After being in Romania for a year I had a better idea of the kinds of things you can and can’t find there and the kinds of things one needs and craves. So, while I was in the States over the summer I began collecting items to take back with me. Some were personal supplies, but many were items for Sunday School (craft supplies, prizes, etc.) or for the children and families in Romania. Much of what I had to bring back was given to me and although I tried to scale back on the quantity, I realized that it all would be so greatly appreciated that I decided to bring it all. Of course, once I began to box it up to get an estimate on the cost, I discovered that it really added up….to 250 pounds to be exact!
I visited my favorite postal annex because the owner has always been so helpful to me over the years. He informed me that due to recent changes with the US Post Office, the packages would have to be shipped via air with an estimated cost of $900. He was appalled and I was shocked. He immediately offered to make some phone calls to see if there were any cheaper options. I left in a daze praying for a miracle. That night I met with the Missions Prayer Team and shared my dilemma and together we prayed for God’s provision with the shipping.
I went back to the postal annex the next morning and was told that he had had no luck, but was going to make a couple more calls. As I was leaving, I thought of my friend Lonny who manages the mail room at Albertsons…an operation larger than many towns’ post offices. I thought he might have some ideas for less expensive shipping. After discussing the problem with him, he told me to give him an hour and he’d see what he could do. Lonny began to make some calls and the next thing I knew, he had arranged for the packages to be shipped via FedEx at an estimated cost of $850 AND had also contacted the charitable contributions department at Albertsons who graciously donated $500 of the total shipping cost. After taking the 12 boxes to the mail room, Lonny and his team helped me catalog each item for customs and tape up the boxes…a process that took two hours! When we finally had it all done, the final cost came to $800 which was $50 less than the original estimate. The extra bonus was that the delivery time was cut from the post office’s 2-4 weeks to only 6 days! The miracles were adding up left and right!
By the time I left the States a few days later, several wonderful friends had given me enough money to completely cover ALL of the shipping expenses AND most of the extra charge for the surplus luggage I took on the plane. God is so good!
Unfortunately, the packages did not arrive in the promised 6 days…apparently, the customs department in Romania required a copy of my passport and were unable to reach me for several days. But a few phone calls later, the packages were back on route again. I am happy to report that on Thursday (Sept. 20) I received all 12 packages in great shape (only one item was broken) and there was great rejoicing in the house! Thank you to everyone who contributed items for all of us…they were much appreciated!!!
