Visa Nightmares

Long term traveling is fun.  Visiting new and exciting places.  Meeting new people. Experiencing different cultures.  It’s all good.  Except for…the Visa process.  Or, I should say, the long-term Visa process.  First off, depending on what country you are planning to visit, you need to determine the type of Visa you need/want.  For me, traveling for an extended period in Thailand meant deciding if I should apply for a retirement visa, but if I wanted work, then it might be a work visa.  Being married, I could also apply for a spouse visa, which is similar to a retirement visa but with definite differences.  The typical longer-term timeframe is one year, but there are also longer-term visas for five or 10 years.  And then there’s the fancy-smanchshy “Elite” visa that gives you a lot of privileges (how about an escort through the immigration office when you arrive at the airport?  How’s that sound?) but does cost more.  

You can process everything on your own or like some folks do, they hire a legal service to handle the whole thing.  And then there’s the possibility that something goes wrong such as a document didn’t get filed correctly, which brings on my nightmares about getting thrown into a Thai prison for not following the rules (they wouldn’t really throw me into prison, at least, I don’t think so, but my mind does terrible things to me when I get worried or fearful).

And trust me, going through the process of getting a long-term Visa did strike a bit of fear into my heart.  And don’t get me started on the subject of wire-transferring money to a foreign bank – or even trying to open a bank account in a foreign country.  Another nightmare in and of itself.  

The happy ending of course is that it all worked out, and that’s because I have an awesome wife who basically handled everything while I played video games on my Playstation 5 (Go, Astro Bot!). 

We all get afraid or worried in life, right?  Sometimes it’s hard to admit that. And sometimes it’s hard to do things because we are fearful, timid, or worried about what others might think.  Aside from the fears around Visa’s, another fear I have sometimes is about telling people about my belief in Jesus as my savior.  It’s a simple but wonderful message, but often I find people don’t want to hear it.  And I never try to force this good news onto anyone.  The irony is that when folks do accept Jesus into their heart, their lives are transformed into a new person, full of joy and serenity. And so, just like the happy ending of getting that final visa stamp approval, there’s much more happier endings for those who accept Jesus into their hearts as savior and Lord of their life.  The really great thing is that I don’t have to be afraid to tell others about the Good News of Jesus because everything I need to know has already been written out for me.  The Bible does just fine on its own and all I have to do is point people to it.  

So go ahead, take a look.  Here are a few excerpts to get you started.

• You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:8-9)

• When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.  He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. (Titus 3:4-7)

• For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.  So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. (2 Timothy 1:7-8a) 

• Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.  

        So, stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.  If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. 

        And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.  Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.  (Ephesians 4:21-32)

• I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”  And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!”… (Revelation 21:3-5a)