Care Packages

ATTENTION: Hold all packages until we arrive in Vanuatu. As soon as we have our new mailing address there we will let you guys know.

Hello family & friends!
Thanks for checking in here. God has been so good to us, and continues to provide for all that we need. We haven't updated this page in a while because there really hasn't been anything that we needed, but now as we are preparing to return to Vanuatu and return to homeschooling there are some things that would really be a blessing to us. If you want to send us a package, this is what you can do...

1. Check out the ideas we have below on this page.
2. For specific needs view http://amzn.com/w/1WQPSOO78YZ7V to see our 'needs list' on Amazon.com (btw-we don't mind used books, that is usually what we buy when we can, we are all about saving $$). There are all kinds of things on this list from books and videos to socks and shoes.
   
3. Sometimes we just need people that can send a package for us. That is, we order and have things shipped to you, and then you repackage (if necessary) and ship it on to us overseas. Send us an email if this is something you would like to do.
   
4. Surprise us!
   
5. We love to get news from back home, send us a letter and/or a photo!
   

So, here are some things to give you ideas...

HOMESCHOOLING & EDUCATIONAL FUN STUFF:
We have been able to make our plans for the 2010 school year to begin January (we are going to stick with the Australia/Vanuatu/S. hemisphere school year.) However, one of the biggest challenges to homeschooling in Vanuatu is going to be the lack of availability of enrichment materials, you know, the stuff we would normally find at the library, or on TV, etc. This is the stuff that really helps make learning fun for the kids. We have ordered what we need as far as Core curriculum goes, but if you would like to help with some of these other things, this is what we are looking for.
Below is stuff for Josh, stuff for Grace, and ideas for those of you that have Tivo or some way to record things onto DVDs...

For Josh (he will be 11 yrs old and in 5th grade):

• Josh will be studying his favorite subject - Physical Science so any books (picture books, story books, fiction,non-fiction, biographies)/tv shows/DVDs/documentaries/science kits/hands-on stuff/whatever having to do with engineering, inventing, inventors, or anything science in general etc. The units he will be doing this year are... Heat & Energy, Machines & Motion, and Inventions and Technology. But really, this boy just loves science so anything 'sciencey' strikes his fancy. There are some great tv shows for kids, but he likes it all.
  
• 5/6th grade math games
• Adventure and science books to read; he really likes Usborne books because there is lots of information and lots of pictures; easy enough to read on his own, but if they are too hard then we read those books together and he really likes that too.
  
• See the Amazon wishlist for a few ideas.

For Grace (she will be 13/14 yrs old and in 8th grade, but working on some high school stuff too)

• She will be studying the period of history between Christ's resurrection and the American revolution. Any historical fiction/poetry/literature/music/art/documentaries/movies/whatever falling within that time frame would be great!
• Biology - Any videos/documentaries/etc.
• Literature - this girl loves to read and loves to write.
• See the Amazon wishlist for some ideas.

Also...

• Art supplies like stuff to do charcoal sketches, painting, colored paper, markers, glue, tape, etc...
• Music
• Devotions and Bible study materials
  

Do you have Tivo, or some way to record onto DVDs?
Here are some ideas of TV shows you could record and send us:

• 'Backyard Science' or anything like it - this is a kids science show that talks about science concepts and demonstrates experiments
  
• 'Junkyard Wars' - awesome because they make/design/invent things from what they find in a junkyard
• Nature documentaries
• Historical documentaries/movies - particularly anything from the time between Christ's resurrection to the American Revolution. These could be about people/art/events/anything
• 'How its Made'
• 'Myth Busters'
• What else? We aren't picky - have fun!

These kinds of things wont only help the kids' academically, but will also help them socially as they continue to expose them to the outside world beyond the shores of Vanuatu. Do you know what I mean?

OTHER STUFF:

• Seasonings - 'Costco' sized taco seasoning, Montreal Steak Seasoning, chili powder, and Italian seasoning mix
• Uncle Dan's Ranch dressing mix
• Nalgene bottles
• Cotton slips or bloomers/shorts type things for Tania & Grace (just ask and we will give measurments)
  
• Swim shorts and cotton shorts for Josh, boys' size 10
• Socks
• We each are going to need a good pair of shoes
• See the Amazon list for more
  

Well, that should give you a few ideas. Have fun!

SEND TO:
Jim & Tania Kenner c/o EQUIP
70 Graham Rd.
Kangaroo Ground, VIC 3097
Australia

FOR A PRINTABLE VERSION OF THIS LIST:
I tried to figure how to make this easy to print, but at the moment it is beyond me. At any rate, you will probably be able to figure it out, but if you would like you can email us and we will send you a printable version.

Birthday and Anniversary Info -

Jim - May 30

Tania - May 18

Grace - May 4

Josh - February 13

Wedding Anniversary - August 18, 1994

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