... 3 months in and my supply of smooth, American-made chocolate was almost gone and had melted/re-solidified multiple times. "What I wouldn't give for some Reese's Cups and Nibs Cherry licorice! Oh Target how I miss you!" And those thoughts came when I lived closer to a grocery store! Eight months later, I find myself in one of the most beautiful places in the world and still I get cravings for a taste of home. I wrestle with these feelings: after all, why on earth would I eat a McDonalds Big Mac with Fries dipped in Sweet-N-Sour sauce when I could make my own chemical free food right here? Why eat Chick-Fil-A nuggets with that oh so yummy Chick-Fil-A sauce and a lovely peach milk shake when I can make something out of a freshly slaughtered chicken?! No chemicals. So much healthier for me; the weight is practically sliding off.... but then I'd have to kill the chicken myself... been there, tried that, I almost cried and I made the cook very angry...
If I've learned one thing these last few months its that pure leap-for-joy experience that comes when the postmistress tells me there is a letter or a package. Sweet Comfort! Someone from home has mailed me a hug! [And in a country where they don't give hugs that, my dear friends, is a big deal] Often when someone asks me what they can send I stare blankly at my screen overwhelmed by the possibilities. What are my priorities? Is there something I'm forgetting? What about the other expats, is there a nice treat they would like? I don't drink coffee but instant coffee from Starbucks here is pure gold!
So I've decided to make it easier on everyone and write a list of things always welcome in care packages. Everything is a suggestion, nothing is a necessity. Hopefully it will help give those of you who have asked for a list a better idea of things that are simply nice to have here in the bush. And as always, please don't forget that a simple hand-written letter brings me encouragement and joy, not just on the day I receive it but also in the months to come, when I'm having a bad day and just need to "hear" a voice from home...
Love in Christ,
Jenifer
Good News 2
PO Box 39
Mpulungu
Zambia
Bush Living Wish List
- The "Most Important": Letters; Pictures of friends and family from home; Pictures by my sweet "little friends" (I'm creating a wall in my house dedicated to all the drawings I receive); Probiotics; Advil
- DVDS (superhero, romantic comedy, BBC, TV Shows, cheesy-Hallmark movies, anything released in 2015.) *Packing Tip: It saves space to take them out of the case and wrap in tissue paper then placed in a Ziploc bag :)*
- Food Stuffs: Cookies and Cream Hershey's Kisses; Reece's Peanut Butter Cups; Pretzel or Peanut M&Ms; Chex Instant Oatmeal; Cheese Powder from Kraft Dinner (I can get the noodles here just not the yummy cheese); Nuts (Cashews, Pistacios, Almonds); Craisins; gramcracker crumbs; Decaf Sweet Tea Bags; Decaf Instant Coffee; stove-top pudding; pretzels; Teddy Grams; Protein Powder (check out this link for my favorite)
- Kitchen/Bath Stuff: Target cups (those fun plastic party cups with supper heroes and princesses on the outside); Tupperware Containers; Zip-Lock Bags; Ivory Bar Soap; face-wash; cotton balls; Nail Polish; Bugs-Spray
- The Random Things: Christmas lights; Hydro Flask Water bottles (best bottles around for keeping water cold in this tropical weather); LifeProof Cases for iPhones: 4, 5c and/or 5s (lifesavers for the missionaries here); Amazon and iTunes gift cards (for ebooks and music)
Do Not wrap things in wrapping paper (immigration will take it)
Remove DVDs from cases, layer with tissue paper, and place in a ziplock bag (make sure DVDs are not visible - often identifiable objects like this are taken)
On customs forms be vague as possible (ex: candy, cards) never write "DVDs" as they will most definitely be taken
Always put chocolate inside a ziplock in case of melting.
To keep away curious fingers: line the inside of the box with thick wrapping paper or gift bags and wrap the package in clear packing tape (this prevents hole-poking and fingers)
