The List

My brother is coming to visit soon and he asked me for a list of things that he could bring me. I've already given him the list, but I thought you might find it interesting so I went ahead and posted it below.

Mozzarella Cheese
Asiago Cheese
Swiss Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
String Cheese

Yes, I really like cheese. Partly because of my love of Italian food, partly because I'm a vegetarian and depend on it for protein, and partly because it's delicious!

Dried ravioli/tortellini
Pesto packets

It's next to impossible to find good pasta in Ukraine. It is possible to make your own pesto, but good ingredients can be hard to find and it's a lot of work!

Peanut butter - possibly impossible to find in Ukraine

Popcorn kernels (for the stove)
Cheeze itz

Maybe the number one thing that volunteers miss the most is good old American snack food!

Black beans - There is some kind of white bean that seems to me to be about the only bean that Ukrainians eat. It is possible to find other kinds if you look hard enough, but I have never seen any black beans! Great for making mexican food!

Protein bars - Being in Ukraine has definitely taught me to be a better cook, but sometimes you just need to grab something and eat it on the run.

Mouthwash - impossible to find in Ukraine. Good tooth care is especially important in Ukraine because the tap water here does not have fluoride in it (as if anyone could drink the tap water anyway)!

Vanilla extract - impossible to find in Ukraine, everyone uses vanilla sugar instead.


And Avery if you're reading this there are a few other things my good friend Martin is craving if you are able and if you suitcases aren't already bursting at the seams. Any or all will be greatly appreciated (and he'll put us up in Crimea if we can make it down there). Thanks Avery!

Tobasco sauce (chipotle flavor)
Dr. Pepper
Pancake syrup
French's mustard

And to the rest of my friends and family - you have kept me in good supply, not only of food, but also of love and encouragement. Thank you all so much! If there is anything you would like sent back from Ukraine let me know and if my brother is still feeling generous after lugging a suitcase full of food to Ukraine I'll try to send it back with him when he returns home. Thanks!