The Study Permit

It’s a little odd to see the culmination of your life in a stack of old and new papers. My Birth Certificate, child immunization records, marriage certificate all mark the passing pretty major milestones in ones life. Then I have the newer documentation that I had to acquire. I now officially have a statement signed by a physician that assures that I am “generally in a good state of health” and, furthermore, am “not suffering from leprosy, venereal disease, trachoma or other infectious or contagious condition”. Well, I suppose that is a good thing. I don’t have tuberculosis or any criminal offenses that would prevent me from entering the country. Then there are letters from my university, financial statements and flight information. All in all, the packet consists of sixteen pages of a temporary residence permit application and an additional sixteen verification documents, two passport photos and my passport.

I’ve been assured that it takes about five business days to process the permit and issue me the proper visa. I was also told by my dear, sweet-speaking friends at the Consulate General’s office that I shouldn’t send it in until a month or less before I leave. The website suggests submission six to eight weeks in advance. I opted for the middle road of six weeks. I’m fairly confident it will be approved. However, there is a small wrenching in my stomach that wonders what would happen if it were denied. I’ve already given notice at my job, my apartment and with all of my friends. I’ve purchased the plane tickets. This is the only way to go about acquiring the permit. Hmph!

A very successful, spirited and wise friend recently commented that we get what we want because we put EVERYTHING into it. I smiled heartily when I read her text, fighting a tear that was trying to well up. Perhaps. I think my struggle will be having enough left in me to tend to a whole new set of challenges ahead. Because, while this experience has been extremely difficult in many ways, I have a funny feeling that ahead lay a whole new set of challenges that will again demand everything I have.