Thursday, July 25, 2013

Packages

We have had several people ask about sending us care packages, so we thought we'd put together some information about how to send packages and some types of things that we miss or really like. This list will probably change over time and we may add or subtract things as we find them.

1.) We have heard from people here that the best way to send a package is by US Postal Service and to use a flat rate box. It takes an average of three to four weeks to get here (no matter what they tell you at the USPS office). So please, no perishable items!

2.) Please keep the value of the package under $50.  Above that the taxes and fees increase dramatically (which we pay when we pick up the package). If the value is over $50 it would be better to send more than one package than to go over. You will have to fill out a customs form on which you list the items inside the package and their value. 

3.) It might be a good idea to put the items in a Ziploc bag (or separate ones) for extra protection.

Below is an "idea list", but is definitely not limited to any of these things:

  • Kids Puzzles (100 pcs or less, ages 2-5)
  • Kids Books (there are not kids books written in English here)
  • Any kids tv shows like Curious George, Go Diego Go, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Jake and the Neverland Pirates etc.
  • A&D diaper cream
  • Whole wheat flour
  • Mild chili seasoning packets
  • Truvia sweetener
  • Lemonade or Kool aid packets
  • Fruit Snacks
  • Almond Extract
  • Dried cranberries
  • Dried black or pinto beans
  • Dove chocolates (milk chocolate and/or dark), twix, rolos, reeses, hersheys (we LOVE chocolate!!! Yes it might melt a little but that is okay.)
  • Ghirardelli brownie mix
  • Funfetti cake mix
  • Sour Patch Kids (one of my absolute favorites!)
  • Red Vines red licorice and whatever other candy....starbursts, skittles etc.
  • Cereals (the cereals they have here are very limited. Things we like are Multigrain Cheerios, Life, Lucky Charms, Kix)
  • Parmesan Cheese (the kind that is on the shelf in a canister, not fresh)
  • Marshmallows
  • Jello Dry Packets
  • Jello Pudding Dry Packets
  • Instant Oatmeal packets (flavored)
  • Soaps (Caress, Dove exfoliating soap, Dial). This may sound funny but I have the hardest time finding good smelling soaps here! I miss my American soaps. Please don't send these along with food items though or they will probably arrive with a funny soapy taste :).
Okay I know a lot of this is sweet stuff...we don't eat that much candy but it's nice to have some sweet comfort food from home!

Thank you so much for your generosity and care for our family. It is such an encouragement and so nice to have a piece of "home" sent to us!

Address:
Matt and Ellie Scheer
c/o IMLAC
JL. Bina Taruna #2
Salatiga 50721 Jawa Tengah
Indonesia

"This is what God the Lord says - he who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. Isaiah 42:5-7