After 3 weeks of getting accustomed to my new life here, a bomb was dropped on me (and the other interns) yesterday. We were asked to come to the Canadian embassy for a meeting. Upon arrival we were informed that volunteering on a tourist visa (the kind we have) was illegal and it is suggested we leave the country immediately. WHAT??? We were all in shock. Was this not part of the plan? Did someone somewhere mess up? Apparently there has been a “crackdown” lately of foreign workers volunteering at large international NGOs; in the past few weeks 20 have been safely deported. While we are not at large international NGOs, the upcoming election could be a concern for us. We will be leaving tomorrow or Sunday and heading to Swaziland. A woman I work with here will be assisting us in getting temporary employment permits. If approved, we will return and our stay will be completely legal. If we cannot get the permits, we will (hopefully) start a new internship in Swaziland. I am very sad to say the least. I was just beginning to feel comfortable in the office and getting a sense of how things work here. Our maid, Sarah, seems pretty upset and we are equally gutted at leaving her. I hope she won’t loose her job.
I’m not sure how I’m feeling – confused, sad, worried, excited – everything. I’m concerned I’ll enjoy the luxuries of Swaziland (water, milk, fish, soap) and not want to return! Actually no matter what happens I’m riding a crazy wave at the moment and will look back on this time with laughter I’m sure. So……we are going to have a feast tonight of sadza and other Zim favourites and await our travel plans. There are so many people working behind the scenes right now in securing our safe departure, accommodations and most importantly the visas. It’s amazing really to think about it yet frustrating that we really can't do anything but wait...and visit Swaziland!!
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