Not For The Weak - A September Timestamp Blog Pt. 2
Never at 18 years old did I think I would be applying for a visa to go out of the country alone. This process has NOT been easy. It has been frustrating and stressful, but thrilling and exciting. This is a timestamp Blog. A journaling style I will try to utilize during my time abroad. Read more into the planning process of, what my best friend Trent calls, ‘getting my sh*t together.’
If you are not fond of reading, scroll to the end to see my debrief and ending thoughts…but, of course I reccommend reading it all
Part 2…
September 6 - You’ve got to be kidding me, I can’t believe this…
(7 AM) Today, I woke up to an email from Friends of the Earth (the organization I will be volunteering with in Malta) that contained my official contract and letter of invitation for my visa application. But, they misprinted my name. Owen Dryer? Come on. (insert all the above profanity words of the reader’s choice) I was incredibly anxious to open this email because out of frustration, I booked a solo trip to Chicago earlier in the week. So, with this in mind, the past couple of days, I have been focused on my trip to Chicago and almost completely cleared my head of the visa application (which I really needed and that was the purpose behind taking the trip to Chicago).
(11:15 AM) After reaching out to my fellowship director, we scheduled a virtual meeting to discuss the next steps in the application process. It was at this time, that I began to get really excited but, that would all change within the next 2 hours…
(1:30 PM) My fellowship director and I logged onto Zoom and began to research and compile a list of required information necessary for the application. After some deeper research, we concluded that the next step would be scheduling an appointment at a Visa Application Center (VAC). IN PERSON. But, these are not local. The only VACs for Malta in the USA, are in San Francisco, New York, and Washington DC. I JUST BOOKED A TRIP TO CHICAGO AND NOW I HAVE TO GO IN PERSON TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION! I was lost for words (I think I shed a tear). I truly did not even know what to do. I tried to remain calm but I started pacing. I walked around the house, inside and out until my body was refreshed. I returned back to the kitchen table and opened my laptop that began shouting at me (or that’s what I felt like it did).
(2:00 PM) I looked into booking an appointment in Washington DC. I figured I could go to Chicago, potentially come back home after the trip, and go straight to Washington or even book a flight from Chicago to Washington DC, and have all the materials packed and ready to go with me. HA. Wishful thinking, the soonest the visa agency could book me was September 27th. Just great.
(3:00 PM) I sent an inquiry to the office in Washington (did not book an appointment yet) to at least get in contact with the office and discuss the necessary materials for the in-person appointment. HA. This office doesn’t even have a phone number. I slammed the laptop shut harder than my sister slammed her bedroom door when my parents raised their voices at her.
I packed my bags for the beach. Jumped in the car and continued to strategically plan inside my head. (That’s what I do about any confrontation I face in life)
(8:00 PM) After arriving at the beach, something told me to at least book an appointment regardless of getting in contact with the office first. (I also checked the dates of availability for California and New York but, there were none.) I then filled out the appointment request form for Washington, NOW THE SOONEST TIME WAS SEPTEMBER 30. (Insert all the above profanity words of the reader’s choice). But I got it done. (150 Euros Down). So, I will be going to Washington DC on September 30 with my visa application.
Tonight’s ending thoughts - I truly don’t even know how to process today. It has been the longest 15 hours of my life. Never did I expect to have to book an in-person appointment to go through a visa application for Malta in Washington DC. Now, who even knows when I will be able to leave? My projected September 16th date has turned into October OR EVEN NOVEMBER. I haven’t even reached out to the non-profit in Malta yet to let them know the current situation. I truly just need some sleep right now. But I believe I will be able to overcome this and have one hell of a story to tell. Until the next time stamp, I am going to be packing for my trip to the windy city. Hopefully, that will allow me to get the “gap year feeling” started. UGH
September 16 - Back From Chicago
I am back home from my trip to Chicago. I had a wonderful time sightseeing, experiencing, and eating my way around the city. But now I am home, and it’s time to get back on the grind in this visa process. I have just scheduled a meeting with my fellowship director to assist me in completing the application and organizing the necessary materials that are required when I have my meeting in Washington, DC. I am also looking into confirming accommodation and transportation tickets for my trip to DC in 2 weeks.
Along with being home for two more weeks before my next little trip, I have decided to go back to my roots…Now, I haven’t been gone for very long, only four months, but I have had another job since then, and it has felt longer than 121 days. I’m going to be working in the catering kitchen these next few weeks. It’s going to be so much fun (I can sense it already) and I am ready to see everyone again. Not to rant too much on the reason I left, but I was ready for a change of scenery for this past summer, and let’s just say, it was not the change I wanted. Though I enjoyed being on the water and at the beach this entire summer, I sure missed my Scarborough Fare Team.
Today’s Ending Thoughts - I am very excited to get this process on the roll again. Chicago was a much-needed trip to reevaluate my feelings and approach the visa application with full ambition and a positive attitude. I am thankful for where I am today. My friends and family surround me with support, and though this setback has been a large barrier to overcome, I have full faith in the Lord to get me through it.
September 20 - I feel bad.
Today I just confirmed my train ride and Airbnb for my trip to DC for my visa appointment. I paid for these accommodations using my scholarship card for the first time and It feels really weird to use it. I know the money is mine and what did I expect, to spend an entire year abroad solely on my personal money, NO. So, I don’t really know why it has brought this feeling. I believe it’s because I haven’t paid for room or travel expenses even related to going to Malta yet, but I have another stipend deposit coming next month.
The meeting with my fellowship director went well, and all of my questions regarding the application were answered. So, this upcoming week, I will gather everything together and get everything completed, and organized.
Today’s Ending Thoughts - So, to the nation’s Capital, I go!
September 28 - Damn it.
Backstory - Because my gap year is supposed to be for new experiences and trying new things, instead of purchasing a plane ticket, I opted for the train route. I would depart from Wilson NC and travel to DC that way. It was cheaper and something I had never done before..but Mother Nature had a different plan for me -
(6 AM) AMTRAK: Train 90 has been CANCELLED…In an attempt to keep my blog posts family-friendly, F R E A K. I opened this message at 7:30 AM and immediately called my father to see what other options would be possible. With the weather, a train for the next day would not be available either, so, of course, I called up my best friend, sweet sweet American Airlines.
(8 AM) Flight Booked from RDU for Today. After booking my flight and calling my nana to see if she could drop me off at the airport, I immediately went for a run. OKAY OKAY OKAY, you are probably thinking “Owen, you just booked a flight and you’re not even packed up yet, don’t you have to leave for the airport soon, there’s no time to waste.” Yes. you are right. But if I am going to stress sweat, might as well sweat from a workout right?
(9:30 AM) Packed, Showered, and READY TO GO! - If anyone in the future wants to book a last-minute trip, I can be the friend to travel with you. I bought a plane ticket, packed, and got myself ready in less than 2 hours. Someone needs to make this into an Olympic sport, because you know I would excel in it.
(2:53 PM) Well, I have been at the airport for almost 2 hours and my flight has been delayed. I feel like I have been awake for hours. I have adapted, conquered, and overcome today. My current thought process is persuading me into thinking I could have just driven to DC, right? Ummm no. There’s no way I could do that. Not in that traffic. I just said a prayer and I’m putting this day in the Lord’s hands. And of course the American Airlines Pilot, but also God.
(8 PM) Checked into the Airbnb and had dinner at an Italian restaurant right around the corner.
(10 PM) Once I figured out I was traveling to DC for my visa, I immediately contacted one of my dearest friends from home, Cameran. We hadn’t seen each other since high school graduation, and I was very excited to come visit him at Georgetown. He toured me around and introduced me to several of his new friends on campus, and we attended a rooftop party on the waterfront downtown.
Today’s ending thoughts - OMG. What a day…When hanging out with one of my best friends, I honestly forgot about the stressful day I had. They always say that you need to surround yourself with good people!
September 30 - I think I will be okay. Still going to Malta though.
Today is the day I have been desperately awaiting for over a month; submitting my visa to travel to Malta.
Because traffic in DC is kind of frightening, I left my Airbnb super early, like an hour earlier than needed.
(8 AM) I arrive at the Malta Visa Application Centre, and my appointment is at 9:15 AM. I entered the building and was directed to the second floor. The receptionist said I could not wait in the waiting room until 9 AM or 15 minutes before my appointment. So, I found a coffee shop to prepare for the appointment mentally.
(9 AM) I went back to the application center and checked in. The receptionist was flustered because the Malta representative had not checked into work yet (My luck, of course)
(9:30 AM) My ticket was called. and then…God gave me a sign
(10:15 AM) I left the application agency without even submitting my application.
To make a long story short, if I submitted my application then and gave the representative my visa to ship to the embassy, I wouldn’t have been able to leave on my scheduled plane on October 21st. The workers explained that Malta was taking 6 to 8 and/or even 10 weeks to approve and ship back the approved visa and passport. The lady collected my documents and began to put them inside the shipped folder. I said, “You know what, are there any other alternative options to avoid the wait time.”
She provided me some advice…”Go to Malta on your intended departure date, return to the United States in December, submit the visa then, and wait for the approval period into January.”
I said, “Let’s do it. I’ll wait even longer.” - I accepted my passport back, set a return appointment for December, and left. I leave to go to Malta on October 21st and will submit my visa to return in the spring when I travel back to the US in December.
If you decided to scroll to the end, this is where I begin to debrief
In summary, I was offered an internship in Malta at the end of August. After learning that I needed a visa to be in the Shenanigan area longer than 90 days, I scheduled a visa appointment in Washington, DC, for the end of September. At the visa application center, I was made aware that the wait time for the visa approval process would be 6-10 weeks and would push back my original departure date of October 21st.
So, after being recommended to depart on my original date, I will return to Washington, DC, in December to submit my visa.
Feeling of Relief
I’m thankful. I’m so so so so thankful. I did not realize I felt this way until I had a coffee shop visit when I left the visa application center. I will still be able to go to Malta this half of the year and return for the Holidays. Christmas at home is very important to me, and this is what I had in mind throughout this entire process. I knew the longer I waited this year to get a visa, I would harm my ability to return to the USA to be with family during the Holiday season. I was so determined to go ahead to get the process completed NOW to prevent worrying about it in the future, but God had different plans for me.
I started my “Official Gap Year” on August 14th. Since then, I have been able to travel to Chicago, spend time with family at home and the beach, attend my sisters’ school events, visit friends in Washington DC, and work with my favorite family and coworkers. I am thankful. Despite not being able to leave the United States yet, I still have been able to be PRESENT in different ways that I wouldn’t have been able to participate in if I started school already. I am thankful.
This gap year has already been one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. It may not look that way to those on the outside, but little do they know I have had such an impactful month. God has laid out his work, and I have seen it firsthand. Though I wasn’t “burnt out” from high school, this month alone has been the biggest break that I didn’t know I needed. I am thankful. I am such a future worrier, and these thoughts have absorbed my brain and the decisions I have made my entire life. This month, I have been able to truly live in the moment. I have been able to look around and cherish the small things in my life that I have always taken for granted. Why I, why we, and why society rushes this time in life, I don’t understand. Yes, folks my age and early twenties have a true potential to contribute to society through the workforce, but with the development of robots and AI, I think they’ve got it covered for right now; this justifies my decision to travel.
With all of this being said, Malta, here I come, and DC, I’ll see you again in December.
“Truly, he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress; I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”
Psalms 62:6-8
