Care Packages

How to send a care package...Some people have been asking about how to send packages, where, and whatnot… so I am going to do a blog on it, so that it reaches everyone who surfs our sight. Also let me warn you that shipping to Spain is costly so we understand if you still don’t want to send us anything; however, I must add that getting any mail at all is VERY exciting for us so if you can't send us a package, send us a letter or a hand-drawn picture by your children. We love to get mail, no matter how big or small. So thank you in advance if you choose to send us one. To mail a first class envelope costs around $.95.

Here is our address:

David and Keri Young
Evangelical Christian Academy
Calle La Manda 47
28816
Camarma de Esteruelas (Madrid)
SPAIN

Secondly: How do you pack it up? We recommend shipping it via the U.S. Postal Service. You can check Fed Ex or DHL, but when we checked into sending some of our things over before we left, it was wayyyy more expensive than the post office. There is a Flat Rate Priority Int'l envelope you can send for $11.95 and you can fit a good bit of flat stuff in it. There is also a Flat Rate Int'l box that you can fill up to 20 lbs and it costs $38.95, I think. My mom sent a box the size of a shoe box and it weighed 4 or 5 pounds and cost her $34.00, so if you're going to spend $34.00 on a tiny box, you might as well use the flat rate box and get more for your money. But we know that $34.00 is a lot of money so we don't expect any of you to do that, unless you really want to. I would suggest that you take every bit of weight into consideration, even how much tape you package it up with. Feel free to take things out of their original packing, and slip them into Ziploc bags. Packaging can be bulky and it does weigh something. It is a good idea to insure the package. Perhaps send an email to let us know you are sending it, so if it doesn’t come we can let you know so you can collect on your insurance. Here are some suggestions of what we need or would enjoy having sent.

• Chili Powder (Bi-Lo brand is fine and they have a huge jar for $1.99 or so)
• Boxed Macaroni and cheese, either Kraft (whole wheat, preferably) or Annie's organic.
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Puzzles for Rachel (don’t send the box - just the puzzle in a bag, and of course, the picture.)
• Tazo Tea, "Passion" (purple) or any other flavor.
• Taco seasoning, preferably McCormick brand mild
• McCormick Parmesan Herb seasoning
• Kool-aid, the kind without sugar (you can add your own sugar, as all powdered juices here contain aspartame). Our favorites are pink lemonade and fruit punch)
• Seeds (just a variety, including herbs)
• Magazines, recently used (Readers Digest, Southern Living, et al)
• Fall/Thanksgiving/Christmas decorations or crafts
• Mini-Marshmallows
• Itunes giftcards
• Scrapbooking paper (8 1/2 x 11) and scissors.
• Stickers and fun paper for Rachel and Mathis
• Baking cocoa (generic is fine)
• Bath and Body Works trial size lotions/body wash
• 2009 Calendar
• DVD's (not VHS) (Veggie Tales, Baby Einstein, Elmo, Sesame Street, Dora, Donut Man, Hermie, etc.) Check McKay's. Also, send them without the case in a ziploc or bubble wrap.
• Starbucks coffee, Verona blend, ground (for a treat!)
• Strawberry Pop Tarts
• Chocolate chips
• Butterscotch chips
• Books for the kids, Little Golden Books from McKays would be awesome.
• Forever stamps from the Post Office
• Children's vitamins
• Almond Extract (be sure to put it in a secure ziploc bag and pad it well)

We’ll leave the rest to your imagination, or if you would like to send an email and find out ‘what do you need today’, as those days come and go. We are very thankful for the generosity and love that has been shown to our family and again, will appreciate any mail you send to us. We love to hear from you!

David and Keri