You've got mail!

Remember "You've got mail!"?
I'm dating myself here, but just as exciting as those words used to be - so it is now when we get a call from a number we don't know saying things we don't understand!  It means we have a package!!

Yay for packages!!!  We received two packages this week!!  Thanks Grandma!!

The kids were super excited. :)

Our second package was from our precious friends in KY.  Thanks "Aunt Rae" and "Uncle Wayne" :) The anticipation was almost too great!

They have been very excited and are really enjoying their candy and I'm looking forward to using the sauces and spices sent. :) 

We really don't have a lot of needs here, but packages fulfill some wants and connections from home. Tastes of things from the states that we miss.  We have a page on the top of the blog with more info on "Sending Packages."  More than getting stuff is just knowing folks remember us, think of us, spent time and energy to send us something. :)  This includes emails. There are days that I just go back and re-read emails sent.  You have no idea how encouraging that is in a world where words of affirmation are lacking.  Thank you!!!

Back to the package phone call.  So, phone numbers on packages are more important than zip codes here. The "mailman" calls when he gets to our apartment complex to let us know.  Here is one of the "Mailmen."  There seem to be many, many different "companies" that deliver packages, unlike the USPS, and the "big-3" options in the states.  Yes, he is on a scooter and those are bungee cords holding the packages onto the bike (why packing them carefully is important). On one call, I understood enough to hear the words "package" and "United States" (which literally means "Beautiful country" here).  :)  My heart jumped and Brian ran down to look for the guy. 

Why not just put in our mailbox?  Mailboxes - well they don't really exist.  We get a call or sometimes a text message saying a package has arrived (we've learned the words for package and can recognize text saying such).  Then we go and find it in the management office.  Often, like finding the proverbial needle in a haystack.  We literally must look at every package to find ours (unless we are quick enough to find the delivery/mail guy dropping it off - at which point he just hands it to us).   

Occasionally the package will be put into a box like this and we get a text with a code on it.  

We haven't figured out how some get put it in the box and others don't but when it is in the box - it is so much easier.  We punch in our code that was texted us and Voila- a door opens and our package is inside.  *Almost like going to the mailbox.* :)  We live here in an "almost" and "something like" world as we compare things/food/places to those that are familiar to us from the states.  

We definitely have our moments, hours or days of really missing our friends and family back home. We are so thankful you are walking alongside us.  It encourages us more than we can express.  Thank you.