January 16, 2013

I am in the process of renewing our temporary residence permits.  These are the documents necessary for us to live and serve in Ukraine.  In the past the process was simple and relatively inexpensive.  You bought a visa and then had it registered every year in a local government office.  Now the process is quite complicated and expensive.  You still have to obtain the visa.  But, that visa only gives you the right to go through this complicated and expensive process.  You have to pay the Baptist Union of Ukraine to sponsor you. You have to purchase a police background check.  You have to purchase mandatory health insurance. You have to pay both local and national government officials to receive the proper stamps on these documents.  You have to obtain a separate passport like booklet with your photograph and official stamps and signatures.  Every department head from the top down want their "piece" of the pie.  This month I am having to spend more than $800 USD to go through this process.  The sad thing is that this temporary residence permit is only good for 1 year.  One would think that after having lived in this country for more than 12 years and after having gone through all the procedures during this time the Ukrainian government would grant some kind of break.  But, no!  I ask my supporters to pray for me to have patience during this process and pray for the Ukrainian government to operate a little more friendly and cheaply.