December 21, 2004: Headlines: Christmas: Gifts: PCVs in the Field: Press & Sun-Bulletin: Christmas Gifts for Peace Corps Volunteers
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December 21, 2004: Headlines: Christmas: Gifts: PCVs in the Field: Press & Sun-Bulletin: Christmas Gifts for Peace Corps Volunteers
Christmas Gifts for Peace Corps Volunteers
Christmas Gifts for Peace Corps Volunteers
Holidays overseas: Expatriates savor gifts that matter
BY JEROME KILMER
When you're doing your last-minute Christmas shopping for family and friends, don't forget your loved ones who live abroad.
First of all, it's not too late. Many expatriates travel at Christmas time and will appreciate a gift even if it arrives in January.
Second, keep it small. Large consumer goods and gift items are widely available overseas, and besides, expatriates in the military or Peace Corps, or working for non- governmental organizations, companies or schools, have varying limitations on the size, weight, and/or contents of packages.
International mail, depending on the country, is also uneven in its reliability and security. The last thing you want is for your gift to be stolen or returned to you three weeks later.
Drop an e-mail to the intended recipient and ask if there are any restrictions, extra fees, or hassles with customs.
Most important, make it authentic. Here are some suggestions:
* Audio: A CD or tape is easy to buy or produce, and if you choose from the following content, your gift will gain a favored spot in your loved one's collection: a local or regional music group; a recording of your Thanksgiving dinner, early Christmas party or other family gatherings; messages from friends and family members; or recording of your thoughts as you walk in a familiar or nostalgic location.
* Video: Fill a DVD or long- playing VHS with one of the following options and give several nights when he/she feels truly at home: a few episodes of a favorite TV drama or sitcom or a few weeks of their preferred nightly line-up of shows. (In Kuwait my roommate and I were giddy when we received five episodes of NYPD Blue from my brother.)
Footage depicting a family or uniquely local annual event, like eating doughnuts at the Cider Mill, finishing the Lee Barta Run, or savoring sweet corn would also be great presents. On second thought, leave out the sweet corn -- viewing that could be torturous.
* Food: Items that say "America" and travel well are nuts, dried fruit or candy. When asked about the best gift he has ever received from home, our athletic director immediately replied, "When I lived in Iran, my family sent me black licorice and chocolate- covered espresso beans. I got sick, but I loved it."
* Memorabilia: Other small things which evoke images of home include pressed fall leaves, local postcards, or a spoonful of dirt in a Ziplock bag; artwork from nieces and nephews; newspaper clippings; ticket stubs from a sporting event or performance at the Forum, the Arena, Broome Community College or Binghamton University; or a bumper sticker, decal or T-shirt from your alma mater or an annual event.
When wrapping your package, don't forget to include a long, heartfelt, handwritten letter with some recent photos of family and friends, the most authentic gifts you can give. Then mail it from the post office (to ensure correct postage), assured in the knowledge that your little package will last long beyond this Christmas and into the New Year.
Kilmer of Binghamton teaches English at International School Yangon, Myanmar.
When this story was posted in December 2004, this was on the front page of PCOL:
| Our debt to Bill Moyers Former Peace Corps Deputy Director Bill Moyers leaves PBS next week to begin writing his memoir of Lyndon Baines Johnson. Read what Moyers says about journalism under fire, the value of a free press, and the yearning for democracy. "We have got to nurture the spirit of independent journalism in this country," he warns, "or we'll not save capitalism from its own excesses, and we'll not save democracy from its own inertia." |
| Is Gaddi Leaving? Rumors are swirling that Peace Corps Director Vasquez may be leaving the administration. We think Director Vasquez has been doing a good job and if he decides to stay to the end of the administration, he could possibly have the same sort of impact as a Loret Ruppe Miller. If Vasquez has decided to leave, then Bob Taft, Peter McPherson, Chris Shays, or Jody Olsen would be good candidates to run the agency. Latest: For the record, Peace Corps has no comment on the rumors. |
| The Birth of the Peace Corps UMBC's Shriver Center and the Maryland Returned Volunteers hosted Scott Stossel, biographer of Sargent Shriver, who spoke on the Birth of the Peace Corps. This is the second annual Peace Corps History series - last year's speaker was Peace Corps Director Jack Vaughn. |
| Charges possible in 1976 PCV slaying Congressman Norm Dicks has asked the U.S. attorney in Seattle to consider pursuing charges against Dennis Priven, the man accused of killing Peace Corps Volunteer Deborah Gardner on the South Pacific island of Tonga 28 years ago. Background on this story here and here. |
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Story Source: Press & Sun-Bulletin
This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; Christmas; Gifts; PCVs in the Field
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