Packages and Mail

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 in a padded envelope (if it is small enough to fit in one) or 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 2-8)
• Kids craft supplies
• Bottles of Vanilla
• Yogurt starter packets
• Coffee! We can't get much more than NesCafe here, and we miss good coffee.
• Whole wheat flour
• Mild chili seasoning packets
• Macaroni and Cheese packets (just the powdered cheese. We can buy pasta here)
• Cream of Wheat
• Instant Oatmeal packets (flavored)
• Muffin mixes (we love the cranberry/orange, blueberry, or cinnamon flavors)
• Cereals: Oh how we miss cereal! The cereals they have here are very limited. Things we like are any kind of Cheerios, Life, Lucky Charms, Oh's)
• Cornbread mixes
• Jello boxes and Jello Pudding
• Truvia sweetener
• Chewy Granola Bars
• Pretzels
• Crystal Light juice packets
• Fruit Snacks
• Dried cranberries
• Dried black or pinto beans
• Yoshida's Teriyaki Sauce
• Canned green chilis or chopped olives
• Chocolate! Here are the kinds we can't find here that we miss: Hershey Kisses (especially for baking), Dove chocolates (dark), twix, rolos, reeses, hersheys (we LOVE chocolate!!! Yes it might melt a little but that is okay.)
• Small caramels for baking
• Ghirardelli brownie mix
• Lemon cake mix
• Parmesan Cheese (the kind that is on the shelf in a canister, not fresh
• Starbucks Via instant coffee packets
• 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 :).
• Stain Sticks (to use on clothes before washing)

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 MAF
Kotak Pos 117
Tarakan, Kal-Tim 77101
Indonesia