'Tis the Season...
for mailing packages

With the holiday season pretty much upon us, there are some back home who are generously planning to mail us packages. For those of you who do not know, since our move to our new flat, we have had many packages go missing. In fact, a very sad part of being home was talking to folks and hearing over and over again, "You didn't get the package we mailed, did you?" This is a shame. It means that you spent time and money getting us a gift, time and money mailing that gift, and then we never received the gift. Ugh!

So, what's happening?!? Well, more than likely these packages are being stolen at the post office. It is also possible some are being lost. We don't have much faith in our new post office. We had heard horror stories of packages stolen, but never had a problem with our former post office. Unfortunately, the post office in our new neighbourhood seems to be less organized and less honest.

What can we do? Of course, we'd tell you to just not send anything...as it may not be worth the risk...but we know that some of you just won't listen! So, here are some ideas to help packages make it to us safely.

1. If possible, send it in a padded envelope. The "post lady" is more likely to deliver these to us or try to squash it in our mailbox, rather than leave it sitting at the post office for us to pick up (or for it to be stolen). She has to carry the package around with her and then if we're not here, carry it back to the post office. She's more likely to do that with an envelope than with a bulky box.

2. When filling out customs forms, be creative. Don't lie, but don't make the package sound enticing, either. Children's clothing and toys, for instance, are very expensive and sought after here. We once had a baby blanket stolen out of my stroller that was locked up inside our apartment building! Instead of "children's clothing", you could write "fabric".

3. Insure your packages. So at least you can get money back if they don't make it to us.

4. Tell us when you mail something. I am going to do my best to make friends with the "post lady" so that she knows that I know something is on its way. I don't think she is the culprit but from what my friends say, with her on our side she will keep a look out for our packages and help them get delivered to us. (Also see number 1.)

5. Order gifts and have them mailed to us. So far we haven't had any of these go missing...at least not that we know of...

6. Don't be afraid to ask. I know it's weird to ask about a gift you sent. No one wants to feel like they are looking for a "thank you". But, in this case, it is OK. PLEASE, if you haven't heard from us, don't hesitate to ask us if we received your package. We are pretty good about sending out "thank yous", so if you don't hear anything, just ask!

7. Cross you fingers and hope for the best. That's what we're doing.

Thank you!
Maylia