Look what came in the mail!

Yesterday, at around 5 pm local time here in Torino Italy I received a "City Swap" package from my swap buddy Toni who lives in Jordan NY.

Thank you so much Toni!!! You are so generous and kind. I received a basket containing real Maple Syrup, some fantastic Dinosaur barbecue sauce that we can’t wait to use when we next fire up the grill! There was also a bright, beautiful colored table cloth that is now on our kitchen table, and some Craisins that are very appreciated! ( Do you have any idea how difficult it is to find cranberries here in Italy)?! Last but not least is a kit for making S’mores. That might not mean much to folks back in the U.S. of A., until you realize that here... no one knows what s’mores are. Now instead of trying to explain it to my husband, I can simply make one and pop it in his mouth! Wow! Thanks! S’mores bring back so many happy summer camp-out memories! The boys were ecstatic when they saw the s’mores kit. I have to tell you, I am just amazed at my swap buddy’s thoughtfulness. Not only did she fill the box with goodies sure to warm any expat’s heart, but she paid a fortune to ship it all the way over here! So from the bottom of my heart, Thank you Toni!
And thank you too Shelley for this wonderful idea! City swap was a lot of fun to participate in, and judging by the comments I have been reading, it looks like others who didn’t make it by the deadline would like a repeat.
And that’s not all... Toni also sent us a Christmas card with the most beautiful sentiments. I am copying it here, to share with you all:

A Mission of Love...

He brought God’s love to everyone-
the poor, the sick, the lost,
He gave His life to save the world
and didn’t count the cost.

He touched so many troubled lives
and helped to make them whole
By honoring the dignity
of every human soul.

In spite of all the good He did,
He never wanted fame,
But gave the glory all to God
and praised His Father’s name.

He shared such love, and hope and peace,
His whole life was a prayer-
"Dear Father, use Me every day
to show the world You care."

With a prayer
that His blessings
Will always light your way
and bring peace
to your world.