If You're Reading This, Chances Are a Piece of Your Heart Is in Provo.
Maybe you've just hugged your missionary goodbye.
Maybe you're counting down the days until your next email or phone call.
Maybe you're experiencing what so many call “miserable joy.”
I certainly did.
Born from a Missionary Mama's Heart
There is no place I would rather have my children begin their missionary service than the Missionary Training Center.
It is one of the most sacred places on earth—a place where testimonies deepen, disciples are strengthened, and young men and women dedicate their lives to Jesus Christ.
It also marks one of life's biggest transitions.
For many missionaries, it's the first time they've lived away from home.
As a mother, my heart felt like it would burst with overwhelming gratitude. I knew there couldn't be a better decision for my children than choosing to serve the Lord. I prayed that by putting Him first now, they would establish a pattern of faith that would bless the rest of their lives.
At the very same time, I found myself standing in the shower, quietly crying because I already missed them.
I missed their laughter.
I missed their light in our home.
I missed the little moments I hadn't realized would become the moments I'd treasure most.
That, to me, was miserable joy.
Joy and heartache existing together.
And if you asked me whether I'd choose it again...
My answer would be yes.
Every single time.
Because there is no greater joy than watching your child choose the Lord.
When our oldest daughter entered the MTC, we were living outside of Utah.
Like every missionary parent, we wanted to send thoughtful care packages that reminded her she was loved, prayed for, and supported.
But we were also in one of those wonderfully busy seasons of parenthood.
I was working full-time while raising a young family.
Between work, school schedules, meals, laundry, and everything else that comes with motherhood, there were days when simply getting everyone fed and making sure they had clean underwear felt like a victory.
I wanted to send meaningful packages.
I just didn't always have the time.
More than once, I remember wishing there were a magical little helper who could take what was in my heart and deliver it to my missionary.
I had no idea that years later, that little helper would become Missionary Mamas.
Nearly ten years later, our son entered the Provo Missionary Training Center.
Because he was preparing for a foreign-speaking mission, he spent nearly eight weeks there, giving us the opportunity to send him something special every week.
Then one Monday, he told us something that changed everything.
Many of the missionaries around him weren't receiving packages from home.
His heart hurt for them.
He asked if he could share what we had sent.
Of course, our answer was yes.
From that week forward, we packed enough for everyone.
Every package included practical essentials, favorite treats, uplifting scripture cards, encouraging notes, and reminders that Jesus Christ walks beside them every step of their missionary journey.
Soon our weekly phone calls were filled with stories and heartfelt thank-yous from missionaries throughout his district and zone.
Before long, they gave me a nickname I will treasure forever.
“The Missionary Mama.”
Not because of the snacks.
Not because of the gifts.
But because they felt remembered.
They felt encouraged.
They felt loved.
When it came time for those missionaries to leave the MTC, many carefully packed away the little scripture cards and encouragement notes from the packages.
Our son told them they didn't have to keep them.
They smiled and said they wanted to.
Those simple reminders had become treasures.
That was the moment I realized the packages had never really been about the treats.
They were about helping missionaries feel seen.
Helping them feel loved.
Helping them remember the Savior.
I also realized there were thousands of missionary parents just like I had once been—moms and dads balancing work, young children, distance, busy schedules, and budgets who wanted desperately to encourage the missionary they loved.
Missionary Mamas became the helper I had once wished for.
Today, every package is intentionally created to carry so much more than a gift.
It carries a mother's love.
It carries encouragement.
It carries hope.
Most importantly, it points missionaries to Jesus Christ.
Our Mission
Missionary Mamas exists to help every missionary feel remembered, loved, and encouraged during their time at the Provo Missionary Training Center by making it simple and affordable for families to send beautifully curated, faith-filled care packages delivered within 24 hours.
Our prayer is that every package reminds a missionary that home is cheering them on, Heaven is walking beside them, and they are never serving alone.
Packed with Love. Delivered with Purpose. And a Little Jesus.
Packed with Love.
Every package is carefully prepared with the same thoughtfulness we'd want for our own missionary.
Delivered with Purpose.
Every item is intentionally selected to encourage, uplift, and remind your missionary that what they're doing matters.
And a Little Jesus.
Every package includes a little Jesus figurine, uplifting scripture cards, encouraging missionary messages, and simple reminders that Jesus Christ walks beside your missionary every step of their journey.
Because while every snack will eventually be gone... His love never will.
Thank You.
If you've entrusted us with sending a little piece of home to your missionary... thank you.
We know every package represents so much more than the items inside. It carries your love. Your faith. Your prayers. Your encouragement.
It is an honor we never take lightly. We'll prepare every package with the same care, hope, and prayer that we would for our own missionary.
Thank you for allowing Missionary Mamas to become a small part of your family's missionary journey. It is truly one of the greatest privileges of my life.