What's It Like To Receive A Gift From Your Home Country?

Living in Thailand and receiving mail is a challenge for many.  When we were in Chiang Mai we did not receive packages or letters sent to us from the US and were very sad and frustrated.  We have heard more of the same from other expats.  You can imagine my joy, happiness and elation when we received a box from a dear friend in Oregon!   I did request it be sent "Registered."

In our conversations before she went to the post office, she asked if there was anything else I needed.  I told her, "A great big hug will do nicely!"   She made me a hug from a warm woolly scarf and mittens!     You should have seen my face when I opened the box and saw WOOL!

She also made me a recycled carry bag from a UO T-shirt!   And sent two additional UO Recycling nylon shopping bags that will come in very handy during our weekly grocery shopping.

The first thing we ate was a box of Twizzlers!  They were delicious!  I am so used to looking at labels and not being able to tell what they say that I giggled when I turned over the box and it was all in English!   Vince loves the Lemon Heads, Tootsie Rolls and Jelly Beans.   Just looking at the Jerky is making my mouth water!  It all looks so good and I want to make everything last.....we shall see how that goes!

I really had no idea how much a box of goodies from a friend would tug at my heart strings.  The familiar flavor of the watermelon Jolly Rancher brought tears to my eyes but reading the note and seeing your handwriting made me get out the wool hug again!  

Sights, smells, tastes and sounds trigger long lost memories and strong emotions.  When we first arrived a year ago and I would see a tiny jar of Skippy Peanut Butter in the store that cost more than $5.00 USD and wanted to buy it because it was familiar.   I now make my own peanut butter and am more than pleased with the results.  We have not had too many of those moments and as time goes by we don't miss them at all.  Our replacement snacks and comfort food have become something completely different.  I was told by our son and daughter in law who are expats of 3 years, when you hit that wall, go with it, take care of yourself and soon enough you will be past it.  OK, I am taking care of myself because we are going to our favorite restaurant in Hua Hin for Mexican food and hopefully a really good craft beer!   Then we will come home and have candy for dessert!

Thank you my darling Val for your sweet letter, thoughtfulness, love and the toothbrushes!   Hilarious!