and I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time (before I can leave Korea)

So the decision has been made to stay in South Korea and get all the necessary paperwork done here for several reasons. One, all the paperwork from SAFEA says that I can only get the visa work done in Korea, to forward it anywhere else would take extra time and knowing SAFEA, it would probably get lost in transit. Two, SAFEA seeems to think that I went to Korea on my own to do this, rather than listening to their instructions, and so they refuse to finance airfare to America. Jessie, our liason between ESEC and SAFEA, is in the middle of negotiations with them to figure out just what they should pay for. Seems to me, if you send someone to another country and because of your faulty information they're stuck, I think more than a simple "oops" is in order. Three, because I am already here and have initiated the process. Yesterday, I went to a clinic for the physical thats required for the visa, (another thing SAFEA forgot or didnt know about) and do you know what's more fun than a physical for work?
a physical for work in another country for another country!

Nurse: 인턴쉽과정할인,주까지 학생비자로 가능.
Me: ???
Frustrated Nurse:인턴쉽과정할인,주까지 학생비자로 가능!!!!
Me: ???


So I go back today for the results and that, I'm told, is the last piece to the puzzle. After I get that, I can go to the travel agent/pet shop/black market I found and apply for the paperwork I need from the Korean government to show the Chinese government I was actually in Korea to get the visa. This takes 10-15 days. (Note to both governments: This is why we have those nifty little things called "passports." You have people who stand there all day and stamp them. For real. Check it out!)

As for my housing options, I am meeting with a church deacon today for an English speaking congregation here in Seoul. So I'm really praying that works out well. Right now, I am basically trusting God for everything. I'll keep you updated.