My visa came!

A blurry picture of a cathedral in the center of Lille, France.
I went into the city to get my visa photo taken, and saw the cathedral.
I think it's kinda cool how my iPod captured the light.

I thank God, that he blessed me with dual citizenship. Because of this, I've never had to apply for a visa, despite living in 4 countries. My dad, as an American, had to apply for visas periodically while we were living in Austria, however I was to young to really remember, or care, about the process.

People always told me acquiring a visa can be tremendously difficult. I've heard horror stories about people having to unexpectedly travel to DC the day before Christmas day to undergo grueling interviews for their visa. I don't remember it ever being difficult for my dad, but that may be due to the fact he's married to an EU citizen (my mom :) ).

Perhaps because of these stories, or maybe just because I'm German (we worry a lot), I was a little anxious about applying for my student visa to go to South Korea. Time-wise it did not work for me to apply in DC, so I decided to apply for my visa in Paris, while visiting my family. I was surprised to find out it only takes 5 days by mail! So I filled out the form, sent it via "La Poste" to the embassy in Paris. After only 4 days of waiting, it came in the mail today!! I'm so happy, and relieved. God is good!

Trips to Lidl

While preparing to begin my adventures in South Korea, I'm currently visiting my family in northern France. My stay has been characterized by two or three weekly trips to the grocery store, from which I return laden with enough food to fill my younger brothers' hungry stomachs.

Being back in France, after my first year at college in Virginia, has been wonderful. I've missed hearing languages other than English, and of course I've missed my family. Europe is a very big part of me, however I can't wait to go farther east than I've ever gone: to South Korea.

My trip preparations have been going smoothly, finances, clothes, etc. Everything is in order, except for my visa. And that, might just be the most important item on my list. I sent my application to the Korean embassy in Paris, and am now impatiently waiting for them to send my passport back.

My flight to Seoul leaves on August 27th from Brussels. My heart flutters with excitement at the thought that I will be in the air in less than a month. Due to my somewhat unusual childhood, I have been able to fly many times before, however every time the incredulous feeling that I am flying overcomes me. More than the thought of Seoul, the thought of the journey fills me with elation!