Keeping in touch

Mail is terrific.  Snail mail may be a lost cause in the United States but here in Senegal it is a wonderful surprise.  I am a wonderful pen pal and epistolary companion so indulge me in all your life's happenings.


If you would like to send me a letter (and of course I will write you back)

My permanent address!!
PCV Lianna Reed
BP 320, Tambacounda
Senegal
West Africa


When mailing letters (and packages for that matter) please number them!  Occasionally mail gets lost and in order for me (and eventually you) to know what I've received, numbers will greatly help in keeping track.


If you mail packages:
How to package the goods:

Please put a false amount on the claims slip that will be on the box – something lower than $10. This will help to minimize how much I have to pay to pick up the package.

Don’t send anything that looks nice or expensive – meaning, take things out of their plastic wrapping and put them in zip-loc baggies, remove special packaging and wrap things in newspaper etc.  Why? Packages often get opened at customs and sometimes we get charged a lot to pick up our boxes if they think the things inside are worth a decent amount.  You can still send nice things, just don’t package them looking so.

Things to write on the box or packing slip:

• “Dieu voit tout” (“God sees everything”)

• A low amount to “claim” on the packing slip, like $3 or $6, regardless of what’s actually inside the box.
• “Educational Materials,” or “matériaux éducatifs”

It may seem silly, but all of these things help reduce the risk of the package being opened, and me getting charged $20 or more to pick up the box.”


Online communication is also good, but I'm not sure how reliable wireless/internet connections will be around Senegal.

Email:   liannareed@gmail.com