Christmas Altred paint brush

I sent my paintbrush to my intended partner on time, spent over $9 in postage so it would arrive on time, and took extra care to make it as pretty as I possible could with attention to detail and their profile preferences. Yet I have heard nothing about its arrival, from anyone, nor have I received a rating. I noticed they are not participating - should we not adjust for this in some way? I thought perhaps the co-ordinator could create a rating for me [I took plenty of pictures of my creation]....and they - if they want - could send their partner my paintbrush in their place, if they are not able to complete the swap themselves? Then the 2 of us which did participate would be rewarded for our efforts? Other ideas? Sorry, but this is the 1rst swap I signed up for here, its only 1 of 2 as an international 'newbie' that I could find just for Christmas time so I'm a little anxious that it go well.