November 4, 2021

Christmas all packaged up and ready to go on a long flight to Africa!

When the mission call came in for Elder Garcia to Africa, one of my biggest wonders was that of would I be able to send him anything from home or would he really have to go 2 years without a little love? I remember taking him down to the UPS store to see what the cost would be for a small box and about barfed when it came back at $700+ for a 10x10x10 box that weighed less than 10 pounds! I think Elder Garcia was just as shocked because we both looked at each other and agreed in that glance that that was simply too expensive to do. Plus you add in the uncertainty of being able to make sure that all of what you sent was received and in a timely manner without the missionary having to pay a customs 'get out of jail' excessive fee. 

This crushed me. I always dreamed of having missionaries I could ship stuff here and there to and make sure that small things from home arrived to them as a reminder that we think of them always. Here I was now in a situation that it was just not feasible nor smart to even try to do that with him in Africa. 

Christmas is upon us and I have begun my shopping here at home. It is simple with just one kiddo home but I longed to have to purchase for two others. I wanted to see what I could do to find a way and holy cow! It happened. LDSXpress travels to countries all over the world to hand deliver packages to mission homes! I was able to score a spot for their Christmas trip and so I immediately began planning. I wasn't sure what to send for missionaries that wasn't just taking up space but I was thrilled to have the chance. I had a couple of people include small things (Julie Rose, Heather Smith, and Grandma) and then we all wrote in a card that had a gift card in it as well. I had some small things like a couple new ties, some socks, tie tack, etc that I put together a fun stocking and even made sure to include a small something for his companion as well. This was not a cheap package and the fee to have them do this is ridiculous but I figure for a package that he is not expecting it is totally worth it and it isn't like I am doing them all the time. 

I would LOVE to be there when he realizes that there is a package for him from home! I would love to see his face and to be able to see his reaction to all of it. I hope it will touch him and know that even though he is in Africa, my heart longs for his return and I miss having him in day to day life. Christmas looks a little crazy right now and the fact that it is November 4 and I had to have everything wrapped and packaged up to go on a long flight seems NUTS but I am so so grateful for the people at LDSXpress and their dedication to missionaries all over the world. I love knowing that even thousands of miles apart we can 'celebrate' this day together and that small creature comforts of home will get to Elder Garcia this year.

Merry Early Christmas. I love you for forever,
Mom