Or BJ's or Sam's for that matter. Those of you in the U.S. are so use to having these things readily accessible that you don't even think twice about it. Here in Japan it is a special trip. Our kids are always SO excited when we go to Chiba and stop by Costco on the ride home. This week our neighbors went to Costco. You would not normally think anything of this.
Where we currently live we are about 4 hours each way to Costco, and we have to go through Tokyo so you never quite know what you are going to get- it could take a lot longer. Our neighbors are a family with 4 teenage kids (missionaries also). The youngest daughter had mentioned to me that they were going to Costco for the end of the summer. I interpreted it as the parents wanted to stock up for the fall. After the fact we found out that the parents had asked the children what they wanted to do on the last day of summer for something special. These kids could have gone almost anywhere and done almost anything here, yet they chose Costco. Even more astounding- all 4 kids helped pay for the tolls for the trip so they could go (around $100).
It really got me thinking how different life is here- that 4 teenagers would help pay their way to Costco for the experience, for the cheap pizza and soda lunch, to stock up on good 'ole American food. You have to practically drag teenagers to Costco in America. It made me realize how when in America I took these trips so for granted- I was one that went every week or so. Now being on the other side- Costco is SO special and an exciting trip- even for us adults.
Please remember your missionaries (not just us) and how sometimes it is hard, may take a long trip, or be costly to get things that remind us of home- and when you are in Costco pick up a little something extra and send it on its way across the seas to some kid who may prize it more than gold! If you need some names of missionaries- use the Mission to the World link on our sidebar and once on their website click "our missionaries" at the top. You can search by area or country and view their prayer card. You will need to contact them by email to get their mailing address.
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3 comments:
What you said really hit home for me! It's something I've been thinking about a lot lately. We do take a lot for granted!! Thanks for the reminder to appreciate each and every day and everything in it!!
What kinds of special things would you and the other Missionaries in Japan like to receive from the US? I know when Rebecca and Emily were there Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chips were high on the list, but I'm sure times have changed.
My point was not to get stuff sent to us- I think missionaries in places there is no Costco would love to receive things so much!
here in Japan though- cake mixes, pancake syrup and yes chocolate chips.
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