One of the most challenging activities we face as missionaries is packing an outfit for the field. What needs to go? What doesn't? When your washing machine is nearly 20 years old, do you replace it? You'd better, because the quality of machines available in Burkina Faso leave much to be desired.
In case you couldn't tell that the reason this is on my mind is that we are in the middle of our packing "adventure". We have been rounding up things all year. Things we need to make life work out there. Things that churches and individuals have donated to be used at Dorcas House or to help national pastors and their families. We received a treadle sewing machine for Dorcas House from one family. Someone else gave us some rolls of paper from a print shop that can be used for banners and crafts. First Aid kits were put together by one church for distribution at Dorcas House. So, there you have it. Here's what a sampling of what a list looks like:
Container 1 of 20
10 First Aid kits $20 $40
3 Books $6 $24
1 set of dishes $10 $30
2 hammers $5 $16
Once it is all assembled, we have to pack it in containers. Each item that goes in has to be written down on a list of contents. A customs value must be put by each item, along with a replacement value. Those lists have to be entered on the computer on forms that are sent to the shipper. Once our outfit has been packed and lists have been made, the outfit is shipped to North Carolina where it will be packed into a 20 ft or 40 ft container. This year, it looks like all of the things that missionaries are expecting to send will require a 40 ft container.
I have the joy of coordinating everyone's lists and shipments. For you "detail people" out there, this would be a joy for you. For someone like me, it is more like a chore. So pray for us. It will require patience and understanding to pack up. We'll be happy for the things that we send over, but the process is a bit overwhelming and tedious.
Can a person be filled with the Spirit for packing. We'll need it!
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