Since some of our supporters have asked about what kind of items we would appreciate being sent while we are in Peru, we thought we'd put together a list of things that either we miss while we're not in the UK or things that we'd appreciate to help sustain us in our work overseas.

We are using this address:

Paul y Rachel Elliston
Asociación 'El Shaddai'
Apartado 654
Huancayo
Perú

The postal system is expensive (you might want to check this out before deciding to send something!), but seems to work, even if it isn't very quick (we will thank you for whatever we receive, but don't be surprised if you don't hear from us within a fortnight at least!).

At the moment (this may change!), the things we'd really appreciate having are:

• Letters (despite email, there is still nothing quite like getting something in the post!!)
• Photos of Yourselves to add to our 'Wall of Friends'
• Cereal : Special K, Cornflakes, Wheatabix, Shreddies, Alpen (mini packets - or big ones!!)
• Chocolate
• Low-Fat Liquorice
• Loose-Leaf Tea
• "EasiYo" Yoghurt Sachets (we want to use our maker to get some good bacteria while we're in Peru!)
• Sunflower seeds (ready to eat - they're great in our daily porridge!)

We've also set up a Wish List on Amazon.co.uk which details items (particularly Christian books since language barriers mean we don't have ready access to resources to learn from, reflect upon and draw upon for our work here) that we'd enjoy. Alternatively, we'd love to receive old copies of any books you've particularly enjoyed or found helpful.

If you do want to send an item, we recommend the following measures:

• use padded envelopes or cardboard for protection
• use plenty of tape to discourage others from opening it instead of us
• for the customs form that you need to put on the package, we would also recommend using unusual English words (eg; 'confectionary' or 'foodstuffs' rather than 'chocolate') since this will also discourage unwelcome investigations.
• for the same customs form we recommend putting the value as 'NIL' (since it is a gift)

Thanks to all of you who have sent us things already - it really is greatly valued!

Paul and Rachel
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