The Saga of One Lonely Package

                Before I left Casper, I purchased enough of my favorite Melaleuca products to last me for a year in Kuwait.  I only put enough in my suitcase to get me by for a month or so, until my kids could send me a care package.    This is the story of my lonely package.
               Alex let me know that he shipped my package by Fedex on October 6 and that it would arrive here on Sunday, the 9^th.   I was so excited!   I waited and waited……and waited……..and waited.  I did discover that the customs people were on strike during that time, but that was only for three days and it was over on 10/13.  In the meantime, I was telling everyone that I was waiting for a package.   No package for me. 

               Then I asked Alex to check on the shipment and let me know what Fedex said.  Well, he let me know that they were going to send me an email about the problem.   EEK!   What problem?   So I waited for my email…….and waited……and waited……and waited some more.

               Finally, I mentioned to my superintendent that I was waiting for this Fedex package and he told me that there’s a Fedex number at school and I should call them.   So on Monday of this week, I called Fedex.  The lady that I spoke with said that there was a customs delay, she didn’t know what it was, and that someone would call me the next day (yesterday).   Of course, I missed the call.

               Today, I accidentally left my phone at home, so I went to Bea’s office to see if I could borrow hers.  I called Fedex and reached someone who told me that yes, there is a problem with customs because my package contains personal items (I’m almost positive there are no personal sex toys involved).  Therefore,  I would have to come to the Fedex building to talk to customs before I could get my package.  Fedex is out by the airport, which is not an easy jaunt.  And since we’re coming on Eid (a religious holiday that lasts a week), I would have to come to their facility tomorrow morning and get there before noon.  I was getting pretty unnerved and furious by this time.  How can I take time off from work just to pick up a package of facial cleanser and toothpaste?????

                Maya, who is our special education person, was in the office by this time and told me to ask them if a driver could please come and make the pickup.  Of course, I was told no, I had to come, and I had to bring my I.D.  I was furious at being so helpless, and then, Maya, bless her heart, took the phone, had a conversation -- of which I could understand not one word—and told me that she would send her driver to pick up the package in the morning.   All I have to do is give her my I.D.

                I was so thankful to her and she just said, “Wasta,” which is the Arabic word for influence!!!   I guess she has it!!  And tomorrow I am going to have a taste of home!   Melaleuca products, favorite TUL pen, and one of my Relay t-shirts…..who knows what other treasures await?

                Can I just say that I am not going to mess around with Fedex and customs again?   Now, I’m going to use the Kelli and Ashlie Express Service to carry and deliver my packages.   Of course, this means that everything has to go/come during the Christmas holidays, but I guess if I play my cards right, I will have enough supplies to last me until I come home this summer!