Extending My Visa

People standing while they wait, because the 60ish seats
behind me were all full. #policiafederalnogaleao

So, my visa expires in two days. You only have to apply for the extension before it expires, not necessarily be approved, so I'm good as long as I can get it taken care of tomorrow.

But let me tell you! Today marked the fourth time in two weeks that I went to the Federal Police Station in an effort to accomplish this task. The first time I went, they handed me a paper with a list of 11 things that I needed to bring in order to even see the agent that processes the applications. The second time, I arrived after they'd already given out all the appointments for the day (they see a limited number of people each day, no matter what, which I didn't know). The third time I was told I needed proof of my new address, since I'd moved since I registered with them a year ago. Today they told me I need to authenticate (which is kind of like notarize) documents that weren't authenticated. Today was the most frustrating of days. The agent today told me different requirements than the agent who saw me on Tuesday. That bothers me, inconsistency, especially within a government organization where there should be processes and standards in place. (And before you get on me about how that's just the way government organizations work, I do understand that, but I still think it shouldn't be the case.)

So, that has been my week. And it was going pretty well, until today, when I just could be told I needed anything else. But, the authentication has already been procured, and I'm trying not to brood.

Through the whole process, I look at Josh, my classmate here, and say the word "Classic." As in, of course this is the way it's going, why would I expect Brazilian bureaucracy to function any differently. This same kind of inconsistency and long waits has marked every one of our experiences.

Maybe, I want to see the best in the system? The efficient thing it could be? I really don't know. But what I have seen in myself has been a pretty nice reminder. My patience with the process has surprised me a bit. My willingness to talk with strangers and acquaintances while we wait together was surprising. I saw just how far having a good attitude goes to make another person a partner in your efforts (and how a bad attitude can make them your enemy in a matter of seconds).

I have to go back tomorrow, and will hopefully have everything just how they need it.  This process is proving to be more complicated and difficult than getting the visa in the first place. Also, it's a good thing I don't have the kind of responsibilities that require me to be at an office from the hours of 9-5, because I wouldn't have been able to go at all this week!