Packages

To mail a package to us, we request that you use an envelope, Flat-Rate Envelope (9.5" x 12.5"). They do not go through customs and this saves us a lot (!) of money ($1.20 minimum and I have paid up to $12.00)

Go to http://pe.usps.com/text/Imm/il_013.htm#ep1635594 and look for first class international for rates. If you choose priority mail, this gets the package to the US border quickly, but after that, there is no guarantee of speed, so first class is just as good and a lot cheaper!

Prohibited items: Coins; banknotes; currency notes (paper money); traveler’s checks; platinum, gold, or silver (manufactured or not); precious stones; jewelry; and other valuables. Firearms and articles resembling deadly weapons. Radioactive materials. Used clothing, bedding and other similar items, textile and fabrics. Articles bearing Boy Scout or Girl Scout insignia.


Ideas of what to send:
Cards written from you and your friends
Pictures of you
DVD movies
Spice packets (ranch dips, chili mix, taco seasoning, etc)
Kid's candy (no M&Ms here, I have even heard of boxes of Jr. mints and milk duds making it okay)
Magazines (reader's digest-even old ones, we have been gone 9 months!)
Stickers
Hair do-dads for little girls
The packet of cheese from a Mac & cheese box
Marshmallows
Puzzles (cut of picture from box and put pieces in a ziploc)
Toothbrushes
I am looking for a purse sized 2008 calendar
Articles of interest from local papers
Books (Christian fiction, children)
Lexmark printer cartridges #31, 32 or 33
Also you can look online for more ideas:
http://www.missionary-blogs.com/missionary-care-package-ideas.html

Most of all, know that we are not without. We are very content and need nothing. That being said, getting notes and packages of love from you all is a big event here, we all gather around open the package (looking for personal notes first to read aloud.) and can feel the love you put into the package, so thank you!!!

Lisa Abbott
P.O. Box 76037
Nairobi, Kenya 00508
East Africa