For some servants of the Lord, candy, flowers, hearts and packages symbolize distraction, but others enjoy the love and support such symbols represent.

"Of course a package will distract a missionary, girls distract you whether you're on a mission or not," said Travis Searle, 23, a senior from Cedar City, majoring in sociology.

Hillary Elisberg said, "I think it's fine to send guys packages on their birthday and for Christmas and things like that to show them you care for them."

"Valentines day is different, because Valentines is all about commitment, relationships and love," said Elisberg, 18, a freshman from Appleton, Wis. "That's the last thing they should really be focusing on when they're on their mission. I don't think it's a good idea."

One return missionary said packages affect a missionary's focus.

"It's pretty dang distracting to them throughout their whole mission," said Mark Sucher, 22, a junior from Provo, majoring in construction management. "It kind of pulls them away from the Spirit and puts them into a different mindset where they can't teach the gospel."

However, Sucher also feels packages can be a good thing.

"They can always give away what they get to their investigators and that always makes their investigators happy. So I guess, if you send it, it'll be all right."

Wendy Dalton, 18, a freshman from Anaheim, Calif., sent her missionary fruit candy, pictures, laminated quotes and an audiotape.

"I sent a bunch of candy because in Singapore they only sell chocolates. The fruit candy they have is like dried fruit so it's sick and he can't live without candy," Dalton said.

Jessica Scott, 20, a junior from Seattle, Wash., majoring in dental hygiene at UVSC, said sending candy is a good way to show them you care.

"I try and send him fun stuff that won't take up too much space but he still knows I'm thinking about him," Scott said.

Walton, Scott and Elisberg express the need to be careful when supporting missionaries.

"This is his two years to serve the Lord," Dalton said. "We have eternity to be together."

Elisberg said, "Cookies will definitely be in order, I think. I just don't want it to be too personal or anything."

Sending packages to other countries get expensive.

Scott said to send large packages now, while he or she is in the MTC.

According to Lane Johnson, supervisor of shipping at BYU mail service, there are regulations when sending packages to the MTC.

"Absolutely no fast food of any type," Johnson said. "It just gets thrown away."

Johnson said the MTC receives all types of packages every day.

One time, a woman tried to ship a Thanksgiving dinner to a missionary at the MTC. The package contained mashed potatoes, turkey and gravy, Johnson said.

Balloons have also been banned from the MTC.

"It's a question of space," Johnson said.

BYU mail service offers a modest fee of 50 cents for the first pound and 25 cents for every additional pound.

A daily shipment to the MTC is made at 3 p.m. Packages can be dropped off in the basement of the BYU Bookstore or at the post office in the Wilkinson Student Center.

While an occasional I love you might show support, friendly packages are encouraged.

"Just kind of a happy, cheery, go-lucky package-or a Dear John or Dear Jane package," Sucher said.

Copyright Brigham Young University 13 Feb 2003