We’ve been to the States and back several times since moving overseas and have continuously seen the generosity of friends and family who have blessed us in a variety of ways. Here are some examples of how it has looked:
- a family letting us live in their RV for two weeks during covid quarantine
- people dropping off home-cooked meals so we could ease into potential reverse culture shock situations
- a couple gifting us a subscription to Scribd so we had books at our fingertips despite not having access to a library
- friends / family watching our son so we could focus on packing
What a gift to have a community like this!
These gestures of generosity have blessed us during transitions and nourished us physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Transitions, jetlag, packing, and unpacking are often exhausting and overwhelming. A little act of kindness can go a long way as you come alongside those who serve overseas.
1. Take time to talk
Taking time to ask them how they are doing or other questions about their work lets them know your desire to understand their day-to-day, even though it might be drastically different from yours. Whether you meet them for coffee or share a meal around your table, it will allow you to get to know the people behind the newsletter updates and the hearts behind the text streams. They will also get an opportunity to connect with you, form friendships, and hear stories.
These question cards below might give you some ideas. (Created by Globally Noted. Used with permission)
2. Take them a meal during “crunch time”
Crunch time is when you’re in full-on packing mode and basically can’t see the floor. Suitcases are strewn all over and a visitor might spot anything from travel snacks to a years supply of certain toiletries. During our most recent “crunch time,” a sweet friend picked up lunch at one of our favorite spots (Hawaiian Bros anyone?š) and brought it by our house. Another friend dropped by a bagged lunch that same week, filled with sandwiches, homemade granola bars and other delicious goodies. It was such a blessing and a total game-changer. Bringing a meal during “crunch time” allows the individual or family to enjoy delicious food in a fraction of the time it would take them to make or pick something up. They are able to stay focused on getting the logistical tasks finished.
3. Share a meal
We are truly honored every time someone invites us into their home or asks us to join them for a meal out. It is the primary way we form new friendships and relationships with those in our community while we are in the States. Expats want to say yes to invitations but timing is truly everything. If sharing a meal is something you want to do, be proactive about inviting them. If they are in town for several weeks or months, invite them sooner rather than later. If you wait to mention getting together when they are in the middle of “crunch time,” they’ll probably have to decline your offer.
4. Ask them to send you their Amazon list
There are always items ex-pats are thinking of as we go back and forth between our host and home countries. How much floss do I have stockpiled? How much longer will my ziplock or reusable bags last? How much room in my suitcases can I allot to Chick-fil-A sauce? (but really, I feel like that is on everyone’s list).
Packing weight AND space are both precious so you want to be careful what you randomly buy. Ask them to send you three to five links to items they are wanting to take with them or are on their Amazon list.
Be sure to tell them what you are planning to purchase or purchase it right away. If you end up taking a while to buy something or not purchasing something, it puts them in a waiting game thinking you were going to purchase items.
Every person and family are totally different in what they deem “important” to bring overseas.
For example, here are some staple items we like to have stocked:
FOOD ITEMS
- beef bouillon cubes
- assorted seasonings (for vegetables or meat). Trader Joes–ranch, green,…
- chick- fil-a sauce
- ultima powder
- Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier (when we get sick)
- vanilla extract
- Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea Tin (amazing tea, especially during the winter months when we are bundled up in wool next to the space heaters)
HOUSEHOLD
- OxiClean stain sticks
- ziplock bags (quart, gallon, 10 gallon)
- Norwex cleaning cloths
- bandaids
- floss
- razors
KIDS
- infant and children’s medicine(butt paste, Motrin, Tylenol)