Progressing Toward a "Z" Visa

My work permit only took three weeks, contrary to what the school rep said to me.  Which is pretty much in keeping with the other conversation I had with her, she had an outline of what we needed to do, but not much of the details.  But she was a good contact with the school and helped me keep on track with the application process.  She has moved on from the company now, and I am in touch with a couple other people, one at the head office and one at the school I will be teaching at.

She said it would take three days to arrive here from Shanghai, which was correct, but it then spent a week in US customs before they sent it on to me.  I hadn't thought about US customs for mail, but of course that would be what they do.

I got the Letter of Invitation and Work Permit today, they are in English and Chinese, so I can read them.  Several other documents came along with them which were all in Chinese.  I think these are the school's proof of legality for doing business.  I opened up the pdf's for the visa application and application supplement and filled them out, printed them, and stapled my visa picture to the application.  Then I overnighted my passport and all the documents to a travel agency in Chicago.  It just seemed like a good idea to have someone there to walk them through the process at the Chinese Embassy and pick them up, even though it was more expensive.

Getting an expedited Z visa take 3-5 days, and the transit time is added on to that, so I am figuring a week to 10 days.  Suddenly I feel like I'm not ready.  But I think all I have to do is finish packing and sort out some of my stuff here so it is neat.  It's finally arriving, my date of departure, though I will drive down to visit my daughter and leave her my car before I actually fly out.

Last weekend I had a graduation and send off party.  It was a great time that got together people from all the different groups I've been involved with since I got here.  I enjoyed it so much I forgot to take any pictures!  I only realized that after it was over when I arrived at home.  I appreciate the friends I've made here.  God is good!