Care Packaging for Training

Heya Folks!

So, I generally don't post this kindof thing, but I've had several people very kindly ask me recently if there's anything I'd like sent to me.
We're in training until the beginning of August, and despite this country being full of amazing things, there are definitely a couple of small things that I miss, or that make life easier. I am not able to carry much more with me when I move to my site, so if there are things that you'd like to send me that I won't devour straight away, those should be sent in September, when I have a new address (My bags are full-to-busting right now, and I can't fit much more onto my back for travelling). Anything you mail down, please mail before July 1, to ensure that I am still at this address when it arrives.


Things that I'd like or would be super useful?

• Earl Grey and English Breakfast Teabags
• Loperamide HCl Tablets (anti-diarrheals that are SO much better than what we have here)
• Sunscreen
• Nutter Butters (unecessary, but never turned down)
• Tums
• Kotex Light Days XLong Pads (so.. expensive.. and great to put some in a package and list first)
• OB Tampons - Super (yellow) or Heavy (purple) - I have found them here, amazingly, for $0.60 per 
• Dark Chocolate
• Pens from Dearborn, DramaTech, and Mountain West (seriously - best pens EVER)
• Mechanical Pencils
• Parachord
• Letters and postcards with your love <3

I know those all seem odd, but are sorely missed!

Also, for mailing anything to me, the guidelines and recommendations and address are below.

Sending Packages:
Family and friends like to send care packages through the mail. Unfortunately, sending packages can be a frustrating experience for all involved due to the high incidence of theft and heavy customs taxes. You may want to try to send inexpensive items through the mail, but there is no guarantee that these items will arrive. We do not recommend, however, that costly items be sent through the mail. You may use the following address to send letters and/or packages to your family member until she has informed you of a different address:
Melinda Ellington PCT
Cuerpo de Paz
Casilla 17-08-8624
Quito, Ecuador

NOTE: If you are awesome and send a package, please do not send anything weighing over 4lb. And please refrain from declaring a value, if possible, as this leads to insane tariff taxes (ie, the first tax step is almost $200). Declare items at minimal value, such as $0-$2.

It is recommended that packages be sent in padded envelopes if possible, as boxes tend to be taxed and opened more frequently. If you are sending items that come in bigger packages or multipacks, removing them from their packaging and packing them flat is usually the best way to go. Relatively foolproof way to not get the package checked? Include a couple of feminine products (ask me about brands), and list them first under declared items.

There you go - needy Melly has made her case to the internet.

Seriously, though - y'alls love and support so far has meant the world to me - that's the only thing that has kept me on an even keel down here, so that's really the only thing I need. Thanks for always encouraging me! And more important than care packages is the occasional howdy-do by email or Skype.

Love you all!