Gift Giving

Hey You!  You know I'm just going to play with the box,
so why don't you give to Global Mission this Christmas.  

We have been in a bit of a slump in our house.  I was sick, Nozomi had some strange rash, and now Erik has a cold.  We decided to cheer ourselves up and get out the Christmas tree.  I had scored big last spring at a sayonara sale.  I purchased a 6ft tree with ornaments and lights for $30; a purchase well over $300.  Erik carried the tree home on the subway.  This was the first time we opened the box. We were delighted with our purchase.

We're excited for Christmas this year.  Nozomi is capable of opening presents, and she likes to be very dramatic when she is surprised.  We're also excited for some of the advent activities at church, like making cookies and giving them to the adult center for those with mental disabilities.  This year there are two women at church that put together an English singing choir.  We're going to sing Christmas carols as people come to worship on Christmas Eve.

Many times at Christmas we get care packages from those in the states.  Many times people ask for some ideas for what to send.  I thought we give you some ideas.

First, you don't need to send us anything.  We prefer you give money to Global Missions.  See our how to give page.

If you want to give outside Global Missions, we recommend giving to ELCA Global Gifts.  We love the idea of giving a gift to women and children.

We also love Heifer International.  Nozomi loves animals and wants you to purchase a cow. Moo!

If you do want to send something, we like gifts that we can share with the congregation and our friends.
Some ideas:
-Candy (Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Starbursts, Twix)
-Cake/Brownie Mixes (I will bake these for coffee hour.  Erik will help stir.)
-Something your area is know for (example, Wisconsin:cheese)
-Yarn (550-600 yards/color.  Yarn is very expensive in Japan, because most of it is imported. We have launched our prayer shawl ministry and currently have six faithful knitters.  Sending yarn would be a great way to knit Tokyo Lutheran and our supporting congregation together).

Again, we really don't need anything for ourselves, but, if you do want to send things to us, here are some ideas: gold fish crackers, graham crackers, Kraft Mac'n'Cheese, Velveeta Mac'n'Cheese, Soup Mixes (like Bear Creek), Pudding, Magazines (Goodhousekeeping, Real Simple, Cooking Magazines, Parenting Magazines) Board books (for Nozomi), Jigsaw puzzles (for us)

Blessings to you as you prepare for this busy holiday season!