Chinsali or Bust

Thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday on Thursday. You made my day that much better. I would have never guessed I would be turning 23 living in Zambia, but here I am. Its interesting being gone for special events like holidays and birthdays, but that is just a part of living abroad and adds to the experience.

As for Friday, though, things were much less fun. My trip to Chinsali (which is actually 3 hours away from Katibunga) was so unsuccessful it hurt. I was unable to renew my visa. The trip to Chinsali started at 6:00AM. Along our ride we picked up well over 15 people and continuously dropped them off at different villages. I guess that’s just what they do here. Anyways, once we got to the immigration office in Chinsali they told me that I was unable to get my visitor’s permit. They told me that I should have communicated with the immigration office in Mpika before coming because I needed to fill out an application form. I told them that I did communicate with them and that they did not have any application forms and so they told me to go to Chinsali. The immigration officer reiterated his foolish point about communication once again when, in reality, they were the ones not communicating properly. Their office should be in communication with Mpika’s about what is needed for visitor permits so they can tell people like me before I am forced to go travelling all over God’s green earth for the answer. Things like this really drive me up the wall.

So, there I was without the required forms and items. They told me I must get two passport size photos, a letter from the Katibunga Monastery informing them that they are hosting me (even though there was a monk sitting right next to me this entire time) and that I needed to fill out two packets of application forms. So, I started filling out the forms, they photocopied my passport, I told them I had the money for the permit and we were even able to get the little photos. I can’t believe it but we found a small shop with a guy that had a camera and a printer so I paid him to take my photos. We also emailed the monastery so they could email a letter stating they are in charge of me.

I bring all of this back to the office and they tell me that the emailed letter is unacceptable. RIGHT AFTER THEY SAID THAT IT WOULD BE FINE. I’m sorry, but really. Really. Is this a joke? I know rage is considered a deadly sin, but I almost lost it because of how crazy this had become. But wait…it wasn’t over. Then, after running all over town to complete these tasks, they had more for us to do. They said we needed to show them the monastery’s bank statement so they know they have sufficient funds which will help me leave the country when my time is up (it’s stuff like this that just causes everyone a big pain in the a**), that I needed a new letter from Katibunga Monastery and that my photos must be certified by the police (for whatever reason).

Now, you’re probably thinking that this was some scam or something - that these people aren’t actually the immigration officers. Heck, I almost wish I could tell you that was the case, but unfortunately these were them. This is the stuff I have to do to get my permit. My current visa expires next Friday and Chinsali is a 3 hour car ride away from where I am. This is beyond stressful.

Anyways, sorry if I sound crazy, but it was a rough day. I am sure it will get worked out, but I just can’t believe that it’s so hard for a volunteer to stay a few extra weeks to help out their country. Sheeesh. I once heard that visa stuff was never fun – now there’s an understatement.

Plus, I had to miss my study group I have created for my class. I have a Frisbee that I we pass around and while doing so I quiz them on information I taught them in the past week. It’s really fun. They have never seen or played with a Frisbee before so they enjoy it too. I have come to really enjoy teaching these kids.

This is why I will be starting the Abasambi Project (a donation fundraiser for the students at my school) this week. I will make sure to explain it all in my next blog. Additionally, I think I will try to start accessing the internet only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. With Zack gone I will have more internet time (I think) and so if I conserve it I may be able to make it last longer.

Well, I have more to talk about, but I am tired so I will leave the other stuff for next time.

A BIG shout out to Abb on her 22^nd birthday tomorrow! I love you and I hope you have a wonderful day in Denver! I couldn’t have asked for a better twin! Happy birthday!

Thanks for reading!