Wednesday, March 25, 2009

My Head hurts!

I started my citizenship quest on the wrong foot. I went to the wrong building! The nice commissionaire redirected me to a building four blocks away. Off I went, face into the freezing wind, tears running down my face from the cold. As I rounded the corner practically at a run yet still trying to look somewhat dignified, I noticed a young Asian lady keeping pace with me. As we entered the building, sped to the elevator she turned and smiled. "Are you going to the sixth floor too?" she asked and then replied "I went to the wrong building too." We made it on time. I went to the receptionist who told me to sit and somebody would call my name. I joined the 40 other people who were waiting there.

A young man turned to me. "How do I mark the test? Do I have to write the answers or do I put an X or circle or underline?" He looked frantic. He looked like he could puke at any moment. He had his study book with him. I had him turn to the back of the book and showed him the sample multiple choice questions that had a clear demonstration of how to circle the his answer. He relaxed a little but only just a little. He still looked like he would jump to the ceiling if I poked him. Every body in the room looked like that.

All people who were going to have to write the test were told to form a line at the wicket but not everybody at once. They called my name. Every head in the room turned to look at me. I was in there with my examiner maybe 10 minutes, just long enough for her to verify my documents. When I came out the young Asian lady asked me if I had to write the test now. I told her no I was not required to write the test. The whole room gasped. A man that I had not even spoke to as of yet asked me why I did not have to write the test. Everybody had a hungry look in their eyes. I told them the truth. "I am to old to take the test." A few laughed nervously. All of them wished they were too old. I felt sorry for them all and wished them luck.

I did not get away totally unscathed. Because I do not hold a passport and they have no way to monitor my movement across the Canadian borders I was handed another 4 page form to fill out that made the original citizen application look like a grade one quiz. I worked on that all afternoon. One nice thing happened out of that. I organized all our past tax documents while searching for my T4's for the past 5 years plus looking for my Record of Employment and any other document that supports the fact that I have lived and worked in Canada the last 5 years. I am tired and my head hurts.

Tomorrow morning I am going to run that back to them as she plans on mailing the whole groups documents to the judge in Winnipeg tomorrow. There will be an oath swearing in April and on July 1st. I am hoping that I will be included in the April oath taking. Please pray that somehow I will get to be with that group. I am not a citizen until then. By the way, the lady that interviewed me said that the last oath swearing ceremony was a whole year ago and that I can not travel anywhere else to attend a ceremony. That is the law. Some people have had to wait a very, very long time to become a citizen. I will be nervous until I am actually standing up there with everybody pledging my allegiance to the queen. Please say a prayer for me. Thanks.

12 comments:

The Invisible Mo said...

It is nerve-racking jumping through hoops of any kind, especially if they concern your state of citizenship. I'm glad you were able to get by without the test. I will hope for you to get in the April oath ceremony! It will be nice to have this done and out of the way before you come here. Are you two getting passports for your trip down this time?

Margaret said...

Oh, Chris. I am stressed out just reading this. i will pray that God will hurry everything along and that you will be a Canadian citizen in April. He will come through for you. He already took care of the test and He will take care of the oath swearing, too.

Sue said...

This does sound very nerve racking. I too pray that everything will be finalized in April.

Jen said...

I prayed for you at 1:10 and am glad to hear that went well. I will keep praying for you though and of course uncle John. I have been waking up lots in the night so I will have lots of time to pray. Who needs sleep when you have kids!

little erin said...

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

i've got a good feeling about this! you are going to become a citizen on july 1, i just know it :)

Lucy said...

I hope all the paper work gets through the proper channels and you are at the swearing in ceremony in April!
So, I will be looking for that post, all about your big day!!!

Jientje said...

Ooooh!! Paperwork! The things they put you through huh? But you'll make it!

Unknown said...

I always liked to watch the new citizens coming to the swearing in ceremony. The whole family is dressed up. They are happy and laughing, but nervous. Afterwards, they all go out front on the steps for pictures. It's something that I never tired of watching.

... said...

sounds like you're in the final stretch. i'll pray that you'll be a part of the earliest oath ceremony. congratulations!

Trav said...

it's really a neat ceremony. i remember when i went with steve weng to his. i did enjoy it a fair bit. plus his family took us all out for really good chinese food afterward lol. here's hoping you make the april ceremony so it's all done and good before you have to go to seattle

Momisodes said...

Wow. I can only imagine how much this is weighing on your mind.

I will definitely keep you in my thoughts and prayers that you will have this expedited a.s.a.p.

Unknown said...

aaaccckkk! there is always something, isn't there? I hope you do get into the April ceremony so you can stop worrying about it.