I know it's not Thanksgiving yet, but it's really important that you give me a little leeway for a few minutes, okay?
I've got something special I've been wanting to do for a long time...and here it is!
We have a running joke at our house in Ghana. In our house, we eat candy canes at Valentine's Day, conversation hearts at Easter, chocolate bunnies at Fourth of July, and candy corn at Christmas. Is that because we're wierd? Well, maybe we are wierd, but the real reason is because my awesome mom sends us holiday care packages. But, she's so busy and it takes so much time for mail to travel half-way around the world, that the candy is always one holiday behind :)
When I knew we were coming back to the States on furlough I knew I wanted to do a fun holiday giveaway for my missionary mama friends. It drives me nuts that whenever you read a blog giveaway, it almost always says, "Only valid for US residents" or something similar. I've always wondered why they are giving things away to people who can just go buy them if they want? But that's another subject for another day. (I know, I know. It's because shipping is so expensive. Just givin' 'em a hard time!)
Now, if you're not a missionary mama, or you're not on the field right now, I'm so glad you're here and please don't be offended. Some days a little box of something familiar is just what a missionary mama needs to brighten her day a bit!
So today I'm turning the tables! This giveaway is ONLY for missionary mamas ON THE FIELD!!!
I've got a special little box of Thanksgiving and Christmas goodies all ready for one of you special ladies!
Not only will you get mail, but you'll also get some fun treats for the holidays!
I'm aware that these special days are coming quickly, and mail often takes awhile to make it 'round the globe, so this giveaway starts today and the winner will be announced next Monday.
A quick caveat: you must be able to pay the customs/duty, etc. on the package sent. If it's not worth it to you, then don't enter your name, 'k? I know that in some countries, that is the case. Sorry :(
So how do we play?
Simply leave a comment on this blog telling what country you are in right now and what would be the BEST thing you could ever receive in a box from the states. I'd love for lots of ladies to have the chance to win, so if you blog about this, I'll give you an extra entry. Just come back and comment again. And whether you are a missionary yourself or not, if you know a missionary mama that may not know about this blog, please tell them to come on over and join the fun! Thanks!
Easy enough? I thought so!
See you Monday, and hopefully you'll get a box BEFORE the holidays roll around. If not, you might be using turkey napkins for Christmas and eating candy canes for Valentine's Day!
65 comments:
This is so cute! When we were in Mexico, I was convinced we were getting the leftovers or damaged goods from the US in our stores. We, too, were always a holiday or two behind! Love your thoughtfulness! PUERTO RICO
This is an awesome idea and of course, we would be in the States right now on furlough. Very sweet of you to do this!
What a great idea! I Will have to remember this when we are on furloughs. I am in Germany and the best thing I could receive from the states would be my mom, but since she wont fit in a box, I would have to say - Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash.
Maria here from sunny Jamaica!! Such a fun giveaway, so true about getting the goodies behind schedule My first year here I was thrilled to be opening a box of Christmas cards in July. Our Easter bunnies were ....shall say deformed also. Let's see Id love to have a box of snow! But if that didn't happen I'd be thrilled with maxwell house international coffee!
Hello My name is Dawn and we are in the country of Ukraine. We have been here for 12 years and love being here. I don't follow blogs much but I like this idea and SO understnad what you are saying. I think that the thing I would LOVE to get in a box is marshmellow cream. Something I always think about when it is to late.
Wow!!! What a wonderful giveaway and so thougthful! You can tell you are a missionary wife! :-)
So funny and true about candy being a holiday behind!
I'd Love some Dove Dark Chocolate!
Hello, Ruth here, from rain soaked Panama. Love your idea for a giveaway (not that I'm biased or anything) Ha!
What missionary doesn't love to get mail - it's the best.
Favorite thing to receive from the States.... well first thought was my Mom, but don't see that happening anytime soon.
I'm kind of a dark chocolate junkie. Doesn't Dove have a mint-flavored dark chocolate out around the holidays -Smile. Dark chocolate and a good book = pure bliss!
Hope that you are thoroughly enjoying your time on furlough and lots of baby snuggles. God bless - Ruth Hanson
I blogged about this giveaway on my blog http://arctic-adventures.blogspot.com/
Ohhhh.... fun! What would I like to receive? Like the other ladies, I'd have to say my mom. Other than that... I'd love to have some grits for that Christmas breakfast:) Yes, I'm truly a "girl raised in the south"!
I live in Honduras. This is our third Christmas and second year on the field besides language school of course. The best thing I could get Starbucks chocolate covered coffee beans
Love this idea! I am in India..and would love to get some Fritos corn chips! (only because a cheesecake would not make it this far!)
Hi Patty!
I'm writing to you from a cool, wet, dark clouds in the sky, could be depressing if not for the Love of Jesus in my heart, northern Portugal!
Bom Dia!!! (Good Morning!)
I absolutely LOVE your idea! (I'm kind of partial to Missionary Mama's...something about them. I just can't place my finger on it though....giggle)
What would be the perfect thing to come in a box from the States??? Hmmmm.....well, it would depend on the day and time of day you asked me. Right now, since it's breakfast time, I'm thinking grits, or hazelnut coffee creamer. But if you ask me at lunch, I'd probably say pepperoni. Then at dinner time, I'd probably be itching to make some chocolate chip cookies, only there not very good without chocolate chips......
...you get my drift......
Furlough is INSANE!!! I'm glad it's you and not me. (With all due respect, of course!)
I LOVE my field of service!!!
If I never received grits again, coffee was always black, only had cheese pizzas from now on, and my cookies were never graced with another chocolate chip....GOD would still be GOOD! And I would still adore my field of service!!
Happy Wednesday to you, my Missionary friend!
~Nina in Portugal
[Forgot to mention our field in my first comment... We are missionaries in Ukraine.]
This is so much fun! (And thanks for adding the e-mail subscription!)
You know, more than anything I would just love to receive WAL-MART in a box! :-) But, if that is not possible, maybe just some Reese's PB cups... or Starbucks coffee beans... or... hot chocolate packets... or... oh, I guess I'd better stop there! LOL!
Thanks for this great giveaway!
It's just as much fun to read what everyone wants as it is to ask for it! ;-) What a special lady you are to 'give' of yourself in such a special way...All 'if I could's have been covered so I'll just mention anything to do with dark chocolate mint especially the new 3 Muskateers would be wonderful but then I also like to have some of the extras for those holidays--so special holiday napkins (themed for Thanksgiving or Christmas) would be wonderful!! And I love the new LED candles...never need to worry about a fire and living in Japan where the houses are all right next to one another, you have to be careful of that! God bless and give you a wonderful time with those you usually have to miss at holidays, while you are in the States. In Christian Love, Vicki (and Ken) Mansell -28 years in Hokkaido Japan
Hello, I'm Rebecca in Uganda. I think I'm the first African missionary lady on here! Your kind offer is very sweet of you. I rarely comment on blogs, but you sucked me in! I would enjoy Reese's Pieces. God bless!
My name is Anna (Sloan) Lopez (sister-in-law to beautiful Jolene Sloan from Ukraine). We are serving the Lord in Chiapas, Mexico.
I have tears in my eyes, reading all the comments from these dear missionary wives!
You know, to me earthly goods are not the most important things (honestly); but truly a little love gift from our Good Ol' U.S.A. sure does something to boost your spirits, doesn't it?! Kind of like a pat on the back and a hug from the Lord. Comforting, in a way, isn't it, Ladies?!
Whew! I sure couldn't choose just one thing. But I would go for a great big bag of Cheetos; some Sonic Cheddar Peppers; York Mints; a Mint-flavored Starbucks Coffee; (can I keep going?) French Vanilla coffee creamer; and Reece's Peanut Butter Cups!
Thank you for doing this for missionary ladies.
From Mexico,
Anna
Thank you for your thoughtfulness! As much as I would love for someone to send a team of workers to help us, I know that is not going to happen! We have been in the country of Serbia for 7 months now and we are excited to see what the Lord is going to do!
As for something from the U.S....I would love a big cheddar cheese wheel or some Dr. Pepper!
Back to say that I posted your link on my blog:)
Also, forgot to say that I'm in Alberta, Canada... and I'd sure like to send Maria some snow:)
I blogged about your give-away on my blog:
justbehindthatmountain.blogspot.com
Hugs from Mexico!
Anna
THIS is a GREAT idea! My hubby and I are missionaries in Siberia. So, that being the case I could already send LOTS of snow to you tropical island missionaries! :) We are currently on the field and would love to receive some Starbucks coffee, flavored holiday coffee creamers and Cheez-it crackers! God bless you for your kindness!
This is Laura in Ghana. Although we have never met you, we have heard lots of good things about you. This is a great idea! It is so much fun to receive packages! My one desire would be a small brick of Velveeta.
You are so sweet to think of doing this! I am Jennifer Smith in Argentina, and I would LOVE some Velveeta Cheese!
Am I still eligible since we work together here in Ghana? :) No really, I just wanted to say what a great idea this is! I have enjoyed reading all the comments. Have a wonderful Holiday Season with your family!
I am not writing to get in on your giveaway.We are not missionaries but I wanted to "see"what one of our missionaries wives would pick.:)Thanks for doing such a sweet giveaway for such special ladies.We appreciate your Love for our Lord more then you know.
What a thoughtful idea! Like someone else said, I don't usually comment on blogs, but this looked so fun. Plus, I enjoyed reading what others like!
We've been in Cambodia for 7 years. At this time of year I think my favorite thing to receive would be holiday flavored coffee creamers or just flavored coffee. Mmmm!
I'll be on the field (Australia) in two weeks, does that count?! Great giveaway. While waiting on our visas we sent a few packages out to missionary familys. It was also a blessing to us.
Such a creative idea!
I am Rachel and our family is in the country of Estonia (working with Russians).
Cinnamon grahm crackers....or maybe an A&W Root Beer.
Reading all of these posts are really making me crave some things :)
Thanks for this thoughtful giveaway and the chance to win.
Patty, I have to comment! Thanks for thinking of us. There are more of us than you realize. I enjoy reading your blog. I have all these ideas when we return home, but I never do them. Your a blessing to me. Can you send me some snow??? lol
Jackie Siekbert
Ghana
Hi Patty! This is just so fun! I love this idea and I love reading what everyone else would enjoy receiving!
I know it's silly, but I would love to receive some holiday Peeps (you know, the marshmallow sugary things?) I love those! =) Or, holiday flavored coffee creamers would be really fun too. I tried to find some of the powdered ones before we left in Sept., but they weren't out yet. So sad!
(I just put up a link on Missionary Mom).
How fun!
Hmm, there are always so many things to enjoy from the States, aren't there?
I always love me some dark chocolate, especially Dove! But for some reason I am craving something salty and cheesy right now... it might sound strange but I would LOVE a block of Velveeta cheese!!! :-)
Oh, and I am in Indonesia :-)
I blogged about the giveaway on my blog: http://junglewife.wordpress.com
I love that you're doing this.....from one missionary momma to another you know how it is! :) I've been serving in Botswana Africa for almost 8 years and have spent more Christmas' here. It's never easy, but we've learned to make our own traditions. There are many things I would love but holiday coffee/coffee creamers (powder of course) are always fun and a special treat for me. Maybe even a few candy canes....but fun flavors, not the traditional ones! :) ha! Thanks for doing this!!!!
What a wonderful idea! I love reading what everyone else would like to have...although it just makes me want it too! I have been in Thailand for almost 5 years. Like most everyone else, if only my parents would fit in a box! Next wish would be snow!! I can't get used to hot weather Christmas and my husband who is Thai has never seen snow nor has my daughter of course as this will be her first Christmas! :)
How neat!!!
I'm in Eastern Europe and things I would love, love, love to have sent would be Yankee candle(s), food coloring, and cookie sprinkles.
And, mouse traps :)
Hi! What a fun idea!! hmmmm... If I could have anything sent to me... Besides big hugs from my family back home... I would like to have a Chick-fil-a chicken sandwich with waffle fries!!
It was really fun to read comments from other missionary ladies. Sort of fun to realize how many are out there an probably going through very similar experiences! :)
Blessings...
Missy in the Philippines
You are so sweet! What a wonderful idea. I may have to do the same during the next home assignment. :) I would love some blueberries! So funny but blueberry muffins sound so yummy right now.
Living the life in Bolivia!
This is the first time I've been on your blog - I found you through for missionary moms - but I'll definitely be back! It's such an encouragement to be in touch with other moms like me!
We're in Portugal and it's hard to say what I would ask for. I was thinking of something else until I read a comment with Cheese Its! I'm 6 months pregnant and this is one of those cravings I just can't meet. Oh the sacrifices we make! :-)
Thanks for doing this! SO thoughtful!
I blogged about this giveaway. My blog is www.tracishoe.blogspot.com. thanks!!!
What a great idea! Thanks for thinking of us! Growing up in Colombia as an MK, I relate to being one or two holidays behind, LOL! MEXICO
Just blogged about it...beckyaguirre.blogspot.com. The best thing I could get in a package would be either coffee (whole bean Starbucks) or scrapbook materials!
What a neat idea! I am in Bolivia and I think what I would like best would be Pumpkin Spiced Latte International Coffee (just heard there was such a thing) or maybe a magazine. hmmm...
Amy @ Missional Mama
Just posted about your giveaway: http://missionalmamassoul.blogspot.com/2011/11/hey-missionary-mamas.html
Amy @ Missional Mama
What a GREAT and fun giveaway. Yes, it's true...we rarely get to enter these fun contests. We're having a blast serving in Paraguay.
If I could have a care pack I'd like some garlic salt, chocolate chips, sweettarts and tampons.
How's that for random??
Blessings to you and your family,
Julie
How fun! I heard about you from Anna Lopez's blog.
We have been in South Korea for almost 6 years. I would love Strawberry Vanilla Dr. Pepper with extra ice from Sonic ;) I think cherry kisses might be easier! :)
oh, what fun... I wish we could somehow grant all these wishes!! I sent a care package to missionary friends when we were on furlough too... just because I could! and I KNOW how much fun it is to get them! I love getting anything in a box that is specially hand-picked for me. My mom is really good at that :) I like her packages best :)
We've been serving in Peru for almost 11 years now. It would be especially fun to win as we'll celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary the day after Thanksgiving :) Either way, I know whoever does receive your sweet thoughtfulness will appreciate it. May she accept it as a gift from our sweet and thoughtful Father Himself.
Thanks for doing this, it is very nice just to be remembered :)
amy in peru
What a great idea and how thoughtful of you. W are serving in Morelia, Mexico and have been here for 9 years. A special treat would be holiday scented candles, and shapcheddar flavored crackers. Fun to read everyone's wish list!
I posted on my blog here:
fisheracademy.blogspot.com
I posted on my other blog here:
apilgrimsproject.blogspot.com
I don't know if it counts for twice... I just want more people to hear what a sweet idea you've had ;)
How so very thoughtful of you! Nothing brings joy to our day and smiles to our family's faces like a package. We have been ministering with our 4 girls for 3 1/2 years in the mountains of Northern Philippines. Holidays are always the hardest times to be so far away from our family.
A Christian music CD would be a great blessing and there is always foods that are fun to get like pure vanilla and chocolate chips.
My name is Kristin and my family is in Athens, Greece... We always ask for the same thing... peanut butter!! lol. It is 5 euros for a 3 oz jar here... yikes! This is such a cool idea, and I loved reading through the comments and seeing the things everyone misses in different parts of the world!!
Oh my goodness, so sweet and such a great idea!!! My friend sent this to me, and I got sucked in, too, and had to comment. :)
We are in Nigeria.... Is there a way to package up some high speed internet and electricity??? ;) Otherwise, we love it here but still occasioanlly dream of peanut butter cups! ;)
What a sweet and thoughtful idea. I had a wonderful time just reading everyone's comments.
Three years ago in the Philippines, we had Thanksgiving in July because we found a turkey. We used squash and made a "pumpkin" pie. The same squash made delicious "sweet potato" casserole. :-)
I am with Maria, snow would be wonderful. I agree with Jolene too Walmart in a box--just for a day.
We really need soalr panels to generate electricity out in the jungle but since that would not fit in a box--chocolate chips. Real Nestle chocolate chips to make cookies would be wonderful. If chocolate chips will melt then I'd wish for pepermint candycanes for the children.
I agree with everyone else though. The stuff pales in comaparison to the joy.
The very best thing about your giveaway is that I am thinking we all can not wait to see who wins. Not because we hope it will be me, me, me but because it is going to be so fun to rejoice with anyone of these precious sisters.
Just imagining things like snow, Walmart and chocolate chips has been fun.
Thank you. Thank you very much.
I'm a mama in Kenya.
I would love some dried blueberries.
Oh, thank you!
Hello! I am Jessi, and I am also in Kenya. I love your idea of doing this giveaway, and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading what other missionary ladies have mentioned from different parts of the world! For me, I would say some kind of scented bath crystals or bath salts--maybe Sweet Pea?
Aww thats really nice of you to do! :)
This is so cute - what a fun giveaway! We serve in Australia and let me tell you what I miss most from the holidays (well, that can be put in a box at least -lol)... candy corn at Halloween, conversation hearts at Valentines, Hershey's Kisses at Christmas (or any holiday), and holiday-themed peanut M&Ms and Reeces Pieces (at any holiday)! And things I just miss in general... cheddar Chex Mix, Payday Candy Bars, and Gram Crackers, Marshmellows, and Hershey Bars to make s'mores!! ;) I hope you have an amazing time at home. We got to be home for Christmas last year and it was amazing - complete with snow and family and all of the bounties of America. :)
What a great idea! We live in Paraguay, and I'd be hyped about getting a box with hmmm, where to start? Grits, rice krispies cereal, strawberry pop-tarts, reese's cups, 3 musketeers, ... breakfast and chocolate are my weaknesses, it seems! Bendiciones!!
We're missionaries in Russia, and miss spicy food! I would love some Taco Bell hot sauce packets! God bless you!
Hi! My friend from the US forwarded this link to me. I am in Senegal, and I love getting packages!!! I'd love to get some red hot candies!
What a great idea you have! I'll have to do it next time we are on furlough. :)
I know that it is too lae to get in on the giveaway, but I enjoyed reding the comment by the other missionaries. My cousin, Jolene SLoan in Ukraine, posted your blog entry on her blog so I checked it out. Fun! Since I am a missionary mom in El Salvador, but was reared on the mission field of Mexico all of my life, I really miss Mexican Tamales this time of year! Talk about reverse culture shock! Thankyou for this wonderful idea that I will deffinitely practice on our next furlough.
Tammie GOnzalez in EL Salvador
I'm way too late for the giveaway, and I don't really need a package, but this is just such a great reference for anyone who wants to send gifts to missionaries. It looks like lots of us appreciate special sweet treats and coffee. :-) I'll add scented candles to the list of good things to send (except that they're heavy).
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