A Post on Packages

Some people have written asking if there is anything I would like that they could send me. And my answer of course is yes!! So I wanted to post a few notes on sending packages, and a list of things you’re welcome to send at anytime :-). My current address is on this page to the right; this will be my address until December 1.

Well, the first thing to remember when sending packages is that theft is very common among post office workers. It’s unfortunate, but many packages are opened and delivered with items missing. I once heard a story of a Volunteer receiving a jar of peanut butter with a finger mark in it! So of course, please don’t send anything of great value, and certainly no money. There are a few things you can do as a precaution against theft. First of all, it’s recommended that you insure everything you send, even if it’s for a very small amount. If they see the “insured” sticker/stamp on the box, they’re less likely to rummage through it. Second, tape the package securely and excessively. Tape the items in the box, tape the inside flaps, the outside flaps, cover the whole box in tape! The more trouble it is for someone to get into it, the less likely they will. And finally, try to be very general in your description of items on the customs declaration. No need to tempt postal workers with a detailed list of all the goodies you’ve included right on the front of the package! Emphasize the boring stuff, deemphasize the good stuff.

The next tip is to not send anything Express Mail, or FedEx, or Overnight, or anything more expensive. It doesn’t matter how you send it, nothing gets here in 7-10 days. For packages, 3-4 weeks seems normal. So go ahead and save your money and just send it regular Airmail, or whatever the cheap option is :-).

Okay, this next tip isn’t about packages, but I’ll include it anyway. For those of you who are interested in calling me (Mom & Kristen have the numbers), I’ve heard that http://www.uniontelecard.com/ has super cheap phone cards from the US to Kyrgyzstan. Even as cheap as 3-4 cents a minute; I haven’t personally checked it out, but other Volunteers swear by it.

Alright, now on to the fun list of things I’ll always be happy to receive!:

Books
Sermon CDs
CDs with your voice on them
DVDs
Magazines
Gel Pens
Notecards
Stationery
Stickers
Small Spiral Notebooks (aprrox. 4”x2”)
Uno/Other Small Games
School Supplies: Construction Paper, Index Cards, Sticky Tac, Star Reward Stickers, Sharpies, Classroom-Decorating Materials
Toiletries: Body Wash, Pantene Pro-V 2 in 1 “Smooth & Sleek”, Pantene Pro-V Hydrating Comb-In Treatment “Shining Start”, Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser, Neutrogena Healthy Skin Cream Powder Makeup “Blushing Ivory”, Maybelline Blush “Brick Rose”, Loreal or Ponds Facial Moisturizer, Brown/Black Mascara, Brown Self-Sharpening Eyeliner, Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Wet-Wipes, Body Splash
Food: Tic Tacs, Cheez-Its, Mint Oreos, Pringles, Fruit Leather, Trail Mix, Granola, Dried Cranberries, Fruit Snacks, Handi-Snax, Quaker Oat Breakfast Bars, Nutri-Grain Bars, Nature Valley Granola Bars, Milk Duds, Chocolate-Covered Coffee Beans, Crystal Light Single Packs, Gatorade Powder Mix, Sugar Free Kool-Aid Pouches, Gummy Bears, Dark Chocolate, Bite-Sized Chocolate, Chunky Peanut Butter, Tootsie Rolls, Instant Oatmeal, Hot Cocoa Mix, Apple Cider Mix, Chai Latte Mix, ANYTHING "Just Add Water", Any Other American Snacks!