Visas

OK last time I told you guys that my destination was changed from Wonju to Chuncheon. Well, my visa application is sitting on the desk of the principal of Sahmyook Elementary School in Chuncheon as we speak. Of course there is another problem though. Where are my family member visa applications?

The school has to sign off on the visa application, stating that they are sponsoring me in my stay. I was aware of this, and send a photocopy of my passport, 4 additional passport photos, a copy of my resume, a sealed transcript, and a State Apostille certified copy of my diploma and police report. I had the understanding that I had to get government approval for my visa, but that my family members visas could simply be obtained same day, when I made the trip to Houston to get mine after receiving sponsorship. Today I was informed differently.

After speaking with the Korean Consulate in Houston, I was informed that my family members F3(accompanying family member) visa application must accompany my E2(teacher) visa, and that I must also include an original birth certificate for each child to prove they were my offspring, and a marriage certificate proving my wife was indeed.....my wife. They also had to have 2 passport photos accompanying each application.

So...another $24 at Walgreen's for photos, and another overnight mailing to get the ball rolling. I'm beginning to question that all the required documentation will be done on time for me to arrive in South Korea before my contract begins. I know.....have faith. And believe me, this whole adventure has been based on faith, but with my own customised addition of anxiety now and then as well. I know, based on how the Lord has allowed everything else to fall into place, that this will all work out.

New Destination

Last night I received my new contract, identical to the first other than the change in destination. My new school is located in Chuncheon City, Gangwondo, S Korea. Chuncheon is the capital of Gangwondo province, and about 50 miles NE of Seoul. According to wikipedia, the average high temperature in June-July is about 85, and the average high in Dec-Feb is about 35. This aint Texas. Also, it says I should expect about 51" of rain over a year, with half of that being in Jul-Aug. I may need to invest in skis to get to work in the winter, and a boat for summer.

My son brought home 26 workbooks/textbooks from school today. He only thought he was behind in schoolwork. These are used books for 7th grade, as the school in Chuncheon only teaches through the 6th grade. He will attend class with the 6th graders, but complete his 7th grade coursework while they work on their assignments. Although this may provide for some distraction, I feel it better than leaving him home alone every day to explore the streets of Chuncheon, or become even worse of a video game junkie. I hear that some people make over 100k per year just to play online games there. And yes, that's 100k US Dollar, not Korean Won.

Tonight I will complete the contract, although I'm still somewhat apprehensive since it only outlines provisions for myself, and not my accompanying family. My stateside representative told me he has a letter of commitment from the school, but that it is in Korean and he will work on translating it and sending it to me. I hope his explanation of a 2 room apartment means 2 bedrooms, but we will see.

Hopefully, if all goes well, I will make a trip to Houston in early February, as it will take about 3 weeks to get the visa paperwork back for me to take to the Korean Consulate. They want us in Chuncheon about mid February, so this is really pushing it.