This morning, I went to the Vietnamese consulate in downtown Houston and applied for my visa. It was simple; their website had it laid out perfectly. In several days, they will mail my visa and passport back to me in the pre-paid USPS envelope I provided. It was so quick. Last year, I spent an hour plus in the Chinese consulate; today, I was in and out in minutes. There were only three others applying for visas so it didn't take long. In fact, it took me longer to escape the parking lot afterwards due to a malfunction in the arm bar at the ticket booth. And I only got lost once so for me, a terrific morning!
I wasn't sure what to wear today so I settled for dress pants and shoes, a white shirt, and a tie. My reasoning was that if I am inviting myself into their nation, the least I should do was act like it's a big deal. I doubt that it mattered and I don't think the people behind the counter took my wardrobe into consideration when they passed me through. Still, I try to teach the kids in my classes, especially the young men, the importance of dressing and acting respectfully and appropriately in all situations. For almost a month, I will be a guest in another country. In the Parable of the Wedding Banquet Jesus told in Matthew 22, a guest was kicked out of the marriage festivities for being improperly clothed. I want to make sure that doesn't happen to me so I took precautionary measures when I dressed fourteen hours ago for the occasion. It certainly can't hurt and I want the good people of Vietnam to invite me back.
Applicable quote of the day:
"It's been said that a pretty face is a passport. But it's not, it's a visa and it runs out fast."
Julie Burchill
God bless,
Steve
Luke 18:1
E-mail me at shawley@westburychristian.org
2 comments:
Hope you have fun in Vietnam.
Steve, when will you be in Vietnam? Which part? I'll be at Ho Chi Minh this August for few days but if you'll be in the city I might consider going there to see you! I'm excited! Pls email me.
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