Thanks for the Packages

Thank you so much for all your generosity over the past two years!  The constant stream of care packages and letters has really gone a long ways is making my service more enjoyable.  I'm leaving this page up for reference reasons.

Due to the fact that I'm in my last 3 months of service,  I am officially ending my call for care packages.  Anything sent now would get here either right before I leave site or after I've already left.  If you feel an overwhelming urge to contribute, please go to Determined to Develop or the Peace Corps Volunteer Projects website.  If you want to get something for me, come see me and buy me a drink when I get back.

Thank you again!

  
Even if you can't send a package, or don't want to, please feel free to send me letters, and I love it when those letters contain pictures.  You can ask any of my current pen-pals, if you send me a letter or package, you will receive an authentic, hand-written letter from the Warm Heart of Africa in you mail box.  If you don't, I swear, it's not my fault, something got lost (or epically delayed) in the mail.  Anyways, here's my address:


Nicholas Parr, PCV
Thunduti CDSS
P.O. Box 226
Chilumba, Malawi
Africa
 
Packages take four to ten weeks for airmail (write Airmail somewhere on the package), and surface mail packages take around six months. It’s advisable to keep it small and use a padded envelope so it will be treated as a letter and arrive quicker, unless you're sending me lots of stuff.  The pre-paid boxes tend to be the best deal, but if it's not heavy, check on this.  Also, write some religious stuff on the outside as religious mail is less likely to be messed with (e.g. God is Watching); have fun with it.  Also, make sure the declared value and postage don't combine for over $100; just way underestimate how much stuff is worth or don't claim things (don't worry, the post office workers aren't that good at their jobs, in Malawi or the states).  If it goes over, there is a chance I'll have to pay import duties, which would still be great to have a package, but not as fun, and it's guaranteed to take a long time, if it doesn't disappear.

Here are the items that would be amazing if you sent to me.
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Think Thin Brownie Crunch protein bars (no granola)
  • Candy (M&M's don't melt, which is always a good thing)
  • Jerky!
  • Bacon bits
  • Cashews (I have tons of other types of nuts, but not cashews)
  • Cheese-wiz
  • Any cheese that doesn't have to be refridgerated
  • Dog and cat flea collars

Items that I can get or can't store:

  • Ketchup
  • Jam/Jelly
  • Plain Black Tea (Irish Breakfast Tea or herbal teas are most welcome)
  • Koolaid (I now have more than any human could possibly drink in two years without get diabetes)
  • Actual books (I love my Kindle)