The more things change, the more they stay the same

[linaewen]

Talk about bringing back memories! My hubby is in the process of applying for a tourist visa to go to Pakistan for a month. He's going to visit our coworkers there, check on the ministry and the workers who have been carrying on without us being there, and see if he can't find some of that stuff of ours we left behind and have been missing.

So he sends in the application last week; Monday we get a phone call from the embassy saying they need more documents. This is soooo typical of this kind of process within Pakistan, where you have to present myriad photocopies of your passport, letters of recommendation and proof of financial responsibility -- not to mention answering the constant refrain of "What is your father's name?" Fathers are very important authority figures there, and your father's name figures prominently on all application forms.

What I thought would be a simple process of applying for a visa for a short trip overseas has now become a flashback to all the times when we waited and wondered and worried about how long it would take to get an application through, and whether in the end it would all be for naught.

I shall have to try to compensate by remembering all the miraculous times our paperwork went through successfully, in spite of the obstacles. ;-)

Comments

[kimbys-place.livejournal.com]

Well, they should just keep it simple with this short quiz:

1. What is your father's name?
2. What is your quest?
3. What is your favorite color?

And then let him in! ;-)

(seriously, though, we're praying for him)

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

:-D

Now that sounds like a plan! And let me tell you, that made me laugh sooo much, I am immensely cheered and my outlook on life is improved, hee!

((((((((You))))))))

Thanks for the prayers and the encouragement! Not to mention the laugher. ;-)

[accioboytoy.livejournal.com]

Then perhaps, if there was any doubt, they could ask what the weight of an unladen African swallow was...that oughta weed out the fakers! ( Not to mention those ignorant of pop culture)

[solodancer.livejournal.com]

*snirt*

[aragornlover.livejournal.com]

Sheesh! That sounds so frustrating! I sure hope all the paperwork gets worked out quickly.

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

We're getting there -- but yes, it does get frustrating, more so because past experience allows for so many more worrisome options. ;-) But the folks who need to help us with providing the documents are doing what they can as quickly as they can.

[(Anonymous)]

Everything is more managable with a sense of humor. And Kimby's idea is brilliant! Add to that some ways to help yourself through. Little rewards for every time they ask you for something. They ask for a document, you get a dollar, then see what fun thing you can get by the end of it. Just an idea. You know well that God is mindful of you, and will work all things for your good. Love and hugs, Ladyhawk Baggins

[lothithil.livejournal.com]

I hope they get their stuff together and smooth out the process for you! Traveling is stressful enough without added complications!

(((Lin)))

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

Well, I have to admit, it was nice of them to start working on it so quickly and let us know immediately we needed more documents. So far so good in the paperwork gathering.

[accioboytoy.livejournal.com]

Isn't it funny that decent, hardworking folks like you need to present a chronological history of your life ( complete with pictures) to get a temporary visa for a missionary mission...but terrorists can fly into the US on Delta? hmmmmmmm.

Don't you love the paperwork? *sighs and hugs you*

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

Our newest hassle with this thing is trying to get our computer to send a fax, so we can send them some of the info they wanted. Guess who just figured out how to do it? ;-) My hubby may be able to get computers parts to work, but I know better how to use them to find my way around computerland.

The folks at the office and in Pakistan who need to provide info for the embassy are all jumping through our hoops with pleasure, so that is comforting.

[estellye.livejournal.com]

Next time have him go in with a hoola hoop and tell them that he'd rather jump through his own, lol. Hope it gets resolved quickly!

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

It's getting there. Thank goodness for the internet, or we'd never be able to get everyone together who needs to provide info for the hoop jumping sequence. ;-)

[solodancer.livejournal.com]

ner! :-(

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

It seems to be falling into place, in spite of the fact that it depends on several other people and us trying to figure out how to send a fax with our computer.