I've not gone down to the shop warehouse to see the crate packing, but I'm told they are filled, sealed and ready to go. This brings me to question how, if you were leaving the country for an indefinite time, would you fit your family's life's belongings and needs into two crates. First, it is an exercise of faith, as furniture and household items get sold before the requirements for the move come together, and secondly, it is a good exercise in figuring out what is most important to us
Having said that, it also depends on where you are going. Indonesia is a large, diverse country as far as economics go, and there are still millions who live in poverty, far from any place where one could even hope to find things such as fitted bed sheets and shower curtains because they sleep on mats and wash in the river. These realities make for a fine line to balance when it comes to foreigners coming into the country to share in their day to day lives, hoping to make a difference.
The items in the crates, therefore need to be thoughtfully scrutinized from every angle, be they mechanical tools, homemaking needs or toys for the kids. Every stuffy has had its own review on how it was acquired and how important it is and then every one was counted and added to the exact itemized inventory list going with the crates. One interesting play item that has gone into the box is a trampoline. Crest toothpaste, favorite deodorants, tampons, vitamins, certain medications . . . are all things they will not be able to get where they live. Decisions on special treats such as decaf coffee or items used in cooking, such as bacon bits are thoughtfully looked after. Funny, how we can think the whole world has access to the things we use every day. But this is not so.
We live in one world and they are entering another world.
10 comments:
That really is mind boggling to consider filling 2 crates for your family. God bless them dearly as they seek to serve Him...
These decisions would be hard indeed. Praying that all goes well and they have all of their needs met. It really is two worlds apart!
Brings back a LOT of memories. We took a trampoline with us, also tampons and toothpaste. I took dried sweet peas (the kind you eat, not the soup kind) when I could find them here. Made for a nice treat once in awhile. It is indeed a balance and each item carefully considered. Blessings on you all.
I can only imagine...what that might be like. May they be blessed as they serve!
I can't imagine having to prioritize like that. I would imagine that everyone would benefit to do this exercise now and then. Praying that God will bless their going and coming.
Quite a contrast between the two worlds. I will be praying for your family going and also for you who are staying.
Helen
Wow..can't even imagine how difficult it is to decide what to pack!
This takes "decluttering" to a whole new level. Praying for your family as transition and goodbyes will soon be here.
I received a plea for tampons. I bought them, a box of little bullet-shaped necessities. Put them in among the Xmas presents, chocolate, dried cranberries, a DVD, nothing fit took everything out started all over. There was nothing for it but to shake them out of the box. One here three there. The box took two months airmail, because "bullet shaped objects".
Anonymous mother whose daughter may read here...
Thanks for sharing this part of their journey. This would be an interesting exercise for all of us...at least me. I'm wondering now...just what would I consider a must have? May the Lord bless them for their obedience to follow Him in this unique journey.
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