Wow! Thanks guys for all the help and encouragement.  When I come up with the final process for this, I will post some pics to let you know how it went.
God Bless!
Sara

socks and googly eyes work for our kids at church! they get to make their own and decorate them with markers

How about taking a lot  of peepers and passing them out?  You can also fold a paper puppet,  (here is one of many)   http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-A-Paper-Puppet-In-Under-90-Seconds!
 
Another idea is to wait until you get there and see what is available. You can make puppets from so many things, and using available materials will also help local teachers to learn. I am thinking mops, brooms, cleaning brushes, etc.  Add a hair scrunchie mouth, some eyes, hair, and you are ready to go.

Having been a short term missionary in Africa, I know first hand the importance of teaching locals how to use what they can easily find.

Hope this helps.