tool for your kiddos to!

Hi!

Phone cards!!! Those were always so valuable to us when we were overseas. Also, if she has email access, periodic emails from 'home' were always such a blessing! It was great to know that people were still thinking about us 'across the pond' and were praying.
You might also see how her support raising is going, if you are interested in doing something for her over the longer-term. It would be a fun way for your boys to keep in touch with her and hear about what she's doing. Missionaries that we support send letters and email updates (and even baby gifts when our little guy arrived!). (I'm sure she'd send you the emails w/o the financial support but it's always helpful!!) Support raising is hard and many missionaries aren't at their full budget.
Just a few ideas; I hope they're helpful!
S.

Something small... like a prepaid calling card or some toiletries... or a cool wash cloth... not sure how much she would be able to take on the trip.. .I think they try to keep it to a minimum..
J.

Well, keep in mind that there isn't much room for her to take things. Perhaps a nice little sewing kit or a neat water bottle with a pop up valve for those really hot days when she needs to take a mini shower. :) Does she have a Bible in the language she will be around?

S., SAHM to four girls four and under

I have friends that are missionaries, they delevered over seas, and they received a baby shower through the mail. Depending on their family situation, many medicines are needed, they cannot get there. Ask her, best advice!