Mail:
I love mail! It is one of the best encouragements to receive a letter or package from home. Mail can be cheap and easy but can also be very expensive if import rules aren’t followed. Letters, packages, etc. will be forwarded regularly to the ship. Please be advised that it could take several weeks for mail to reach me in West Africa but I love mail!
*WARNING* If packages are sent packages (or anything over 1 ounce) incorrectly, I will be charged $8.80/ pound ($0.55 per ounce or 28.4g).
However, because I am long term, packages can be sent to the address below for free. Please be very careful to write VIA CONTAINER so that I am not charged $8.80/lb.! (However, letters do not need to be sent via the container) Also, please be aware that I have limited space. Great examples of care packages items are non-perishable foods (granola, non-melting candy, drink mixes, etc), DVD’s, CD’s, a new pillow case, pictures, etc.
The address is as follows: Nicole Pribbernow
Mercy Ships - Africa Mercy
Public Relations
PO Box 2020
Lindale, Texas 75771
*VIA CONTAINER*
Mercy Ships - Africa Mercy
Public Relations
PO Box 2020
Lindale, Texas 75771
*VIA CONTAINER*
International packages MUST have a packing list on the outside claiming everything inside the box. Also, please be aware of items that are considered hazardous and are not allowed. Below I have given an example of some of the items considered hazardous.
MERCY SHIPS HAZARDOUS MATERIALS WATCH
Packages received by Mercy Ships will need a detailed list of all content on the outside of each package. Packages that do not list content are subject to inspection and/or refusal of shipment based on a suspected hazardous condition. Materials will be removed and disposed of; crew members involved will be notified of the disposition. Mercy Ships is subject to fines in excess of $250,000 if packages are not properly managed.
The following items are typically considered to be hazardous material; therefore, can not be shipped through or by any Mercy Ships department. Items, listed below do not represent a complete and exhaustive list, but only serve as a guideline to items that are typically classified hazardous.
Automotive products - oils, anti-freeze, fuel, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, transmission fluids, corrosives, toxics, flammable liquid of any type, combustibles, auto batteries, etc. Household materials - bleach, ammonia, disinfectants, carpet fresheners, air fresheners, window cleaner, furniture polish, bug spray, roach & ant killer, mothballs, flea collars, drain openers, rug & upholstery cleaners, etc. Laundry products - laundry detergent, fabric softener, etc. Health and beauty products - hairspray, hair remover, fingernail polish, fingernail polish remover, hair coloring products, medications, aerosols, compressed gas of any type, waterless hand-cleaner, deodorants/perfumes, etc. Lawn and garden products - fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, gasoline, oil, etc. Barbecue products - propane, charcoal briquettes, lighter fluid, etc. Home/Workshop maintenance - paint, varnish, stains, oils, mouse/rat poison, enamels, paint thinners, varnishes, enamels, batteries of all types (DC & AC), etc.
