Dear Family of the amazing Milano Missionaries.
Christmas is coming!
We would like to give you some practical advice....
Ship sooner than later.
We will see the missionaries at different times through December. Plan to ship before Thanksgiving. The "sleigh" isn't quite as magical as Santa's. Please make your Christmas plans for your missionary sooner than later and we will deliver (ho-ho-ho) as we course through the mission now until (and even after) the special day. The Italian mail cannot be depended on.
Consider NOT shipping from home at all. What?! ... Yes! Your package will have a significant tariff placed on it. Whatever you send and declare on the insurance will be re-charged to your missionary and will need to come out of his/her personal card. i.e. $100 value package will possibly cost your missionary 100 Euro. This can take a little of the Christmas "joy" out of the arrival.
Options -
Send packages via Amazon IT or Amazon UK. Anything delivered from Europe will cost shipping only. No tariffs. You can also send a loving personal note with the package.
Send money via their personal card. This seems impersonal, I know... but sales start in January and they love finding something new to wear. (And I do mean LOVE it!)
Send what really counts. Christmas on a mission is a very special and sacred time. What do they really appreciate? Envelope mail! Your words of encouragement. Fun letters from siblings and/or nieces or nephews. Pictures. A fun family movie expressing the love of all. These things are free or simply the price of your stamps.
Remember -
They are asked to move frequently during their missions. This is a great challenge!!! Many of these transfers require taking a series of busses and trains and walking.... with large luggage! Cobblestones are cute and quaint, but difficult to pull luggage on. They do not need more to pull around. Honestly, they need to get rid of much. They do not need more stuff. Perishables are more OK. They will use them up.
Missions are sacred experiences. They really want a mission Christmas. They want to experience a Christ-centered celebration of their Lord and Savior. Things are just things. You are family. They love and miss you and are more excited for the phone call than anything you can give. Think about having a spirit-filled visit with them. Share testimonies. Tell them you love them and that they are your hero. Give encouragement. Cheer them on! Close with family prayer.
Thank you thank you thank you for all you do for your missionary! We love the Anziani and Sorelle! They are our family here. Your son and daughter are amazing. We love and adore them! We do have a small gift for every missionary they will receive prior to Christmas.
Love, Sorella Allen
