On the morning of Hadassah’s arrival, the stork delivered some other packages (via the post office).  I remarked to Sonja that I couldn’t tell which arrival brought them more excitement, the baby or the packages (thanks grandparents and Auntie Kari).  They were quite relieved for the new pairs of sandals, as their feet had grown out of their old ones.  Evangeline received a new doll (whom she promptly named Hadassah) with homemade clothes from Grandma to match Evangeline’s dresses.  Nehemiah, after his own season of “waiting”, received his birthday present from January in the form of an airport Playmobil set.

There have been a number of you who have inquired about sending a package for the family and what would be best for us here.

First of all, YES, we love packages.

In regards to delivery method, the six packages that have been sent this year, have all arrived using the USPS “Flat Rate Boxes”.  Depending on Chadian processing, delivery time can be anywhere from 6-12 weeks. You can send a flat rate box to this address:

WEC – Jacob Broten
B.P. 55
Abeche, Republic of Chad
AFRICA

In regards to ideas for content, below is a general list of items we don’t find here, which we enjoy and use, along with instructions for packing:

– Gravy packets (potatoes are plentiful here and we love them with gravy)
– Orange Powdered Cheese (like what comes in the Kraft Mac-n-Cheese packets).  We use it in soups and pastas.
– Parmesan Cheese (we have spaghetti here)
– Bacon Bits
– Other Seasoning Packets (Chili, mixed seasonings, etc)
– Nacho Cheese Doritos (put the bag in a tin if possible)
– Fritos Mild Cheddar Dip (comes in a round tin)
– Assorted Candy Bag – Individually Wrapped (Mr. Goodbar, Krackle, Hershey, etc)
– Teriyaki and pepper beef jerky
– Crystal Light Iced Tea Mix
– Caribou Coffee Grounds
– Coffeemate Caramel Latte Additive
– Magazines or Activity Books (Real Simple, Sticker Books, Nature Mags for Kids, etc)
– Arts & Crafts (something the kids can do)

Pack thoughtfully when putting everything in the box, realizing that it will be tossed, stepped on, etc.  Use cheap tins or plastic tupperware for things that would otherwise get smashed (chips).  Use several Ziploc bags to seal powdered cheese or seasoning packets (this will also help limit other things smelling cheezy or peppery).

Here’s a few pictures of the kids and the “package opening” from last week: