Delay

What's with the delay? It has been nearly one month since I submitted the application for the residence permit, and still I have no answer. OK. I know, I know. I've been told that the waiting time is between 6 to 8 weeks, and it has only been 4. But, 6 to 8 weeks is a really long time, and by the time I'm notified of the result, it will be a mad rush for me to get my winter clothing and other barang barang.

In the meantime, however, I don't want to start preparing too early. Winter clothes in Singapore are very expensive. To shell out so much, only to find out later that I can't go... CHOI! Touch wood.

I'm very sure I'm not in any country's blacklist, so what's with the delay? Afraid that I can't afford to support myself during that 6 to 7 months?

Everyone's asking me when I'll be leaving. I don't know. It simply doesn't make any financial sense for me to get my clothes, plane tickets and whatnot before the permit is approved.

I'm waiting. Impatiently.

Found!

My goodness. I know Finland and Sweden are predominantly Lutheran but I certainly didn't expect such difficulties in finding a Catholic church in the place where I may go. I was searching all day (almost) on Saturday, trying to find a Catholic church to attend during my stint in Sweden, but to no avail.

Goodness, my fright, shock and disappointment were beyond description. I can't even imagine going one week without receiving Communion, let alone for 6 long months. Horrors! I even contemplated rejecting the trip to Sweden because of that.

Went to Novena, followed by sunset Mass that evening, and prayed. Prayed really hard that I would be able to find a Catholic church in Uppsala. I even asked the priest to keep a look out for me. I was that desperate.

Praise!

That very night, after dinner, I continued my search online and... Wham! I found it immediately! Catholic Church Centre of St. Lars.

Talk about prayers being answered and miracles happening.

Residence Permit Applied

I've submitted the application for the residence permit this morning. Everyone, from boss to PCK, seems to think that it's a sure thing that the permit will be approved. Will it? Why are they so sure? Anyway, I'll know the results in 6 to 8 weeks time, so we'll see.

For an application fee of SGD$215 that will not be returned, they better approve the application.

Then, I'll have to go back down to the embassy and hand them my passport for a day (just to paste a sticker on it!!!) and return the next day to collect my modified passport. One day just to paste a sticker... Wow... Standard procedure, I was told.

Study Leave Approved!

I finally received confirmation that my study leave from 01 January 2006 to 31 July 2006 has been approved. They certainly took their own sweet time to process it. I wonder if it was because of my second email on Monday to the department that got their butts moving or if it was just mere coincidence that I received the approval letter later on the very same day. From experience, coincidence seems highly unlikely.

Anyway, I have the letter now, so I can begin the application process for the residence permit. I'll be going down to the embassy on Friday. Let's hope they'll be fast.

On the topic of the study leave, the department is so strict. There's a paragraph to clearly frighten all students applying for such leave.

"You are required to inform the Department office immediately after you return from your study leave; failing which penalty will be imposed."

Ooo... I'm so scared...