posted
I want to send fun mail to a couple of friends while they are on their LDS missions. But as I am not a member of the church, I'm not entirely sure what the rules are. I know that there are people here who have been on missions, so I figured this would be a good group to ask.
So they're not allowed to watch movies or listen to music? Can I send them books? Newspaper clippings? A crossword puzzle? Toys? Cartoon memorabilia? Food? Candy? Stickers? What would be good stuff to send them that they would be way happy about?
Posts: 486 | Registered: Feb 2005
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posted
So they're not allowed to watch movies or listen to music? That's right Can I send them books? They won't be able to read them, so it's probably not a good idea. Newspaper clippings? Hm...gray area - I'm not sure. Maybe if its directly relevant, so, clippings, but not newspapers. My dad used to send me the weekly DJIA quote while I was out.
A crossword puzzle? Depends on the mission president - I would ask the missionary. --
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Nothing but the scriptures, church magazines, and the five books in the missionary library.
The idea is that you have the rest of your life to read stuff, and when on a mission, there's only one purpose. And everyone could read the scriptures more.
There are odd consequences to this. When all you can read are the scriptures and you're starved for comedy, some parts become very, very funny. Like...when Elijah is taunting the Baalists with their sleeping and/or roving god.
Posts: 26077 | Registered: Mar 2000
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So is it more like media things that I should stay away from? And wouldn't that include cartoon memorabilia? I'm just thinking about how one of the girls likes Winnie the Pooh, so would it be inappropriate to send her a Winnie the Pooh doll? (Just as an example.)
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posted
I don't think they would get mad at a Winnie the Pooh doll. The question you should be asking is.. Does this missionary WANT that stuff? If there trying to dedicate two years to the lord thats just a distraction, so your almost doing them a diservice
Posts: 332 | Registered: Apr 2005
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posted
So if they're starved for comedy, can I send them comic strips? Probably not. What if I write a letter and tell them a joke? Or what if I draw my own comic strip?
I just don't want to end up sending something that they can't use at all, or that they're not allowed to read. That would be pointless.
Posts: 486 | Registered: Feb 2005
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quote: If there trying to dedicate two years to the lord thats just a distraction, so your almost doing them a diservice
Yes, I can see that. That's why I'm wondering what would be the best stuff to send them. (And asking people who know from experience.) Maybe letters are pretty much the limit.
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posted
I haven't served my mission yet, as I'm only 15.... But I would love just to hear whats happening back home, from one of my friends. Funny THings that have happened to you. To me, that would be much more personal than a toy..
Posts: 332 | Registered: Apr 2005
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posted
My brother recently got back from his mission. I know he liked it when we sent candy or other snacks for him and his companion. I think the most important thing is just to write, to let them know that you are thinking about them. Alot of "stuff" they get has to be mailed home again or given away anyway because there isn't a lot of room for unnessesary things during a transfer.
Posts: 46 | Registered: Nov 2003
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posted
Thanks for the help, everyone! So I guess letters are really awesome and appreciated. I just wasn't sure because, you know, at college, you get really excited if someone sends you a care package with a bunch of random things in it. (At least I do.) And I wondered if maybe I'll send them lots of letters and they'll think, "Wow, it's great to get all these letters, but I sure wish she'd send me _______."
See, this is why I have to ask lots of questions all the time. And why I love Hatrack. (Because you answer them.) Posts: 486 | Registered: Feb 2005
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When I was on my mission I preferred letters and food items.
I was in New Zealand for my mission and one of the food items that I could not get in NZ was Peanut Butter M&Ms. So I had my parents send me a 1 lb. bag every other month or so.
Yummy, and the locals thought they where disgusting so I didn't have to share them that much.
Posts: 527 | Registered: Aug 2004
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quote: Yummy, and the locals thought they where disgusting so I didn't have to share them that much.
Ha ha! That's craziness! Peanut butter M&Ms are awesome! Well, one of the girls is going to Switzerland, so I don't think it would be very helpful for me to send her chocolate. But letters and food, got it.
Posts: 486 | Registered: Feb 2005
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