Every once in a while we are really touched by a special approach to missionary care. This past weekend we were in our home church, West Hampden Baptist Church. Several years ago while we were still there, they began a tradition that is still going on. The church collected Maine-made items for a “Maine Bag”. This bag is always presented to the missionary wife, if she is present. So it was my privilege to receive the Maine bag at the ladies’ lunch and to bring it “home” to show Charlie.
Inside the bag were all sorts of treats. All of the treats are made in Maine. It was obvious to me that care went into selecting the items. We do not have a house, so it is entirely appropriate for us that most of the items in the bag are expendable. In fact, for most missionaries on home assignment, the same holds true. I know that each missionary’s bag will vary depending on what the church collected, but here is what ours contained. (In the picture, I’m starting at the back and then going left to right with each “row”.)
- An L. L. Bean tote bag was used as the container.
- “Bob’s Sugarhouse” Maple Barbecue Seasoning.
- Balsam Fir lotion
- Capt’n Eli’s root beer
- A “Maine” embroidered kitchen towel.
- Sitting on that is a little knitted holder for a hand sanitizer.
- Beddington Ridge Farm’s wild blueberry jam.
- Stonewall Kitchen’s roasted garlic mustard.
- Stonewall Kitchen’s maple pumpkin butter.
- Down to Earth Pottery’s soap dish
- Cape Shore’s Sea Lavender scented soap
- Carol’s Country Crafts’ quilted coasters
- Bluehill Spoonworks’ wooden spreader
- Two handpainted notecards (not pictured).
Thank you, West Hampden, for your care for us and other missionaries as well. Thank you for loving us and caring for us.
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